All-Star Game Voting Results fell yesterday. If the verdict is not so surprising and that we find the best players in the league, a decision makes a lot of talk: see Kyrie Irving holder in the east, ahead of Jaylen Brown. For some, Celtic deserved their place ahead of the Nets point guard.
The starters fell last night, and the verdict is not a surprise. In the East, Giannis Antetokounmpo will be the captain, and will be joined by Kevin Durant, Jayson Tatum and Donovan Mitchell. But the last starter on the backcourt is a lot of talk: Kyrie Irving will start the star game, ahead of Jaylen Brown in particular. To see only one Celtic starting when they are the best team in the whole league is quite hard and for some the second Jay Brother deserved his place, at the expense of the leader of Brooklyn.
It is true that JB is having a more than solid season. Collectively, the Celtics have just chained three consecutive defeats, but remain in the lead in the Eastern Conference, and even the entire league. On a personal level, Jaylen Brown releases an exercise in the image of his team. With 26.9 points (his best career scoring point), 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists on average, JB also knew how to take the lead when Tatum was absent or clumsy. A solid case, therefore, which could make Brown a legitimate holder of the All-Star Game.
I imagine that will make Jaylen Brown quite happy.
(Huge Kyrie, personally I had JB holder)
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 27, 2023
However, seeing Uncle Drew in this place is not a scandal either. Even if the leader missed the start of the season, because of a controversy, he was able to bounce back on the sporting level by being irreproachable. 26.8 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists this year, with especially an awareness and responsibility since the absence of Kevin Durant. Yes, the Nets are doing better, and when Kyrie stays focused on basketball, he’s one of the NBA’s best at his job.
Above all, Kai has been acclaimed by fans and peers alike. Irving notably finished 1st in the ranking of fan votes as well as that of players. Although he is 4th in the ranking of media votes, it is enough to start alongside Donovan Mitchell.
For Jaylen Brown, he finishes just behind the two. Third in the ranking of fan and player votes, second in media votes, some find it unfair to see Irving in front of the Celtics back, with all the controversy he has created and his sometimes divisive personality.
Obviously, there will be disappointed, but yes, Jaylen Brown could claim this place. Anyway, the vote is done on the intrinsic qualities of the players, and for fans and players, Kyrie Irving deserved his starter spot. And you, what do you think ?
Source : ESPN,NBA Press Relations