This past Wednesday, the NBA announced the All-NBA teams, and Ben Simmons was selected to the All-NBA 3rd team, which is well-deserved on his part. However, Joel Embiid was nowhere to be found. In this article, I will be giving my thoughts on these two selections.
First of all, huge props to Ben Simmons for getting the recognition he deserves. Simmons has elevated his defense to an elite level this year, and has improved tremendously. This was very well-deserved, and it’s only going to get better from here. Simmons is only 24 years old, and has so much to play for. This is Simmons’ first All-NBA selection, and the future is most definitely bright.
Secondly, Joel Embiid. Embiid not making it can be depicted in many ways. He was definitely deserving off it, but there was some other factors into him missing the cut. For example, Joel played a limited amount of games this season, which I’m sure played a part. Statistically, Embiid did have a down year. However, no matter these downfalls, you would think a undeniable top three center in the NBA would make at least the All-NBA 3rd team. Rudy Gobert presumambly took the spot Embiid would’ve had this year, and there’s a trending argument that Embiid should’ve taken the spot, despite his struggles this year. Gobert, a multiple-time Defensive Player of the Year, is a top center and the league that has had run-ins with Embiid before. Hopefully Joel can have a bounce-back year next year and defy the odds.
Philadelphia Sports Chronicle 
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