The NBA on Thursday announced the two captains and starters from each conference for the 2022 NBA All-Star Game scheduled to take place on Feb. 20 in Cleveland, Ohio.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James led all players in fan voting to earn captain honors from the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant will represent the Eastern Conference after finishing as the lead vote-getter.
After James, the Western Conference will send reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, Golden State Warriors players Andrew Wiggins and Stephen Curry and Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant to the exhibition game. Wiggins and Morant are first-time All-Star selections.
Joining Durant from the Eastern Conference are Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, Chicago Bulls guard DeMar DeRozan and Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young. Durant is not expected to play due to a knee injury and will likely be replaced.
The final fan voting results for the All-Star Game: pic.twitter.com/3asbiFYIXx
— Cody Taylor (@CodyTaylorNBA) January 28, 2022
While no first-year players were named starters, Cleveland Cavaliers forward Evan Mobley led all rookies in fan voting. Mobley finished with 283,425 votes from fans, while Toronto Raptors guard Scottie Barnes was second with 224,761 votes.
Here is how the first five rookies drafted finished in the voting:
- Cade Cunningham, Detroit Pistons: 32,190
- Jalen Green, Houston Rockets: 53,304
- Evan Mobley, Cleveland Cavaliers: 283,425
- Scottie Barnes, Toronto Raptors: 224,761
- Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic: 2,792
Making the All-Star Game as a rookie is rare, with only 45 players earning the honor in their first year in the NBA. Of course, the reserves will be announced on Feb. 3 but it is highly unlikely any rookie this year will be selected.
Despite no All-Star selections, 12 players from the class this year will be selected to compete in the Rising Stars game on Feb. 18. The first five players selected in the draft figure to have a great chance of participating as they have each performed well this season.
This post originally appeared on Rookie Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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