All-Star 3rd returns don’t favor OKC Thunder players -votes count twice today

The third returns of fan voting for the 2020 All-Star Game don’t favor the OKC Thunder crew without one player making the cut. It’s time to rally Thunder Nation!

Although the OKC Thunder has delivered one of the most surprising performances this season and possesses the most lethal clutch time crew their efforts aren’t be recognized by NBA fans. At least not in terms of support to send at least one of the Thunder players to the 2020 All-Star Game in Chicago.

There’s a solid argument for any of Chris Paul, Danilo Gallinari, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Steven Adams or Dennis Schroder to Chicago. The problem is not one is even in the mix.

One way we can help change that is to get in votes. It’s not too late to make a difference and fan votes count double today. Therefore every vote you can get in today will be worth two.

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• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

As for the returns in the West LeBron James continues to be the top vote-getter for both his conference and overall. The LA teams dominate the frontcourt with the top four vote recipients featuring the two superstar duos of the Lakers and Clippers.  Anthony Davis ranks second in the frontcourt with Kawhi Leonard, Paul George right behind in third and fourth.

I’d argue both Danilo Gallinari and Steven Adams should be on this list somewhere particularly ahead of players like Carmelo Anthony and Dwight Howard. Although both are having resurgent seasons are they having a bigger impact (or better stats) than the two Thunder stars?

For example diving into Melo’s stats versus Gallo basketball reference comparison highlights Gallo is producing better overall contributions across several categories and doing it more efficiently (and in fewer minutes). And of course, there is the little matter of the OKC Thunder having a better record than the Blazers.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/16/2020.

As for Howard versus Adams, neither is proficient at the free throw stripe (not included below) but there are key factors to consider here. Adams is averaging a double-double on the season and is playing against starters whereas Howard is facing second unit centers.

He bests Howard in points, rebounds (in all three categories), dishing more dimes and has more steals. It’s unlikely our Big Kiwi would make the cut but it would be nice to send him a message that his efforts aren’t being taken for granted.

Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 1/16/2020.

Eastern Conference Results:

In the East, the names remain mostly unchanged although Pascal Siakam moved ahead of Joel Embiid into second in the frontcourt. Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to lead the way for the overall vote count and looks likely to be the captain again this season alongside LeBron James.

The East has comical factor of Tacko Fall ranking sixth in the frontcourt but by the time players and media vote he’ll surely fall off the top 10 list.

In terms of the guards the Hawks Trae Young looks to be solidly in first and after Kyrie Irving‘s little rant last night about the Nets need to make changes it will be interesting to see if he gets surpassed by others beneath him once the players and media vote.

Vote- Vote-Vote:

In closing, although our votes may not equate to getting any of the Thunder players into the open five starting spots it shouldn’t prevent us from trying.

Also, imagine the impact of our votes could have on Danilo Gallinari specifically. If we can move him onto the top 10 list of forwards it might help to work towards his impression of staying with the OKC Thunder if he feels the team could be competitive.

Although we don’t know if Sam Presti will move him prior to the trade deadline hopefully the way the team has performed will convince him to keep Gallo. And if the power forward feels moves made this offseason will make the team stronger he could decide to stay in OKC.

Hey, nothing ventured — nothing gained. So get those votes in before midnight tonight as they count double and vote every day until January 20th when fan voting concludes.