The first return of votes for the 2025 All-Star Game took place yesterday, and we can already learn some lessons from it. Between a Western frontcourt still formed by the legends of the game and a new generation which is now firmly making its mark, there is something to talk about. Come on, a little analysis.
The All-Star Game is something of a story of two parts. The first phase, that of the votes and the announcement of the players, which often creates discord and discontent for those not selected. Then the second, that of the match, which has unfortunately made us sleep on our feet for several years.
Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo lead their respective conferences in the first fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.
Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each.
Next fan update: 1/9. pic.twitter.com/OoIIa3S3fn
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) https://twitter.com/NBAPR/status/1874878388026192043?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
In the voting game, however, the public does not shy away from the players who – in part – made this Star match the purge that it currently is. The idea of the NBA is to restore a bit of competitiveness with a new format, but that does not appeal too much. However, we hope that executives and young players in the league who will go to San Francisco this winter will do so with the desire to do battle.
And speaking of plane tickets, it already seems possible to order them for Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who dominate on the West and East frontcourts respectively. Two names accustomed to stellar weekends, even if Jokic has explained in the past that he has very little interest in what the event embodies.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant complete the West's frontcourt for the moment, the reward associated with orange ball legend status in the 21st century. Yes, some might have preferred to have Victor Wembanyama or Anthony Davis. Now, with already more than 200,000 votes behind the top 3, we must already get used to the idea that going through the coaches' vote will be a more certain path to San Francisco. Unless the players and media decide otherwise, which is also plausible.
In the East, on the “big” side, the debate is much less open, and the 3 names that we “logically” had to find – in terms of performance – are present. At the same time, the competition is not subject to much suspense with opponents like Paolo Banchero (injured) and Jaylen Brown who are already 600,000 votes behind.
The surprise of this first return of votes comes mainly from backcourts. Stephen Curry is currently not the holder of an All-Star Game played at home, it would be very ugly if this were to be confirmed. Very ugly in terms of the symbol, but not so much in terms of the field. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is having an MVP 2024-25 campaign, Luka Doncic, even if he is injured, is the major piece of the Mavericks, last finalists.
In the East, the public is hoisting LaMelo Ball and his movements to the gates of the unprecedented at the head of the back line. Donovan Mitchell logically follows, leader of the best team in the league in terms of record. Damian Lillard is only 12,000 votes away from a starting place, it doesn't matter at the moment. The shock is hard for the Hawks, who see Trae Young far behind in the rankings and Jalen Johnson, author of a superb season, not present in the top 10. Frustrating when we see that Jordan Poole is 8th.
