LAKERS’ JAMES AND NETS’ DURANT NAMED
STARTERS AND CAPTAINS FOR 2021 NBA ALL-STAR GAME
– James and Durant to Select Team Rosters in NBA All-Star Draft,
Airing Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET on TNT –
– Western Conference Starter Pool: James, Warriors’ Curry,
Mavericks’ Dončić, Nuggets’ Jokić and Clippers’ Leonard –
– Eastern Conference Starter Pool: Durant, Bucks’ Antetokounmpo,
Wizards’ Beal, 76ers’ Embiid and Nets’ Irving –
NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 – The Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James and the Brooklyn Nets’ Kevin Durant lead the list of 10 players who have been selected by fans, current NBA players and a media panel to start in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game, which will take place on Sunday, March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
As the NBA All-Star Game starters who led their respective conferences in fan votes during NBA All-Star Voting 2021 presented by AT&T, James and Durant will serve as team captains for the Team LeBron vs. Team Durant matchup and draft the rosters from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference. TNT will air the 2021 NBA All-Star Draft on Thursday, March 4 at 8 p.m. ET.
The NBA All-Star Game starters, comprising two guards and three frontcourt players in each conference, were announced tonight by TNT during TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax. The All-Star Game reserves, featuring seven players from each conference as selected by NBA head coaches, will be unveiled by TNT on Tuesday, Feb. 23 at 7 p.m. ET during TNT NBA Tip-Off.
Along with James (frontcourt), the Western Conference starter pool includes the Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry (guard), the Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Dončić (guard), the Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić (frontcourt) and the LA Clippers’ Kawhi Leonard (frontcourt).
In the Eastern Conference, Durant (frontcourt) is joined in the starter pool by the Milwaukee Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (frontcourt), the Washington Wizards’ Bradley Beal (guard), the Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid (frontcourt) and the Nets’ Kyrie Irving (guard).
A record five international players have been voted NBA All-Star Game starters: Antetokounmpo (Greece), Dončić (Slovenia), Embiid (Cameroon), Irving (Australia) and Jokić (Serbia). The previous record was four, which was set last year.
The 70th NBA All-Star Game is part of NBA All-Star 2021, which will be held on one night, March 7. TNT’s NBA All-Star coverage will begin at 5 p.m. ET with TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax, followed by the Taco Bell® Skills Challenge and MTN DEW® 3-Point Contest starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. Coverage of the NBA All-Star Game will begin at 8 p.m. ET, with AT&T Slam Dunk taking place at halftime.
2021 NBA ALL-STAR GAME STARTER POOL
Western Conference
• Stephen Curry, Warriors (7th All-Star selection): Curry has been named an All-Star Game starter for the seventh time in the last eight seasons.
• Luka Dončić, Mavericks (2nd All-Star selection): This is the second straight selection as an All-Star starter for Dončić, who last year became the ninth player to play in the All-Star Game at age 20 or younger.
• LeBron James, Lakers (17th All-Star selection): His 17 All-Star selections are the third most in NBA history, behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (19) and Kobe Bryant (18). James, the leading scorer in All-Star Game history (385 points), is set to extend his record for consecutive All-Star starts to 17 – a streak that began in his second NBA season, 2004-05.
• Nikola Jokić, Nuggets (3rd All-Star selection): This marks the third consecutive All-Star selection for Jokić, who becomes the first Denver player voted to start since Carmelo Anthony in the 2010-11 season.
• Kawhi Leonard, Clippers (5th All-Star selection): Leonard has been named a starter all five times as an All-Star.
Eastern Conference
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks (5th All-Star selection): An All-Star starter for the fifth consecutive year, Antetokounmpo has the highest scoring average in All-Star Game history at 27.3 points per game.
• Bradley Beal, Wizards (3rd All-Star selection): The 2020-21 NBA scoring leader has been voted to start the All-Star Game for the first time.
• Kevin Durant, Nets (11th All-Star selection): Durant, who holds the second-highest scoring average in All-Star Game history (25.0 ppg), is an All-Star for the 11th straight season in which he has played.
• Joel Embiid, 76ers (4th All-Star selection): Embiid is the first Philadelphia player selected to start four consecutive All-Star Games since Allen Iverson was named a starter seven times in a row from 2000-06.
