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The NBA is working to finalize a plan to host a 2021 NBA All-Star Game amid the pandemic. According to ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski, the league is aiming for a March 7 start. On Thursday, the first wave of voting numbers came in, and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was expected to be on the list.
While he continues to look like an MVP candidate, it’s no surprise Embiid is on track to earn his fourth consecutive All-Star appearance. For the past three seasons, the Sixers big man participated in the event without hesitation despite his shaky past in terms of his health.
But this year, it could be a different story. With the COVID-19 pandemic still in place, Embiid is one of many players who remain concerned. Before heading to the Orlando bubble for the summer, the big man admitted that he considered sitting down before making the trip.
Now, he is considering whether he should travel to Atlanta, Georgia, in the spring whether he is voted to compete in his fourth All-Star Game or not. “I’ve always been a conservative,” Embiid said Thursday night. “You know, I’ve always expressed my opinion since the pandemic started, starting with the bubble.”
While Embiid acknowledged the good work the NBA has done over a season through a pandemic, he still has “mixed feelings” about additional plans like an All-Star Game. The veteran center is grateful for the consideration and wants to be named All-Star once again, but he has a lot to weigh on his mind as he thinks about playing or not participating in this year’s All-Star event.
“We’ll see, we have a long season,” Embiid said regarding whether to play in the game or not. “I missed a couple of games because of that tension from the fall against the Lakers. So, we’ll see how I feel. Whether it’s a problem or not I’m 100 percent [I might not play]. I’m focused on winning a championship and making the playoffs healthy. That is my main focus. “
Embiid has made it clear in the past two years that making the playoffs healthy is his number one priority. This year, he’s even more serious as he took extra steps off the court to make sure his body is in tip-top shape. As he is currently having the best season of his career and looking healthier than ever despite minor setbacks, Embiid seems willing to let an event like the All-Star Game pass to make sure he’s healthy for a potential championship run with the Sixers.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him on Twitter: @JGrasso_
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