Despite Kobe Bryant’s wishes, NBA fans have voted him into his 16th NBA All Star Game. Kobe received 988,884 fan votes even though he has only appeared 6 games this season. Kobe informed reporters that he would like to pass on the game to give a shot to some of the other young talent in the Western Conference that is more deserving.
If Kobe returns to play in games before the All Star game, NBA rules will penalize a player for missing the All Star when heathy and capable. However, Kobe could suit up and make a quick exit from the game, but this would not solve his concern of taking up a roster spot for one of the more deserving young guys.
Dwight Howard wont be joining Kobe in the starting line up as he missed ranking in the top 3 for forwards, getting beat out by Kevin Durant, Blake Griffin and 1st time All Star Starter, Kevin Love. Here is how the rest of the front court voting went for the Western Conference.
Frontcourt
1. Kevin Durant (OKC) 1,396,294
2. Blake Griffin (LAC) 688,466
3. Kevin Love (Min) 661,246
4. Dwight Howard (Hou) 653,318
5. LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 609,172
6. Tim Duncan (SA) 492,657
7. Anthony Davis (NO) 286,247
8. Andre Iguodala (GS) 266,611
9. DeMarcus Cousins (Sac) 255,005
10. Pau Gasol (LAL) 247,323
Steph Curry of the Golden State Warriors will also make his All Star debut, as a starter. He surprisingly beat out All Star staple, Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers. He will join Kobe to round out the starting back court. The rest of the Western Conference back court voting tally:
1. Stephen Curry (GS) 1,047,281
2. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 988,884
3. Chris Paul (LAC) 804,309
4. Jeremy Lin (Hou) 628,818
5. James Harden (Hou) 470,381
6. Russell Westbrook (OKC) 317,338
7. Damian Lillard (Por) 280,966
8. Tony Parker (SA) 258,751
9. Klay Thompson (GS) 162,984
10. Ricky Rubio (Min) 124,230
Eastern Conference voting tally:
Frontcourt
1. LeBron James (Mia) 1,416,419
2. Paul George (Ind) 1,211,318
3. Carmelo Anthony (NYK) 935,702
4. Roy Hibbert (Ind) 524,809
5. Chris Bosh (Mia) 406,867
6. Kevin Garnett (Bkn) 209,398
7. Joakim Noah (Chi) 181,145
8. Andre Drummond (Det) 163,798
9. Tyson Chandler (NYK) 137,512
10. Luol Deng (Cle) 121,754
Backcourt
1. Dwyane Wade (Mia) 929,542
2. Kyrie Irving (Cle) 860,221
3. John Wall (Was) 393,129
4. Derrick Rose (Chi) 359,546
5. Ray Allen (Mia) 250,909
6. Rajon Rondo (Bos) 174,654
7. Lance Stephenson (Ind) 148,382
8. DeMar DeRozan (Tor) 131,228
9. George Hill (Ind) 129,533
10. Deron Williams (Bkn) 126,423
– Fern Rea
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