• Kyrie Irving, Nets (7th All-Star selection): Irving has now been voted to start the All-Star Game with three different franchises (Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics and Nets) – the same as Brooklyn teammate Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder, Warriors and Nets).
NBA ALL-STAR VOTING RESULTS
Fans accounted for 50 percent of the vote to determine the NBA All-Star Game starters, while current NBA players and a media panel accounted for 25 percent each. James (5,922,554 fan votes) and Durant (5,567,106 fan votes) led their respective conferences and position groups in fan voting. Curry (5,481,033 fan votes) and Beal (3,485,051 fan votes) also led their respective position groups in fan voting.
After all votes were tallied, players were ranked in each conference by position (guard and frontcourt) within each of the three voting groups – fan votes, player votes and media votes. Each player’s score was calculated by averaging his weighted rank from the fan votes, the player votes and the media votes. The two guards and three frontcourt players with the best score in each conference were named NBA All-Star Game starters.
Fan votes served as the tiebreaker for players in a position group with the same score. Dončić won the tiebreaker with the Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard for the second starting spot in the Western Conference guard group.
Below are the overall scores – based on results from all three voting groups – for the top finishers at each position. Each player’s score is weighted based on 50 percent for fan vote, 25 percent for player vote and 25 percent for media vote. The formula to determine a player’s score is (Fan Rank * 2 + Player Rank + Media Rank)/4. For complete voting results and a list of media voters, please visit pr.nba.com.
Western Conference Frontcourt
Player (Team) | | Fan Rank | | Player Rank | | Media Rank | | Weighted Score | |
1. *#LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) | | 1 | | 1 | | 1 | | 1.0 | |
2. *Nikola Jokić (Denver) | | 2 | | 2 | | 2 | | 2.0 | |
3. *Kawhi Leonard (LA Clippers) | | 3 | | 4 | | 3 | | 3.25 | |
4. Anthony Davis (Los Angeles Lakers) | | 4 | | 3 | | 5 | | 4.0 | |
5. Paul George (LA Clippers) | | 5 | | 5 | | 5 | | 5.0 | |
6. Zion Williamson (New Orleans) | | 6 | | 8 | | 8 | | 7.0 | |
7. Brandon Ingram (New Orleans) | | 9 | | 6 | | 8 | | 8.0 | |
8. Christian Wood (Houston) | | 8 | | 10 | | 7 | | 8.25 | |
9. Rudy Gobert (Utah) | | 12 | | 7 | | 4 | | 8.75 | |
10. Carmelo Anthony (Portland) | | 10 | | 9 | | 8 | | 9.25 | |
Western Conference Guards
Player (Team) | | Fan Rank | | Player Rank | | Media Rank | | Weighted Score | |
1. *Stephen Curry (Golden State) | | 1 | | 1 | | 1 | | 1.0 | |
2. *Luka Dončić (Dallas) | | 2 | | 3 | | 3 | | 2.5^ | |
3. Damian Lillard (Portland) | | 3 | | 2 | | 2 | | 2.5^ | |
4. Donovan Mitchell (Utah) | | 4 | | 5 | | 4 | | 4.25 | |
5. Devin Booker (Phoenix) | | 5 | | 4 | | 5 | | 4.75 | |
6. Ja Morant (Memphis) | | 6 | | 9 | | 5 | | 6.5 | |
7. Chris Paul (Phoenix) | | 7 | | 7 | | 5 | | 6.5 | |
8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City) | | 11 | | 7 | | 5 | | 8.5 | |
9. CJ McCollum (Portland) | | 10 | | 14 | | 5 | | 9.75 | |
10. DeMar DeRozan (San Antonio) | | 12 | | 10 | | 5 | | 9.75 | |
*–Voted to start
#–Team captain
^–Tiebreaker for starting spot is fan rank
Eastern Conference Frontcourt
Player (Team) | | Fan Rank | | Player Rank | | Media Rank | | Weighted Score | |
1. *#Kevin Durant (Brooklyn) | | 1 | | 1 | | 3 | | 1.5 | |
2. *Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee) | | 2 | | 2 | | 1 | | 1.75 | |
3. *Joel Embiid (Philadelphia) | | 3 | | 3 | | 2 | | 2.75 | |
4. Jayson Tatum (Boston) | | 4 | | 5 | | 5 | | 4.5 | |
5. Jimmy Butler (Miami) | | 5 | | 6 | | 7 | | 5.75 | |
6. Bam Adebayo (Miami) | | 6 | | 4 | | 7 | | 5.75 | |
7. Julius Randle (New York) | | 7 | | 8 | | 5 | | 6.75 | |
8. Domantas Sabonis (Indiana) | | 8 | | 9 | | 4 | | 7.25 | |
