76ers' Joel Embiid Reacts to 2026 NBA All-Star Game Snub, Says 'Only 1 Thing Missing' in Career
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid says he cares about winning an NBA title more than being snubbed from the 2026 All-Star Game taking place on Feb. 15 in Los Angeles.
"I don't need any validation from anybody. I'm happy where I'm at," Embiid told reporters (h/t NBC Sports' John Clark). "I'm happy to be playing every night, and if that didn't happen, who cares."
Embiid continued: "I've already accomplished everything. There's only thing missing, for me. I've met my wife, but another ring. As a basketball player, there's only one thing missing."
Embiid, who underwent offseason knee surgery and missed three weeks in November, has missed time due to injuries and injury management and has often played under minutes restrictions when available.
The Sixers star returned to his former dominance when when able to play a season-high 34.2 minutes per game through 14 contests in January.
Over that span, Embiid averaged 29.7 points and 8.4 rebounds and shooting 53.7 percent from the field.
The All-Star snub could ultimately be a positive thing for the Sixers if the break gives Embiid some additional time for injury recovery and rest before the back half of the season.
The Sixers are currently sitting at No. 6 in the Eastern Conference after a 29-21 start the season powered by Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey.
Philadelphia will hope to keep Embiid and George as healthy as possible down the stretch as the franchise looks to return to the postseason following a disappointing miss last spring.
