By Jerry Wein
Sixers center Joel Embiid and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant headlined the 2023 NBA All-Star reserves, who were announced Thursday night.
Embiid, who just missed being a starter in the Eastern Conference when starters were announced last week, was joined by Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (second All-Star selection), Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo (second), Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday (second), Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan (sixth), New York Knicks forward Julius Randle (second) and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who is a first-time All-Star.
Several previous All-Stars just missed the cut this season, including Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker, Los Angeles Lakers center Anthony Davis, Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler. Former MVP James Harden was another omission, breaking his streak of 10 consecutive All-Star appearances.
Embiid took to Twitter to express his disappointment at his co-star’s snub.
Meanwhile, the Western Conference All-Star reserve selections besides Morant are Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis (third), Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (seventh) and LA Clippers guard Paul George (eighth), in addition to first-time selections in Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen and Memphis Grizzlies forward Jaren Jackson Jr.