9. Jerami Grant (Detroit) | | 10 | | 7 | | 7 | | 8.5 | |
10. Gordon Hayward (Charlotte) | | 9 | | 15 | | 7 | | 10.0 | |
Eastern Conference Guards
Player (Team) | | Fan Rank | | Player Rank | | Media Rank | | Weighted Score | |
1. *Bradley Beal (Washington) | | 1 | | 1 | | 1 | | 1.0 | |
2. *Kyrie Irving (Brooklyn) | | 2 | | 2 | | 4 | | 2.5 | |
3. James Harden (Brooklyn) | | 3 | | 3 | | 3 | | 3.0 | |
4. Zach LaVine (Chicago) | | 4 | | 3 | | 5 | | 4.0 | |
5. Jaylen Brown (Boston) | | 5 | | 5 | | < |
DALLAS AT HOUSTON POSTPONED
NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 – The National Basketball Association announced today that the Dallas Mavericks at Houston Rockets game scheduled for tomorrow has been postponed due to government shutdown of Toyota Center because of severe weather conditions in Houston.
The game will be rescheduled at a later date.
NBA ALL-STAR 2021 TO BE HELD ON MARCH 7 IN ATLANTA, SUPPORTING HBCUs AND COVID-19 EQUITY EFFORTS
– NBA All-Star Game and Skills Competitions to Take Place on One Night for First Time, With Oncourt Action Beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT –
– NBA and NBPA to Commit More Than $2.5 Million to Support HBCUs and Communities Impacted by COVID-19 –
– NBA and NBPA Establish Health and Safety Protocols for NBA All-Star 2021 –
NEW YORK, Feb. 18, 2021 – The National Basketball Association (NBA) announced today that NBA All-Star 2021 will be held on Sunday, March 7 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, home of the Atlanta Hawks, where the league’s annual global celebration of the game will take place on one night for the first time, with oncourt action beginning at 6:30 p.m. ET on TNT. As part of this year’s events, the NBA and National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced that they will commit more than $2.5 million in funds and resources toward Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and support and awareness around equity and access to COVID-19 care, relief and vaccines.
TNT’s NBA All-Star coverage will begin at 5 p.m. ET with TNT NBA Tip-Off presented by CarMax, followed by the Taco Bell® Skills Challenge and MTN DEW® 3-Point Contest starting at 6:30 p.m. ET. Coverage of the 70th NBA All-Star Game will begin at 8 p.m. ET, with AT&T Slam Dunk taking place at halftime. The game will follow the same format as last year, with the teams competing to win each quarter and playing to a Final Target Score during the untimed fourth quarter.
The rosters for the NBA All-Star Game will be determined through the NBA All-Star Draft, where the two team captains will select from the pool of players voted as starters and reserves in each conference and make their picks without regard to conference affiliation. The captains will be the All-Star starter from each conference who receives the most fan votes in his conference. NBA All-Star starters will be announced tonight, Thursday, Feb. 18, at 7 p.m. ET on TNT.
In partnership with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF), UNCF (United Negro College Fund), National Association for Equal Opportunity (NAFEO) and Direct Relief’s Fund for Health Equity, the NBA, NBPA and NBA All-Star 2021 partners, including AT&T, MTN DEW® and Taco Bell®, will highlight the importance of HBCUs and raise awareness around the disparate impact of COVID-19 on communities of color. In addition, All-Star will feature special performances by HBCU musical groups and unique storytelling and content by distinguished alumni and students.
For NBA All-Star 2021, the NBA and NBPA have established additional measures to supplement the league’s current Health and Safety Protocols. These include private travel to and from Atlanta, the creation of a “mini bubble” environment within a single hotel for players and coaches, and enhanced PCR testing. More information is available here. Additionally, for the well-being and safety of the greater Atlanta community, there will be no fan activities, ticketed events or hospitality functions as part of All-Star.
