The All-Star Game ballots are always an annual source of spirited discussions. Whether who deserves to start, bench warmers managing to wriggle their way into the middle of the pack simply because of their big market team affiliation — it never fails to generate debate that ever so often turns heated. Brooklyn Nets superstar forward Kevin Durant is no exception, as he felt obligated to come to the defense of his fellow newcomer Kyrie Irving over his votes.
The source of his ire is NBA radio host Justine Termine, who raised the question as to why Irving has the second-most votes among point guards in the East despite missing a good chunk of games in the young 2019-20 season. This caught Durant's attention, prompting a Twitter response from the former Most Valuable Player.
It’s a fan vote, it’s not that serious. I doubt people think about all your points before voting. You tryna whip the votes lol your platform not big enough.
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) January 17, 2020
There are certainly some truths to both sides of the argument. In Termine's case, “deserving” guards in the East are only a handful with the Boston Celtics' Kemba Walker the only definite shoo-in that's in danger of missing out. But at the same time, Durant is correct that the rules have changed drastically when it comes to fan votes with it constituting just 50-percent of the selection process. This means Irving starting isn't set in stone yet as the more knowledgeable coaches and players will likely get Walker in, and it's also up in the air if Irving will even make it to the reserves. This is also why voting for Alex Caruso shouldn't be taken seriously or even a slight on better guards.
Durant is no stranger to social media banter, as he routinely engages with fans and haters alike even going so far as to create dummy accounts. He has all the time in the world given that he's nursing an injury that will keep him sidelined the whole season.
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