The third release of voting for the 2016 NBA All-Star Game in Toronto has been released, and there’s a change in the Eastern Conference starting lineup — Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony has replaced Pistons center Andre Drummond at the third frontcourt spot.
Carmelo & Draymond hold slim leads for starting spots in third returns of #NBAAllStarTO Voting presented by @Verizon pic.twitter.com/1KdQVhrYy8
— #NBAAllStar (@NBAAllStar) January 14, 2016
With the change, that means that Kevin Durant is currently the tallest player in either starting lineup for the All-Star Game. We’re a far cry from Ben Wallace making it by default back when the center position was still required, that’s for sure. But the voting’s far from over, and ‘Melo’s lead over Drummond is very slim, just like Draymond Green is just barely holding off Kawhi Leonard.
Anthony’s surge in the voting is most likely buoyed by his recently excellent all-around play. His scoring is down overall, but with Kristaps Porzingis (7th in frontcourt voting, by the way) emerging as a true threat, Anthony has been more willing to use his considerable skills as a passer. And even more encouraging, he’s been engaged on defense at a level that probably hasn’t been seen since the Knicks’ last playoff appearance. He hasn’t missed the All-Star Game since 2009, but he’s doing his part to earn his spot this time on more than just name recognition.