Additional details regarding NBA All-Star 2021 and the date of the NBA All-Star Draft will be announced in the coming days.
Executive Quotes
NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver: “NBA All-Star in Atlanta will continue our annual tradition of celebrating the game and the greatest players in the world before a global audience. In addition to the festivities on the court, the All-Star Game will honor the vital role HBCUs play in our communities and focus attention and resources on COVID-19 relief, particularly for the most vulnerable.”
NBPA Executive Director, Michele Roberts: “HBCUs provided premium education to our communities at a time when access to higher learning was denied to us. They were there – and have remained there – for us. We now stand with them.”
Thurgood Marshall College Fund President and CEO, Dr. Harry L. Williams: “As a founding partner of the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, the NBA has been a consistent supporter for more than 33 years. By dedicating its All-Star platform to supporting Historically Black Colleges and Universities, the NBA is making a profound statement about the league’s commitment to a better future, recognizing the crucial role Black Colleges have always played in facilitating racial equity and serving the African American community.”
UNCF CEO, Dr. Michael Lomax: “We welcome this exciting opportunity to partner with the NBA and the players. Together, the NBA and players can shine a bright light on the vital work of our nation’s HBCUs and help ensure that we can support our Black college students on their education journeys.”
Clark Atlanta University President, Dr. George T. French, Jr.: “The Clark Atlanta University community is incredibly excited to be a part of NBA All-Star 2021. The night will provide a unique opportunity not only to celebrate the accomplishments of our students, faculty and alumni, but also to share the rich history and essential contributions of our institution and other HBCUs with a global audience.”
The Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) President, Rev. Matthew Wesley Williams: “As NBA All-Star Weekend visits the City of Atlanta to showcase the talents and contributions of some of the world’s best and most well-known athletes, the ITC community is pleased to join the NBA and its players in celebrating the achievements and contributions of some of our country’s most important institutions – our Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”
Morehouse College President, David A. Thomas, Ph.D.: “NBA All-Star 2021 presents an extraordinary moment to highlight the legacy of scholarship, leadership and service HBCUs have represented since their founding. Morehouse College is excited to be a part of this celebration and momentous occasion.”
Morris Brown College President, Dr. Kevin James: “Morris Brown College would like to thank the NBA, NBPA and the entire extended NBA family for including us in this year’s All-Star Game. We welcome and appreciate the attention the night will bring to the unique and vital role played by historically Black institutions here in Atlanta and across the country.”
Spelman College President, Dr. Mary Schmidt Campbell: “As NBA All-Star returns to Atlanta, Spelman College looks forward to being a part of the celebration that highlights HBCUs across the city and beyond. Our mission at Spelman is to educate Black women to become global leaders and to inspire a commitment to positive change. We are honored to be part of the NBA 2021 All-Star celebration of our nation’s HBCUs.”
About the NBA All-Star Beneficiaries
Thurgood Marshall College Fund
The Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) is the nation’s largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community. TMCF member schools include the 47 publicly-supported HBCUs and Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs), including medical and law schools. TMCF also serves as a resource for nearly 300,000 students enrolled in the HBCU/PBI network of schools. The NBA is one of the founding partners of TMCF.
UNCF (United Negro College Fund)
UNCF is the nation’s largest minority education organization. To serve youth, the community and the nation, UNCF supports students’ education and development through scholarships and other programs, supports and strengthens its 37 member colleges and universities, and advocates for the importance of minority education and college readiness. UNCF institutions and other HBCUs are highly effective, awarding nearly 20% of African American baccalaureate degrees.
National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education
The National Association for Equal Opportunity in Higher Education (NAFEO) is the membership and advocacy association of all 105 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and 80 Predominantly Black Institutions (PBIs). NAFEO also Chairs The Alliance for Equity in Higher Education, a formal collaboration among the umbrella associations of all the Asian American and Pacific Islander Colleges and Universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, HBCUs, Predominantly Black Institutions, and Tribal Colleges and Uni
versities.
Direct Relief (Fund for Health Equity)
Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 100 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies. The Fund for Health Equity will identify and provide financial support to communities in which deep-seated effects of historic racism and socioeconomic disparities remain and are being disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
