Why Jeremy Lin Doesn’t Deserve A Spot On The Western Conference All-Star Team by Chris Walder

Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports

Lebron James and Dwayne Wade of the Miami Heat, Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers and Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder lead all vote-getters after the first results of balloting for the 2013 NBA All-Star game.

The actual festivities will take place on February 17th, live from the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.

James (641,348) and Carmelo Anthony of the New York Knicks (573,112) lead all Eastern Conference forwards, while Wade (430,925) and Rajon Rondo of the Boston Celtics (382,613) are at the top for the guards.

Bryant (639,149) and fellow rival Chris Paul of the Los Angeles Clippers (353,603) form the Western Conference backcourt thus far, while Durant (605,965) and Lakers center Dwight Howard (434,168) comprise the frontcourt.

The biggest surprise of the returns was Jeremy Lin of the Houston Rockets (298,319) finishing third amongst Western Conference guards, just ahead of (perhaps) more worthy selections in fellow teammate James Harden (196,108) and Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (143,147).

The NBA All-Star ballot consists of 120 names — 60 for each conference. In past years, fans made their selections based on positions (ie. 2 guards, 2 forwards and 1 center). Starting this season, the ballot has been changed to allow the public to select 3 frontcourt players and 2 backcourt.

You may find the full ballot results (first round) below, as per NBA.com.

2013 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING PRESENTED BY SPRINT EASTERN CONFERENCE



Frontcourt: LeBron James (Mia) 641,348; Carmelo Anthony (NYK) 573,112; Kevin Garnett (Bos) 218,246; Chris Bosh (Mia) 210,724; Tyson Chandler (NYK) 151,744; Paul Pierce (Bos) 114,735; Joakim Noah (Chi) 73,366; Josh Smith (Atl) 69,344; Andrew Bynum (Phi) 68,596; Amar’e Stoudemire (NYK) 64,266; Shane Battier (Mia) 59,419; Anderson Varejao (Cle) 57,336; Luol Deng (Chi) 48,450; Brook Lopez (BKN) 47,940; Jeff Green (Bos) 36,080.

Backcourt: Dwyane Wade (Mia) 430,925; Rajon Rondo (Bos) 382,613; Deron Williams (BKN) 211,426; Kyrie Irving (Cle) 155,989; Ray Allen (Mia) 130,016; Monta Ellis (Mil) 47,650; Raymond Felton (NYK) 37,974; Jason Terry (Bos) 36,147; Brandon Jennings (Mil) 35,610; Jrue Holiday (Phi) 35,193.

2013 NBA ALL-STAR BALLOTING PRESENTED BY SPRINT WESTERN CONFERENCE



Frontcourt: Kevin Durant (OKC) 605,965; Dwight Howard (LAL) 434,168; Blake Griffin (LAC) 307,855; Tim Duncan (SA) 189,577; Pau Gasol (LAL) 139,868; Kevin Love (Min) 112,922; Omer Asik (Hou) 88,178; Rudy Gay (Mem) 85,279; Serge Ibaka (OKC) 68,285; LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 66,290; Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 63,056; Marc Gasol (Mem) 61,716; Zach Randolph (Mem) 59,916; Metta World Peace (LAL) 59,167; Anthony Davis (NO) 53,779.

Backcourt: Kobe Bryant (LAL) 639,419; Chris Paul (LAC) 353,603; Jeremy Lin (Hou) 298,319; James Harden (Hou) 196,108; Russell Westbrook (OKC) 143,437; Steve Nash (LAL) 118,073; Tony Parker (SA) 69,983; Ricky Rubio (Min) 54,744; Manu Ginobili (SA) 47,800; O.J. Mayo (Dal) 36,495.

Christopher Walder is the Lead Editor for Sir Charles in Charge. You may follow him on Twitter @WalderSports