Boston Celtics two-way rookie Tacko Fall was among the frontcourt leaders in NBA All-Star voting in the first fan returns released Thursday by the league.
Fall checked in sixth on the first fan returns with 110,269 votes, topping notable players like Bam Adebayo and Celtics teammate Gordon Hayward. The news quickly spread across social media with many denouncing the fan voting system since Fall has made just three appearances with the Celtics this season.
Fans account for 50% of the vote to determine the 10 starters for the game while a panel of media members and all current players make up the other 50% of the votes. Celtics head coach Brad Stevens was among those upset with the current system after speaking Friday morning at shootaround, according to A. Sherrod Blakely of NBC Sports Boston.
Brad Stevens loves Tacko Fall. But he's not feeling Tacko being 6th in first round of All-Star voting.
"I don't love it, " Stevens said. "I don't love the idea, when you talk about awards … not being based on what's solely happening on the court."— A. Sherrod Blakely (@ASherrodblakely) January 3, 2020
While Stevens voiced his opinion against Fall being among the voting leaders, he has often fed the hype machine of Fall this season. On Dec. 20, with the Celtics enjoying a comfortable lead, Stevens hyped up the home crowd prior to subbing Fall into the game. Fall was instantly greeted with cheers after jumping off of the bench.
Since joining the Celtics, Fall has become one of the most popular players in the NBA due to his size and skillset on the court. Fall has often drawn standing ovations in arenas and has even garnered “M-V-P” chants in Boston, which has certainly led to the influx of All-Star votes.
The 7-foot-5 Fall has spent the majority of the season in the G League with the Maine Red Claws. In 11 games played, Fall is averaging 14.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He has recorded seven double-doubles this season, including three straight after tallying 13 points, 12 rebounds and four blocks on Tuesday.
[lawrence-related id=9411,9393,9356]