Every year, the NBA All-Star Voting process brings with it a few surprises that make basketball enthusiasts shake their heads in disbelief. In 2019, the voting results didn’t disappoint in terms of unexpected outcomes, the kind that keep fans buzzing and analysts scratching their heads.
One such surprise was the impressive number of votes that Luka Dončić garnered in his rookie season. With over 4 million votes, Dončić ranked second among Western Conference frontcourt players, trailing only LeBron James. Considering Dončić was just 19 years old at that time, this was remarkable. His performance that season, with stats like averaging 20.7 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, showcased why fans believed he deserved a spot on the team. Nonetheless, seeing a teenager rank so high in the All-Star voting felt unprecedented.
Another unexpected twist came from Derrick Rose, who, despite his injury-plagued history, received a substantial amount of fan support. His resurgence in the 2018-2019 season with the Minnesota Timberwolves clearly resonated with fans, earning him over 3 million votes. The former MVP averaged 18 points and 4.3 assists per game, and even had a highlight moment with a career-high 50-point game. These stats undoubtedly contributed to his high vote tally, defying expectations given his long struggle with injuries.
Stephen Curry, one of the best shooters in NBA history, who had a phenomenal season with an average of 27.3 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game, came third in the votes for Western Conference guards, which was higher than many might have predicted considering the fierce competition from other guards such as James Harden. Harden, who was putting up staggering numbers including a streak of 30-point games, did ultimately lead in the votes, but Curry's position demonstrated his sustained global popularity.
Kemba Walker's fourth-place finish among Eastern Conference guards was another point of discussion. Walker, who played for the Charlotte Hornets at that time, received fewer votes than expected despite putting up career-best numbers. His average of 25.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game were some of the best of his career, yet he found himself trailing behind players like Kyrie Irving and Ben Simmons.
The All-Star voting also highlighted the power of fan bases. Take Dwyane Wade for example. In his final NBA season, Wade received over 2 million votes, placing him third among Eastern Conference guards. Wade’s farewell tour was heavily publicized, and his contributions to the Miami Heat and the NBA over his career, including three championships, clearly played a role in his high vote count. His average of 15 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game showed that he still had plenty to offer, making his All-Star selection a fitting tribute.
There was also a buzz around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who led the Eastern Conference frontcourt voting with over 4 million votes. The "Greek Freak" was having an MVP-caliber season with averages of 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game. His leadership of the Milwaukee Bucks, propelling them to the best record in the NBA at that point, made him a clear fan favorite. What was surprising, though, was the margin by which he led his competition, outpacing star players like Joel Embiid by a significant number of votes.
The voting process inevitably brings to light the influence of social media as well. For instance, fans from different countries rallied behind their local heroes. This was evident with players like Dirk Nowitzki, who still managed to rake in votes thanks to his international fanbase, despite not being at the peak of his powers.
Moreover, the rise of international players like Dončić and Antetokounmpo in the voting results mirrored the global growth of the NBA. The league’s increasing global reach was evident through the voting processes held via Twitter, Google, and the NBA App, allowing fans worldwide to have their say.
Another interesting development was the case of Kyle Lowry, who, despite being a key player for the Toronto Raptors, didn't feature as prominently in the vote count. His averages of 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists per game demonstrated his all-around contributions, but he didn’t receive the same level of fan support as his peers. This raised questions about what factors most influence voting behavior.
As always, the nba all star voting 2019 brought its share of surprises. The mixture of established stars, rising talents, and sentimental favorites painted a fascinating picture of the sport's landscape. These unexpected results add an element of excitement and unpredictability, reminding everyone that in the world of the NBA, anything can happen.