Antetokounmpo has over 1.7 million votes in the first round of voting
The first round of fan voting for the NBA All-Star Game was announced this afternoon, and Giannis Antetokounmpo is the leading vote getter across both conferences:
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) January 2, 2025
Antetokounmpo is embarking on yet another incredible season, solidifying himself as an MVP candidate once again. On the season, he’s averaging 32.6 PPG, 11.6 RPG, and six APG with an eFG% of 61.4.
This isn’t the first time that Antetokounmpo has been the leading vote getter. He’s served as a captain three previous times in his career. However, there won’t be captains this year, as the All-Star Game has been revamped into a four-team mini-tournament.
Instead of the traditional East vs. West matchup or team captain draft, three teams will be formed from All-Star selections and the fourth will consist of the Rising Stars Challenge winners. The teams will compete in a knockout tournament with each game played to 40 points.
In addition to Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard also represents the Bucks by having the third most amount of votes among guards in the Eastern Conference. Lillard was the 2024 All-Star Game MVP in his first season with Milwaukee.
Speaking of MVP, it’ll be interesting to see if Giannis serving as the top vote getter shifts the regular season MVP narrative. Currently, Nikola Jokić and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are favored ahead of him.
The next batch of fan votes will be released on January 9. Fans account for 50% of the vote to decide All-Star starters, while NBA players and a media panel account for 25% each.
Stay tuned to Brew Hoop for additional All-Star Game and Weekend coverage as we get closer to the festivities.