Nikola Jokic on Joel Embiid: He deserves to be an All-Star starter

During a Friday appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic’s Anthony Gargano Show, team president Daryl Morey focused his ire on one particular sect of voters. “Joel Embiid, completely hosed once again,” Morey said. “This time, the perpetrators of the crime were the shameless media, who, most of them have recused themselves because they don’t want to vote on something that affects players’ paychecks. But the shameless Boston media is way overrepresented. They haven’t recused themselves, and they shoved Joel low enough so that he isn’t an All-Star starter. It’s crazy.” -via LibertyBallers.com / January 27, 2023

Although Morey’s unexpected war on the “shameless Boston media” absolutely rules, he also took aim at the All-NBA and All-Star voting systems themselves, both of which still separate players by position in an increasingly positionless league. “Instead of going to All-NBA and All-Star systems that would basically just put the five best people on the floor, they continue to hold on to antiquated notions of symbols that we put next to players,” Morey said. “If you go around the league, there are so many players who are unique to history. You can’t put them in a box with an F label, a G label, or a C label. It’s just so antiquated. They’ve actively resisted making this change, even though it makes sense.” -via LibertyBallers.com / January 27, 2023

Howard Beck: Media had Embiid ranked third in frontcourt (and thus, a starter). Players also had Embiid ranked third. Fan vote had Embiid 4th. That’s what cost him. -via Twitter @HowardBeck / January 27, 2023

Austin Krell: Joel Embiid is questionable with left foot soreness for tomorrow’s matchup with the Nuggets. Nikola Jokic is probable with left hamstring tightness for Denver. -via Twitter @NBAKrell / January 27, 2023

Justin Kubatko: Alperen Sengun last night: 14 PTS 7 REB 7 AST 6-10 FG He’s recorded at least 10p/5r/5a with 60% shooting from the field in six straight games, tying Wilt Chamberlain (2x) and Nikola Jokic for the longest such streak in NBA history. More: open.substack.com/pub/statitudes… -via Twitter @jkubatko / January 27, 2023

Tim Reynolds: Analysis: Only Nikola Jokic (58.7%), Giannis Antetokounmpo (58.7%) and LeBron James (51.5%) appeared on more than half of the All-Star ballots cast by NBA players this year. Players voted for 330 different players – as starters. And roughly 25% of players didn’t cast ballots. -via Twitter @ByTimReynolds / January 27, 2023