By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Sitting among projected starters for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game are European stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, Nikola Jokic, and Luka Doncic.
The NBA released the first fan returns Thursday.
LeBron James with 3,168,694 votes so far and Kevin Durant with 3,118,545 are in the driver’s seat of the Western and Eastern Conferences, respectively.
From the European perspective, the Milwaukee Bucks leader currently carries 2,998,327 votes. Antetokounmpo covers the second of the three frontcourt spots in the Eastern Conference. Brooklyn Nets‘ Durant leads the race with Philadelphia 76ers‘ Joel Embiid in third place behind 2,226,712 votes.
With 2,388,502 votes, Doncic sits second on the Guards list of the Western Conference. Over the Dallas Mavericks star is Golden State Warriors Stephen Curry earning 2,715,520 votes.
The Denver Nuggets Joker’s 2,237,768 All-Star Game approvals trail LeBron on West’s Frontcourt but edge out another player of the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Davis following third with 2,063,325 votes.
The East’s Guards feature Nets’ Kyrie Irving at 2,071,715 votes and Cleveland Cavaliers’ Donovan Mitchell at 1.637.374.
Europeans in the Top 10 of the four lists but outside the starting positions are Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz with 466,988 votes and Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic with 212,417 votes.
Check the first fan returns:
Eastern Conference
Frontcourt
1. Kevin Durant: 3,118,545
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 2,998,327
3. Joel Embiid: 2,226,712
4. Jayson Tatum: 2,178,330
5. Jimmy Butler: 477,008
6. Pascal Siakam: 324,632
7. Kyle Kuzma: 234,035
8. Paolo Banchero: 212,417
9. Nic Claxton: 160,407
10. Jarrett Allen: 121,561
Guards
1. Kyrie Irving: 2,071,715
2. Donovan Mitchell: 1,637,374
3. James Harden: 1,161,593
4. Jaylen Brown: 1,032,522
5. Trae Young: 791,354
6. DeMar DeRozan: 544,629
7. LaMelo Ball: 299,113
8. Tyrese Haliburton: 281,691
9. Derrick Rose: 220,229
10. Darius Garland: 143,826
Western Conference
Frontcourt
1. LeBron James: 3,168,694
2. Nikola Jokic: 2,237,768
3. Anthony Davis: 2,063,325
4. Zion Williamson: 1,924,222
5. Andrew Wiggings: 1,123,898
6. Paul George: 955,896
7. Lauri Markkanen: 466,988
8. Draymond Green: 405,245
9. Kawhi Leonard: 303,477
10. Kevon Looney: 245,985
Guards
1. Stephen Curry: 2,715,520
2. Luka Doncic: 2,388,502
3. Ja Morant: 915,507
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: 911,774
5. Klay Thompson: 514,104
6. Russell Westbrook: 448,224
7. Damian Lillard: 314,158
8. Devin Booker: 224,961
9. Austin Reaves: 144,520
10. Jordan Poole: 138,392
The 2023 All-Star Game will be held in Salt Lake City on February 19.
Photo Credit: Getty Images