Players in the NBA All-Star Game voting process aren’t always taking things seriously, with 386 of 450 players submitting ballots that included votes for 364 different individuals.
All-star Voting Reveals Some Surprising Picks
A look inside the NBA player votes for the 2026 all-Star Game starters reveals a mix of legitimate contenders and, well, some head-scratching choices.
- A total of 386 NBA players participated in voting for the 2026 All-Star Game starters.
- Despite the relatively small pool of voters, an remarkable 364 different players received at least one vote.
- Some players received votes despite limited or no playing time this season.
- Players are permitted to vote for themselves, and many did.
The NBA player pool represents 25% of the total all-Star voting weight.Insider Tim Cato highlighted the unusual selections, noting a pattern of players voting for friends or simply for the novelty of it.
WhatS the most surprising vote? Several players received votes despite limited contributions this season. Bronny James, averaging 1.5 points per game, garnered 2 votes. Jay Huff, described as resembling Bastien Fontanieu, received 11 votes. Jayson Tatum, who has not played any NBA games this season, received a single vote. Isaac Jones, with a total of 5 points scored this season, received 4 votes, while Isaac Okoro, averaging 8.6 points, received 6.
The ability for players to vote for themselves undoubtedly contributes to these quirky results. It’s safe to assume some of the votes for Bronny James came from those closest to him.
Who was involved? The voting involved all 450 NBA players, with 386 participating. Players like Bronny James, Jay Huff, Jayson Tatum, Isaac jones, and Isaac Okoro were among those receiving unexpected votes. Tim Cato of The Athletic first reported the data. How did it happen? Players are allowed to vote for any player in the league, including themselves, leading to votes based on camaraderie and amusement rather than solely on performance. Why did it happen? The data suggests players prioritize supporting teammates and friends, or simply enjoy the opportunity to participate in a lighthearted way.
Ultimately, the player votes reveal a lighthearted side to the All-Star selection process, with many players seemingly prioritizing camaraderie and amusement over strict merit. The final All-Star rosters will be announced soon, but the player voting data offers a interesting glimpse into the NBA’s internal culture.
