Bulls fans might be on a Zach LaVine high, but I’m not sure we can say the same for others in the basketball community.
The Bulls star has failed to make up any ground in the NBA’s latest reveal of All-Star fan votes. LaVine did add a solid 449,762 votes since the league’s first ballot count on February 4th, but it was not enough to move him out of the No. 5 spot. In fact, unfortunately, Celtics guard Jaylen Brown only extended his lead over LaVine by 22,931 votes
Lakers' LeBron James and Nets' Kevin Durant continue to be leaders in second round of NBA All-Star Game fan voting. Warriors' Stephen Curry and Wizards' Bradley Beal leaders at their position too. pic.twitter.com/rCe7VBQp1z
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 11, 2021
The fact that LaVine did see his lead grow over the Atlanta Hawks’ Trae Young is encouraging, though. If the voting continues on this trend, it does appears that he will be a part of a top-5 that clearly separates themselves from the rest of the pack. At the same time, that tier will be top-heavy with Bradley Beal and Kyrie Irving in the No. 1 and No. 2 spots, which should be enough to push each into an All-Star starting role.
LaVine’s best chance at finally earning a nod will then come via the coach vote. After starters are named, all 30 NBA coaches will vote for who they believe should be each conference’s reserves, with the possibility of up to four additional guards being added to the roster. Typically, coaches favor those who are on winning teams, which doesn’t necessarily bode well for LaVine. But I do think there are several reasons he could still make a case for himself, and we touched on some of those this morning in bullets.
How Does Zach LaVine Stack Up Against His Fellow All-Star Contenders? (And Other Bulls Bullets)https://t.co/PXBdVZboWW
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) February 11, 2021
Also, remember, there is still plenty of time to keep those votes rolling in, so type out #ZachLaVine and #NBAAllStar on Twitter or go to NBA.com to fill out a ballot!
Do it or else you’ll stub your toe tomorrow.