Embiid wants NBA to put centers back on All-Star ballot

Joel Embiid would be an All-Star starter if not for some recent changes to the voting process.

Instead, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jimmy Butler round out the East's starting frontcourt. None of them are centers, because they don't need to be; the NBA eliminated fives from the ballot in 2013, lumping small forwards, power forwards, and centers into the "F" spots.

Embiid would like to see that changed back.

"There's a lot of talented big men in the league, especially at the center position," the Philadelphia 76ers big man told CSN Philly's Jessica Camerato on Friday. "That's something the NBA should think about, putting the center back on the All-Star ballot."

Embiid racked up the highest total score among true centers in the conference, and fourth overall among forwards. In fact, the 22-year-old social media sensation would've started in the All-Star Game in previous years since he finished third among East Conference forwards in fan voting. However, the new system implemented this season factors in player and media voting, which cost the rookie a starting nod.

He said he's not disappointed.

"It shows that the fans support me, that's why I'm not even mad," Embiid said.
"The fans are going stick up for who they love, and I love that.”

Even though "The Process" won't start in the showcase next month in New Orleans, there's a chance he could be selected as a reserve. He's 15th in the league in PER, and puts up 19.9 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.4 blocks, and two assists in just over 25 minutes per outing.

Related: Picking the most deserving All-Star reserves

As part of his Twitter campaign to drum up votes, Embiid appealed to the romantic hoop fans, saying his celebrity crush promised to go out with him if he becomes an All-Star.

Does the offer still stand if he comes off the bench?

"I don't know," he replied. "We're going to have to figure that out."