It’s All-Star season, and with fans already weighing in (twice) and my media ballot due this week, it’s time to take a look at who has earned the five spots in each conference. Let’s dig in.
Eastern Conference Frontcourt: Joel Embiid, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo
Nothing too complicated here. Embiid’s numbers are a shade below last season, which gives reason for pause until you remember that injuries were likely all that prevented him from the MVP in 2020-21. Embiid continues to be a formidable inside presence, mixing in a steady jumper—Embiid is on pace to shoot above 36% from three for the second straight season—and getting to the free throw line more than 10 times per game. The Sixers, meanwhile, remain within shouting distance of the top overall seed, remarkable given the absence of a certain disgruntled All-Star point guard.
