Curry and Durant lead in first fan vote returns of NBA All-star 2022 game
The 71st edition of the NBA All-Star Game will take place in Cleveland on Sunday, Feb. 20. Fan voting began on Christmas Day and will conclude at 11:59 p.m. (ET) on January 22. As per tradition, The NBA revealed the first fan vote returns. It encourages fans for their stars to give them chance in an All-star game.
As per the NBA’s calculations for the final list of All-stars; fans’ votes will account for 50% of the total votes in an All-Star Game. The other 50% will be by the current players and a media panel accounting equal share.
As per the data published, The Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant lead the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively. This nearly confirms their appearance and might give them a captain’s role in the game.
Stephen Curry occupies the highest-voted backcourt position, while Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James gets the top-voted player in frontcourt position for the Western Conference. This will be just the second time when Steph has surpassed LeBron in All-star voting. (Previously in 2015)
Eastern leader voted backcourt player is Chicago Bulls’ DeMar DeRozan, while Kevin Durant leads the Eastern Conference frontcourt. Let’s check the total list published,
Some takeaways from the first fan vote returns of the NBA All-star 2022 game
Here are the key takeaways:
Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving getting the fan support.
Both players have hardly played in NBA this season and they even made it to the top 10 list. Kyrie just made his season’s debut this Wednesday and he has 267,929 votes. This count overtakes some legit and consistent performers of the season like Garland and VanVleet.
Klay Thompson’s case is even astonishing as he is yet to play this season and he tallied 367,743 votes. This count is the fourth-most in the West. Only Ja Morant and Luca Doncic are between Klay and his “splash brother” to make it to the starting place. (the difference between votes is considerably high though).
Some unexpected stars making their return in the All-Star game
There are few veterans and former All-star players who made it to the list, despite their average performances this season. The Lakers forward Carmelo Anthony (319,128 votes) and Brooklyn Center LaMarcus Aldridge (111,318 votes) are a few of those who get fans nod for the game.
Derrick Rose also makes it into the list with 232,501 votes. These players might not still be performing at their prime but surely has a huge fan base.
Young players’ performances are also lauded by the fans
There are some potential first-time All-Stars like Deandre Ayton, Ja Morant, Andrew Wiggins, and Anthony Edwards, who all made to the top 10 lists at respective positions.
The Eastern Conference’s new additions would be Tyler Herro, LaMelo Ball, Darius Garland, Fred VanVleet, Jarrett Allen, and Miles Bridges. Everyone has impressed with their respective franchises and deserves an appearance in NBA’s prestigious game.
The next NBA All-Star fan voting update will be shared Thursday, Jan 13.
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