The NBA released the first returns for fan voting for the All-Star game. The Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama had the fifth most votes out of anyone in the West and the 11th most overall. Stephon Castle was also
among the most voted for in the Western Conference, appearing at the 18th spot.
Wembanyama ranked fifth in votes for frontcourt players last season after the first return but sixth overall. Some of the names that were ahead of him have changed. Luka Doncic got the Lakers boost and ranks first, while veterans Kevin Durant and LeBron James have received fewer votes. The returns confirm that Wembanyama has become an established name.
A second Spurs made the cut. Stephon Castle, who is averaging 18.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and seven assists, received the 18th most votes, sitting ahead of the Thunder’s Chet Holgrem and Kawhi Leonard. It seems fans have recognized the leap he made in his second season after winning Rookie of the Year.
Notably missing is De’Aaron Fox. The one-time All-Star is averaging 21.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.1 assists while having the second-most efficient season as a scorer in his career and his best as an outside shooter. He’s also played a crucial role in the Spurs’ surprising season. The lack of highlights probably hurt the point guard in fan voting.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all players in the East, while Tyrese Maxey saw his amazing season recognized by the fans, ranking second.
The All-Star game has a new format this season. There will be three teams, two featuring American players and one comprised of international players. There will be a round-robin format, and the two teams with the best records will face each other in a championship game.
The selection process will be the same, except there will be no regard for positions. The fan vote will count the most when it comes to selecting the five starters (50 percent), while players (25 percent) and a media panel (25 percent) will also have a say. The reserves will be picked by the head coaches. For more details, visit the NBA’s All-Star hub, where you can also vote.
The All-Star game will be played in Los Angeles’ Intuit Dome, home of the Clippers, on Feb 15.
