Remember when Kobe Bryant was voted in as an All-Star starter in 2014 despite his season being over after having played just six games? Or Yao Ming getting the All-Star starting nod in 2011 but couldn’t play because of injury?
One of the unspoken gripes at the time was that if players had a voice in the process of selecting starters, that wouldn’t happen.
Well the NBA players will be a part of the selection process after the league announced changes to the way in which this season’s All-Stars will be chosen.
In addition to players, basketball media will also be included in the voting process which begins on Christmas Day at 11 a.m. ET.
The All-Star starters have been chosen by the fans since the 1974-1975 season. Their voice will still be a significant one in the conversation as to who will represent the Eastern and Western Conference.
Fans will account for 50 percent of the vote with current players and a panel of basketball media each accounting for 25 percent.
Players and the media will vote for three frontcourt players and two guards from the Eastern and Western Conference. Players will have the option of voting for themselves as well as for teammates which is something that Boston’s Isaiah Thomas plans to do.
Boston Celtics
“It should be like that,” Thomas, an All-Star last season. “Players should have some type of vote. Players know more than anything how valuable somebody is to their team.”
And as far as how he’ll vote …
“I’m gonna vote for my guys,” Thomas said. “And they’re gonna vote for me.”