NBA All-Star 2026 fan voting results got 4 things right and 4 things wrong thus far
The first returns of the 2026 NBA All-Star fan voting have arrived, and as the league prepares to descend upon the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, the voice of the people has provided a mix of undeniable truths and puzzling loyalty. With the new "United States vs. The World" format looming, the ballot box has never been more scrutinized.
Here is a look at what the fans nailed and where they missed the mark in the initial tally.
What the fans got right
1. Luka Dončić is the Face of the League.
Any doubts about how the Slovenian superstar would handle the bright lights of Los Angeles have been erased. In his first season with the Lakers, Dončić isn't just leading the Western Conference; he is the overall vote leader (2.2 million). The transition to Hollywood has elevated his profile to stratospheric levels, and the fans correctly recognize him as the MVP frontrunner.
2. Respect for the Champs.
Often, small-market champions get overlooked in the following year's popularity contest. Not so for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coming off their 2025 title run, SGA is firmly entrenched near the top of the West voting. The fans are rewarding winning, not just highlight reels.
3. The Detroit Renaissance.
The Detroit Pistons sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings is the shock of the season, and the voting reflects that reality. Cade Cunningham receiving over 1.7 million votes confirms that the casual fan is finally watching—and respecting—the resurgence in the Motor City.
4. Wembanyama is a Lock.
Victor Wembanyama is no longer a novelty act; he is a staple. The Spurs' phenom is polling comfortably among the West's elite, proving that his alien-like skillset has captivated the global audience permanently.
What the fans got wrong
1. The Deni Avdija Viral Campaign.
While international support is a pillar of the NBA, Deni Avdija polling ahead of LeBron James and nearly matching Anthony Edwards is a classic case of ballot-stuffing. Avdija is having a solid season, but an All-Star starter? The voting algorithm may need a tweak here.
2. LeBron James’ Legacy Vote.
At 41 years old, the Lakers legend is still polling in the top tier of the West. While his longevity is marvelous, voting him in over prime superstars feels more like a lifetime achievement award than a reflection of 2026 production.
3. The US vs. World Imbalance.
The vote totals expose a terrifying reality for the new format: The "World" team is garnering significantly more fan enthusiasm than the US squad. The gap between the top international vote-getters (Luka, Giannis, Jokić) and the top Americans suggests the "World" team might blow the US out of the water, dampening the competitive intrigue.
4. Overlooking the Knicks' Frontcourt.
Despite the Knicks battling for the second seed, their frontcourt stars are lagging behind lower-tier fan favorites. The Madison Square Garden vote seems split, potentially costing a deserving New York big man a starting nod in favor of legacy names.
Here is a look at what the fans nailed and where they missed the mark in the initial tally.
What the fans got right
1. Luka Dončić is the Face of the League.
Any doubts about how the Slovenian superstar would handle the bright lights of Los Angeles have been erased. In his first season with the Lakers, Dončić isn't just leading the Western Conference; he is the overall vote leader (2.2 million). The transition to Hollywood has elevated his profile to stratospheric levels, and the fans correctly recognize him as the MVP frontrunner.
2. Respect for the Champs.
Often, small-market champions get overlooked in the following year's popularity contest. Not so for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Coming off their 2025 title run, SGA is firmly entrenched near the top of the West voting. The fans are rewarding winning, not just highlight reels.
3. The Detroit Renaissance.
The Detroit Pistons sitting atop the Eastern Conference standings is the shock of the season, and the voting reflects that reality. Cade Cunningham receiving over 1.7 million votes confirms that the casual fan is finally watching—and respecting—the resurgence in the Motor City.
4. Wembanyama is a Lock.
Victor Wembanyama is no longer a novelty act; he is a staple. The Spurs' phenom is polling comfortably among the West's elite, proving that his alien-like skillset has captivated the global audience permanently.
What the fans got wrong
1. The Deni Avdija Viral Campaign.
While international support is a pillar of the NBA, Deni Avdija polling ahead of LeBron James and nearly matching Anthony Edwards is a classic case of ballot-stuffing. Avdija is having a solid season, but an All-Star starter? The voting algorithm may need a tweak here.
2. LeBron James’ Legacy Vote.
At 41 years old, the Lakers legend is still polling in the top tier of the West. While his longevity is marvelous, voting him in over prime superstars feels more like a lifetime achievement award than a reflection of 2026 production.
3. The US vs. World Imbalance.
The vote totals expose a terrifying reality for the new format: The "World" team is garnering significantly more fan enthusiasm than the US squad. The gap between the top international vote-getters (Luka, Giannis, Jokić) and the top Americans suggests the "World" team might blow the US out of the water, dampening the competitive intrigue.
4. Overlooking the Knicks' Frontcourt.
Despite the Knicks battling for the second seed, their frontcourt stars are lagging behind lower-tier fan favorites. The Madison Square Garden vote seems split, potentially costing a deserving New York big man a starting nod in favor of legacy names.
