Luka Doncic ranks as 2021 All-Star starter after first fan votes, trails Steph Curry among West guards

The NBA has experienced many changes during the coronavirus pandemic, but at least one thing remains the same:

Luka Doncic is massively popular.

The latest proof came Thursday in the NBA’s first update on All-Star fan voting.

Doncic, with 1,395,719 votes, ranks second among Western Conference guards, behind the Warriors’ Steph Curry, and seventh among all players.

LeBron James (2,288,676 votes) leads the West, while Kevin Durant (2,302,705) tops the East.

Third-year superstar Doncic played in his first All-Star Game last February, becoming just the third Mavericks player ever to start in the showcase. In each of his first two NBA seasons, Doncic has trailed only LeBron James in Western Conference fan votes.

Doncic has tallied an NBA-high six triple-doubles this season while averaging 27.2 points, 8.9 rebounds and 9.6 assists a game, but he’s struggled to shoot from three (29%) and the Mavericks have lagged below preseason expectations.

It’s not certain Doncic will play alongside the league’s biggest names in-person this year.

Several outlets have reported the NBA, despite the ongoing pandemic, intends to hold an in-person All-Star Game during its break in March, but the league hasn’t announced official plans.

Regardless, All-Star starter recognition will happen based on votes from fans (50%), players (25%) and a national media panel (25%). Coaches will select reserves.

The next fan voting update will come Feb. 11.

Here’s how Doncic ranks Player Team Votes Position Kevin Durant Brooklyn Nets 2,302,705 Frontcourt (East) LeBron James Los Angeles Lakers 2,288,676 Frontcourt (West) Steph Curry Golden State Warriors 2,113,178 Guard (West) Giannis Antetokounmpo Milwaukee Bucks 1,752,185 Frontcourt (East) Joel Embiid Philadelphia 76ers 1,584,028 Frontcourt (East) Nikola Jokic Denver Nuggets 1,477,975 Frontcourt (West) Luka Doncic Dallas Mavericks 1,395,719 Guard (West) Kawhi Leonard Los Angeles Clippers 1,285,777 Frontcourt (West) Bradley Beal Washington Wizards 1,273,817 Guard (East) Anthony Davis Los Angeles Lakers 1,192,881 Frontcourt (West)

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