Philadelphia 76ers centre Joel Embiid was happy to learn that he had been named a starter for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game.
He was even more excited to learn that Pascal Siakam had been named a starter alongside him.
"It was great," Embiid responded when asked how it felt to be named a starter for the 2020 NBA All-Star Game. "Third time in a row. A lot of us don't get an opportunity, so I was happy, I was excited.
"I was more excited about Pascal. Two guys from Cameroon. We barely started playing basketball eight or nine years ago, so to see us, especially as starters, it means a lot.
"I'm proud to be from Cameroon and from Africa and represent it."
Joel Embiid says he’s hoping to play next week @6abc pic.twitter.com/crYnbAgdj2
— Jeff Skversky 6abc (@JeffSkversky) January 24, 2020
Embiid and Siakam joined Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kemba Walker and Trae Young as the Eastern Conference starters for this season's All-Star Game.
This will be Embiid's third All-Star appearance, whereas this will be Siakam's first.
MORE: Who should the All-Star reserves be?
After being named the league's Most Improved Player last season, Siakam is averaging career-highs of 23.5 points, 7.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game for a Toronto Raptors team that has blown away preseason expectations.
Embiid has missed eight straight games with a hand injury, but he's once again putting together a dominant season with averages of 23.4 points, 12.3 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 blocks per game.
Embiid said that he hopes to return to the court again next week.
The views on this page do not necessarily reflect the views of the NBA or its clubs.