When the numbers are added up ahead of the All-Star Game, it becomes clear that Nikola Jokić has no competition—neither in quality nor in popularity.

Nikola Jokić na klupi Denvera

Foto: Imagn Images / ddp USA / Profimedia

The best basketball player in the world, Nikola Jokić, has received a very specific confirmation that he is also the biggest star in the NBA right now. Although Americans often question his popularity and usually do not see him as an ideal face of the league, the numbers tell a different story. When players, fans, and media representatives voted for the All-Star starters, Nikola Jokić came out on top.

Fan votes accounted for 50% of the total, while media members and NBA players each contributed 25%. Under that system, Jokić finished with one first-place vote and three second-place votes, which was convincingly better than anyone else. He ranked first in votes from fellow NBA players, second among fans, and second among media members.

No player in the league—East or West—had a better overall result across those three categories. For example, Luka Dončić finished first in fan voting and tied with Jokić for second in media votes, but placed only sixth among players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was first in media voting, third among players, and fourth with fans. Along with those three, the All-Star starting lineup also includes Stephen Curry and Victor Wembanyama, who edged out Anthony Edwards thanks to stronger fan support.

In the Eastern Conference, the top-ranked player was Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished first in fan voting, second among players, and fifth in media votes. He was followed by Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Maxey, Jalen Brunson, and Jaylen Brown.

It should be noted that Nikola Jokić is currently injured, but his appearance at the All-Star Game is not in doubt, even though he is known for not being particularly fond of the event. The Serbian star is expected to return to the court by the end of January, while the All-Star weekend—when the NBA’s biggest names relax and put on a show—takes place in mid-February.

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