If the NBA is wondering how to revive interest in the All-Star Game, being designated an All-Star always means something for basketball players in the Big League, even apart from the financial bonuses that this generates…
And fifteen days after the opening of the votes, the league offers its first score. No LeBron James in the lead this year in the West since it is Nikola Jokic (Nuggets) which dominates the rankings in the conference on the “frontcourt”, ahead of Kevin Durant (Suns) while the best scorer in NBA history is third.
On the “backcourt”, it is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander which comes first in the votes in the West, ahead of Luka Doncic (Mavericks).
Victor Wembanyama in 5th place in the Western “frontcourt”
In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo (Bucks) once again largely dominates the votes, ahead of Jayson Tatum (Celtics) and Karl-Anthony Towns (Knicks). The surprise comes from the “backcourt” since it is LaMelo Ball (Hornets) which is quite clearly in the lead, ahead Donovan Mitchell (Riders)
Note that with 928,501 votes collected in this first tally, Victor Wembanyama (Spurs) is fifth on the West frontcourt, just behind Anthony Davis (Lakers).
As a reminder, votes will close on January 20, and the All-Star Game will take place in San Francisco on February 16. Players and media will then join fans and choose their own All-Stars. The selections will then be shuffled, with fans accounting for 50% of the votes, while current players and the media panel will weigh in at 25% each. The replacements will, for their part, be selected by the 30 coaches.
This year, the all-star game will be transformed into a four-team tournament, just to bring a little competitiveness to a meeting that has become a contest of dunks and 3-pointers for years.
