NBA names Joel Embiid’s All-Star Game replacement

Reigning MVP Joel Embiid was named an Eastern Conference starter ahead of Sunday’s NBA All-Star Game. Unfortunately, an injury will keep Embiid from participating, leaving the door open for another crafty center to start in his place.

Embiid is coming off his first MVP award last season after posting a career-high in points per game (33.1) and minutes per game (34.6). He followed up this performance with even better numbers midway through the 2023-24 campaign.

Alas, the injury bug, which has hampered Embiid in his NBA career, took another bite out of the big man in early February. A left meniscus injury required surgery, leaving the Sixers star on the shelf for at least the next month.

This injury came mere days after the NBA announced Embiid as a starter for the Eastern Conference All-Star team. Although the league hoped he could return in time, the timeline didn’t add up, forcing a switch to the starting lineup.

Who will replace Joel Embiid at the NBA All-Star Game?

Commissioner Adam Silver tabbed Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo as the replacement for Embiid. The seven-year veteran couldn’t contain his excitement while confirming the news to reporters on Saturday.

Adebayo is averaging a double-double this year, with over 20 points and 10 rebounds per contest. Fans and his peers consider him one of the best and most versatile defenders in the league, logging a steal and a block each game as evidence.

Bam Adebayo confirms he has been named as the injury replacement All-Star starter for Joel Embiid. First time a Heat player has started an All-Star Game since Dwyane Wade in 2016. pic.twitter.com/FCl3pK4Ud2

— Anthony Chiang (@Anthony_Chiang) February 17, 2024

Although Adebayo is far from the scoring threat that Embiid presents to opponents, the East squad shouldn’t miss a beat on the defensive end. Upon hearing the news of his addition to the starting lineup, Bam vowed to bring intensity on every possession.

The 26-year-old is already a three-time All-Star selection, but he will be the first Miami Heat player to start the game since franchise legend Dwyane Wade did so in 2016.

Adebayo joins an Eastern Conference starting lineup of Damian Lillard (Bucks), Tyrese Haliburton (Pacers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), and Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) as they aim for victory against a LeBron James-led West team.