Victor Wembanyama should (barring injury) experience his first selection for the prestigious NBA All Star Game for his second season across the Atlantic. The question is rather whether he will be the incumbent or “only” a substitute in the minds of voters. This Thursday evening, the NBA communicated on the first return of votes from the public (there will be three in total). And the Frenchman, almost 21 years old (he will celebrate this Saturday, January 4), is in a very good position with 928,501 fan votes. Enough to place him fifth in the Western Conference – three will be considered starters – and sixth in votes, all positions combined!
A sign of the growing popularity of “Wemby” in the United States and on the basketball world, votes being open to everyone. Last year at this time, the former Nanterre player was only in 8th place in the interior with 221,220 votes in his favor. There are therefore more than 700,000 additional votes this season while voting is open until January 30.
To be considered a “starter”, he must be among the three interiors voted for by the public (whose vote counts for 50% of the final score), the media (25%) and the players (25%). Because if the format of the All Star Game has changed (four teams instead of two), the selection does not change. There will be 12 players selected in each conference with 5 starters (3 interiors, 2 backs) and 7 substitutes. These 24 players will then be divided among three teams of 8 players. The fourth team will be the one from the Friday evening challenge, in which rookies (first years) and sophomores (second years) participate.
Victor Wembanyama’s task promises to be difficult to enter the three interior holders in the West. Nikola Jokic, Kevin Durant and LeBron James have a good lead and an even higher popularity rating. But the Frenchman will most likely be among the replacements. The suspense is minimal.
