Joel Embiid is First 6ers All-Star since 2006

The starters for the 2018 NBA All Star game were announced Thursday night, with good news for the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid will be a starter from the Eastern Conference after a vote by players, fans and the media.

The last Philadelphia 76ers player to be selected for the All Star game was Allen Iverson in 2006. It will be Embiid’s first All Star appearance.

Via ESPN, Joel Embiid said:

“I feel very blessed to be in this type of position. Thanks to all the fans out there for the support. It’s been a tough couple years. I really appreciated everybody out there, everybody around me, the whole team, the whole organization – the fans, especially – for making this happen. We can only get better from here.”

Philadelphia 76ers coach Brett Brown expressed his pride over Joel Embiid’s selection:

“It’s the biggest announcement as far as a personal accolade as we’ve had. He represents a significant part of our growth. I’m proud of him.”

The All Star Captains will be Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry.

Eastern Conference Starters:

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

Kyrie Irving (Boston Celtics)

DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors)

Western Conference Starters:

James Harden (Houston Rockets)

Kevin Durant (Golden State Warriors)

Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans)

DeMarcus Cousins (New Orleans Pelicans)

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Due to a new rule, the captains will select their squads regardless of the East VS West Paradigm. It is hoped that this will make the game more competitive.

“This is the reason they did this format, to make it very competitive,” said LeBron James. “The All-Star Game hasn’t been what it should be the last few years. I’m going to take it upon myself, and obviously the rest of the guys to go out there and play the game the right way and compete. Our fans deserve it.”

The game will take place on February 18th in Los Angeles.