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NBA All-Star Game Update: Jazz F Lauri Markkanen Voting Results Revealed

Originally posted on Utah Jazz on SI | By Patrick Byrnes | Last updated Jan 7, 2024 4:37 PM ET

Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen could use some help if he’s going to make an appearance at this year's All-Star game. The NBA released the first batch of votes this past week, and Markkanen hasn’t cracked the top ten in the Western Conference.

Where it stands today, Lebron James, Kevin Durant, and Nikola Jokic are the top three in the frontcourt voting. Luka Doncic, Stephen Curry, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are leading the guards.

This shouldn’t be a huge shock due to Markkanen playing in a small market paired with missing ten games due to injury this season. However, it appears the Jazz have turned the corner in being a competitive team this year, which bodes well in possibly cracking the top ten in future results.

Markkanen surely deserves some recognition with the numbers he’s put up this year. He’s averaging 23.6 points while hauling in 8.4 rebounds a game. Also, his efficiency numbers are solid, with a 49.4% field goal percentage and 38.5% from long distance. His numbers are very similar to last year when he earned his first career All-Star performance.

This year's competition to earn a spot is much stiffer than last season. Newcomers Victor Wembamyama and Chet Holgrem are in the top ten, and a healthy Kawhi Leonard and Kevin Durant could seal Markkanen’s fate. That said, Markkanen could make some noise when the coaches and media have their say.

The fans comprise 50% of the vote, while the media and players count for 25% each. The next update in the fan vote will be on January 12, and the voting ends on January 21. Jazz fans can cast their vote on NBA.com.

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This article first appeared on Utah Jazz on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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