Just Say No…To the Rising Stars Challenge Game

Heard Rob Ellis on his 97.5 FM show with Harry Mayes ask Should Joel Embiid play in the NBA’s rising stars game?

My answer is a resounding No.

It’s no secret that the NBA league office and other owners are not fans of The Process. The Sixers tanked to all-time lows and were the lowest road draw for years, much to the frustration of other owners. They weren’t a fan of Hinkie and his methods and eventually bullied Sam out of the Sixers front office.

The fans know this. That’s half the fun of their TRUST THE PROCESS chants at the arena. It’s a giant middle finger to the NBA.

The NBA returned that middle finger by snubbing Embiid with regards to the All-Star game. He deserved a spot over Paul Millsap. Embiid is putting up historic rookie numbers. He should’ve been a reserve. But, the NBA wasn’t going to let that happen, not in his rookie year. That would vindicate Hinkie and the dreaded Process.

Likewise, Embiid snub the rising stars game. What’s the point of him playing in that? We all know he’ll dominate. There’s no reason to risk aggravating an injury or suffering a new one.

In my conspiracy world, the NBA snubs Embiid for the All-Star game knowing that he’ll be named to the Rising Stars game and will probably be a ratings draw. They can’t go ignoring The Process in the All-Star game, but then trying to use Embiid’s skill and intrigue to drive ratings for a second-rate all-star game. Well, they can, but only if Embiid let’s them. I say skip it.