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Before Kevin Durant was sidelined with an MCL, he was slotted to be a starter in the 2023 NBA All-Star game. However, with the now Phoenix Suns star missing the weekend's festivities, a replacement needed to be named.
Last week, the NBA announced that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid would replace Kevin Durant as the fifth All-Star starter. This was a fitting choice as many believed he should have been named in the first place.
After finishing second in MVP voting again last season, Embiid continues to be one of the NBA's most dominant forces. Through 45 games this year, he is averaging 33.1 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.1 assists.
With Embiid entering the mix, the All-Star starters for the Eastern Conference are him, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell.
The NBA may need a second Kevin Durant replacement for the All-Star game
Having Joel Embiid replace Kevin Durant in the All-Star starting lineup seemed like an easy choice, but they may need to change it again. Following recent developments, the Philadelphia 76ers star might also be out of action in Utah this weekend.
After the 76ers' win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, Embiid discussed possibly sitting out the All-Star game. He admitted that he's been dealing with a foot injury for close to a month now.
"I haven’t been healthy for the past three weeks or month, I was just trying to get to the All-Star break without missing games and stuff. I feel like I’ve reached the point where I really need to follow the doctor’s advice."
Injuries have plagued Embiid's career, which is why he needs to proceed with caution. Playing in the All-Star game is important to him, but he has his sights set on bigger goals.
After Daryl Morey made the trade for James Harden last year, the Philadelphia 76ers were all in on winning a championship. Their odds increased, even more, this offseason when Morey upgraded the supporting cast by bringing in guys like P.J. Tucker and De'Anthony Melton.
The 76ers big man is fully committed to bringing home a title to the city of Philadelphia. To do that, he needs to be fully healthy. With that said, it seems likely he'll weigh on the side of caution and use the time off to recover for a playoff push.
