The reigning MVP Joel Embiid suffered a devastating knee injury against the Golden State Warriors on 30th January. Throughout the season, Embiid battled persistent knee swelling, yet he soldiered on despite experiencing significant discomfort. However, Embiid couldn’t continue playing when Jonathan Kuminga landed on his left knee. Recent reports indicate that Embiid suffered a tear in the meniscus of his left knee.

The Philadelphia 76ers substantiated those claims, as they recently released a statement, which read, “Joel Embiid will have a corrective procedure this week to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee. An update will be provided following the procedure.” According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, the procedure is set to sideline Embiid for “an extended period of time.” 

Embiid’s injury means that he will without a shadow of a doubt miss the All-Star game, which is scheduled to take place on 18th February. This prompts the question of which players could step in as replacements for him. Here are a few options.

1. Trae Young

For the second consecutive season, the Atlanta Hawks guard was overlooked for the All-Star game, despite having been selected in 2020 and 2022. However, many fans feel that Trae deserved an All-Star spot because Young is putting up some historic numbers.

He is averaging 27.3 points and 10.9 assists per game this season, a statistical achievement matched only by Oscar Robertson (five times), Tiny Archibald (1972-73), James Harden (2016-17), and Russell Westbrook (2016-17). Unsurprisingly, all of the above-mentioned players earned an All-Star selection, except Trae Young. Now, however, Trae is the front-runner to replace Embiid for the All-Star game.

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2. Kristaps Porzingis

Despite playing in the league for eight seasons, Porzingis has only managed one All-Star appearance, back in 2018. However, he could make his second very soon, as a replacement for Joel Embiid. Kristaps Porzingis has averaged 19.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game this season.

His case for the All-Star spot becomes even stronger when looking at his impact on the top-seeded Boston Celtics. Furthermore, Porzingis received 197,234 votes making him the 8th most popular frontcourt player in the Eastern Conference. Porzingis also plays as a center, which aligns with the same role played by Embiid.

3. Jimmy Butler

Jimmy Butler has been selected as an All-Star on six separate occasions. However, Jimmy ‘Buckets’ hasn’t graced the All-Star game since 2022. His absence becomes even more confusing while looking at the fan votes for the All-Star game. Approximately 767, 913 fans voted for Jimmy, making him the 4th most popular frontcourt player in the Eastern Conference.

This season, Jimmy has recorded 21.5 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game. But despite Jimmy’s stellar performances, the Heat have had a disappointing season so far. They currently occupy the 8th spot in the Eastern Conference, with 26 victories from 50 games. However, that shouldn’t deter selectors because his teammate, Bam Adebayo, is already an All-Star reserve.

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Who should replace Joel Embiid in the All-Star game? Have I missed anybody? Let us know in the comments below!

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