The NBA announced the 2026 All-Star reserves who will make the trip to the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California, home of the LA Clippers, to represent their respective teams in the upcoming All-Star game. Every year, there are many deserving candidates along with several notable snubs. Among the snubs this season was Sixers' star Joel Embiid.
Embiid has worked diligently as he attempts to come back from a torn meniscus that seemed to have derailed his career. The seven-time All-Star's efforts have not gone unnoticed despite this snub, as the league whispers wonder just what percentage of his prime Embiid is at now and how much further he can go as he continues to work himself back into form.
Following a dominant 40-point display against the New Orleans Pelicans, Embiid's first night of 40 points or more since the 2024 NBA Playoffs, the player who has recently been redubbed "The Process" is averaging 26.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, looking far closer to the Joel Embiid of old than anyone could have realistically expected.
Embiid has appeared in just 28 of the Sixers' 48 games, but he's played in 15 of the team's last 18, increasing his averages to 30.0 points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in that time. He's growing stronger, more confident, and he is having more fun than ever, something that the rest of the NBA should be wary of.
Sixers star Tyrese Maxey was announced as an All-Star starter earlier this season after being voted in by a combination of fans, current NBA players, and coaches. While Maxey had hoped to participate in this year's format with a particular teammate of his, barring Embiid being named an injury replacement, which remains a possibility, he will be flying to Inglewood solo—although he may be joined by Sixers rookie VJ Edgecombe, who was selected as a Rising Star for this year's event.
The NBA All-Star game is set to begin on Friday, Feb. 13, with the main event taking place on Sunday, Feb. 15.
