The first results from the 2023 NBA All-Star voting in each conference show that superstars LeBron James (LA Lakers) and Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets) are in the lead in their respective conferences.
Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) and Kyrie Irving (Nets) join LeBron James and Kevin Durant as the top vote-getters in the guard positions in the West and East groups, according to the NBA's press release.
The starters for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game will be chosen by fans, who will cast 50% of the votes. 25% of the total comes from media input and active NBA players.
The Lakers, led by LeBron James, are in first place with four of their players making the top-10 lists at their respective roles in the first fan votes. Along with James, Austin Reaves, Russell Westbrook, and Anthony Davis have also had a lot of fan support. Curry is joined on the list by Golden State Warriors teammates Kevon Looney, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green, CBS Sports reported.
Here are the whole initial fan returns:
LeBron James and Kevin Durant lead their respective conferences in the first fan returns of #NBAAllStar Voting presented by AT&T.
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) January 5, 2023
Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters. NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each.
The next fan update is Jan. 12. pic.twitter.com/osVeUGI8H4
Much Love For D.Rose
Derrick Rose of the New York Knicks, who was the NBA's Most Valuable Player in 2010-2011, is now ranked eighth in the Eastern Conference guard poll with 220,229 votes, per WGNTV. This shows that basketball fans respect his determination to keep playing after he suffered serious injuries that almost ended his amazing career.
"D.Rose" has spent the whole season as a reserve, coming and going from Tom Thibodeau's starting lineup. Rose played the last three games of 2022 for Jalen Brunson before suffering a left knee injury.
Derrick Rose has played 12.9 minutes per game in 27 games this season, averaging 5.8 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists.
In a recent article by The Athletic, Derrick Rose noted that he knows his career has been unusual: from being the No. 1 pick in the 2008 draft to becoming an NBA All-Star and the youngest MVP in the history of the league, to serious injuries, to a sixth-man position, to battling for a reserve role, to now serving as a seasoned leader waiting for his next shot with the Knicks.
Derrick Rose said in the interview with Shams Charania,"I've learned a simple lesson: Still being here. " The star known for his explosive drives to the hoop noted that he is "very appreciative" of his role in the team and that "entitlement" is not the reason why he still plays.
The 34-year-old Chicago native said he plays "to succeed" and help the young players, though he admitted his longevity is something that he "never imagined."
Derrick Rose also expressed his desire to have another opportunity to have more playing time. Hence, he works hard to maintain his health just in case the team needs him in crucial situations, like the playoffs.
Fans Can Still Cast Their Votes for the 2023 NBA All-Star
Fans must take note that the preliminary 2023 NBA All Star fan votes are far from final. As long as they have the necessary support, players still have plenty of time to advance in the ranks and possibly catch up with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Voting will remain open until the next Saturday, January 21, and the TNT broadcast will reveal the captains and starters on Thursday, January 26.
On Thursday, February 2, the coaches will reveal their choices for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game's reserves.
The 2023 NBA All-Star Game is set to take place at Salt Lake City's Vivint Arena on February 19.
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