NBA All Star Voting Standings: Who's Leading the Race Right Now?
2025-11-15 14:00
Walking through the arena tunnels before a game, you can feel the buzz—the palpable energy that only comes when the league’s brightest stars share the floor. As an avid NBA follower and someone who’s spent years analyzing player narratives, I’ve always found All-Star voting season uniquely thrilling. It’s not just about stats or flashy highlights; it’s about connection. And this year, the standings tell a story that’s as much about loyalty as it is about performance. Let’s dive into who’s leading the race right now—and why some of these players mean so much more than box scores suggest.
Right now, the fan votes are leaning heavily toward familiar faces, but there are a few surprises shaking things up. In the Eastern Conference, Giannis Antetokounmpo is sitting pretty with around 4.2 million votes last I checked—though numbers shift daily. He’s a force, no doubt, but what’s really caught my eye is Tyrese Haliburton’s surge. The Pacers’ guard has leaped into the conversation with roughly 2.8 million votes, and honestly? It’s well-deserved. His playmaking has been electric, and the way he’s lifted Indiana this season makes him a fan favorite for a reason. Out West, it’s still LeBron James leading the pack—I’d estimate close to 4.5 million votes—which, at this stage of his career, is just remarkable. But Luka Dončić isn’t far behind, hovering near 4 million, and his triple-double exploits clearly resonate globally. Then there’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s broken into the top three with what I’d guess is about 3.6 million votes. His rise isn’t just a flash in the pan; it’s a testament to how consistency and flair can capture imaginations.
What strikes me, though, is how these numbers reflect something deeper than on-court dominance. I remember talking to a veteran player a few seasons back—he told me, “I don’t really look for it as a goal but definitely, I’m just really happy that I get to do it in front of these people who have supported us through thick and thin.” That sentiment? It’s everywhere in this year’s voting. Take Stephen Curry, for instance. He’s racking up votes—maybe around 3.9 million—not just because he’s sinking threes, but because fans have journeyed with him through championships and slumps. Or consider Joel Embiid in the East, whose gritty performances have built a bond with Philadelphia faithful. It’s emotional, this process. As a analyst, I crunch numbers, but as a fan, I see stories. And the standings? They’re a mosaic of those narratives.
Now, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Kevin Durant, despite injury scares, is pulling in what I’d ballpark at 3.3 million votes. His longevity is a draw, sure, but it’s the loyalty he inspires—fans remember his MVP years and his comebacks. On the flip side, newcomers like Chet Holmgren are making waves, though they’re trailing with, say, 1.5 million votes. That gap? It’s not just about rookie jitters; it’s about the time it takes to build that fan connection. And in small markets, that’s tougher. I’ve seen players in cities like Oklahoma City or Memphis grind for years before the votes pour in. But when they do, it’s sweeter. Gilgeous-Alexander’s surge in Oklahoma City, for example, feels like a payoff for fans who’ve stuck by through rebuilds. It’s why I lean toward rewarding those narratives in my own evaluations—stats matter, but heart does too.
Of course, the voting isn’t without its quirks. Nikola Jokić, arguably the best center in the game, has around 3.7 million votes, but he’s not leading the West. Why? Maybe his understated style doesn’t scream “All-Star” to casual voters, and that’s a shame. In my view, he deserves every bit of the spotlight, but the fan vote often favors flash. Then there’s the Eastern guard race—Donovan Mitchell and Jalen Brunson are neck-and-neck, each with roughly 2.5 million votes. Mitchell’s explosive scoring versus Brunson’s clutch gene—it’s a toss-up, and personally, I’d give Brunson the edge for his leadership in New York’s resurgence. But that’s the beauty of this: everyone’s got a take.
As we head into the final stretch of voting, I’m keeping an eye on dark horses. Anthony Edwards, for one, is climbing with what I’d guess is 2.2 million votes. His energy is infectious, and he’s exactly the kind of player who could sneak into a starting spot if the momentum builds. And in the East, Bam Adebayo’s two-way prowess has him around 1.8 million votes—underrated, in my book. But beyond the numbers, what stands out is how this process mirrors the NBA’s soul. Stars aren’t just athletes; they’re part of communities. That quote I mentioned earlier? It echoes in every arena, in every fan’s cheer. So, as the standings shift, remember: this isn’t just a popularity contest. It’s a celebration of the bonds that make basketball more than a game. And from where I sit, that’s what makes All-Star voting worth every click.