Philadelphia 76ers: Brett Brown is reason for Joel Embiid All-Star snub
The Philadelphia 76ers thought they had an All-Star in center Joel Embiid for the 2017 game, but head coach Brett Brown screwed that up.
There’s no denying that Embiid has the talent to play in the game but it’s not his fault. Embiid did everything he could to make a strong case but in the end it was his coach’s decision that cost him a roster spot.
Brown put Embiid on a minutes restriction. Playing the first half of the season on a set rate of 25 minutes per game, Embiid has averaged 20 points, eight rebounds and 2.5 blocks. Those numbers alone scream All-Star but the league thought otherwise and gave the nod to Paul Millsap of the Atlanta Hawks who averaged 34 minutes per and 18 points.
It’s not fair, but such has been life for the 76ers for the last few seasons.
While Embiid did get snubbed, there is still reason to hope that he can be a replacement in case someone gets hurt or decides not to play. But, there is not a single player, fan or GM that doesn’t think he should not be in uniform in New Orleans. If Brown were to let Embiid be the player he has shown he can be with an average of 36 minutes per, his numbers would translate to 28 points, 11 rebounds and 3.5 blocks.
Damn you Brown!
While Sixers fans have waited patiently for their fist All-Star since Jrue Holiday, they will have to take solace in the fact that if it weren’t for Brown and his cautious ways Embiid would be there.
As the 76ers enter what looks to be an exciting second half, Brown should take the chains off his star player and let him wreck havoc on the league.
Mark has been covering Sports and Entertainment for the past six years. His work has been featured on Bleacher Report, ESPN, Fox Sports, Teen Vogue, and many other websites.
