That is, the first return of the 2024 NBA All-Star Voting is here. I couldn’t resist not blogging about it.

Some players in the 1st Returns were obvious contenders, while a few were surprising. The votes are more subjective, team- and popularity based, rather than what the player stats show. I guess that’s why it is what it is – it’s by the fans and for the fans. I forgot, the players marketing themselves (or their marketing team/manager) also played a significant role in it.

According to NBA, the All-Star voting “gives fans the opportunity to vote for the All-Star starters.” The fans get 50% voting chances while the players and media have a 25% chance to vote for the All-Star.

The voting started two weeks ago on December 19th and concludes in two weeks on January 20th. If you haven’t voted but love basketball and/or any specific player(s), start today to give that player an opportunity to be a starter at The All-Star in Indianapolis, Indiana, in February.

Your vote today (Jan. 5) counts thrice. Other coming days to triple your votes are Jan. 12, Monday, Jan. 15 and Friday, Jan. 19. Ensure you cast those votes before 11:59 P.M. ET. Detailed information on the All-Star and how-to vote are available on NBA.com.

GOATs pass Goats

There are Greatest of All Time (GOATs) and there are GOATs. Originally referred to in the superlatives, (remember your English grammar class), GOATs are in every industry and spheres of life and influence. And where there are superlatives, so must the comparatives (Greater) and the positives (Great) exist.

The All-Star selects the superlatives of the guards and frontcourts among the thirty teams (fifteen each from the East and West). On average of a 450 pool, only 40 qualifies. These are the 40 considered the bedrock of the NBA according to the fans. Does that mean that the rest are no good. Heck no. That’s where the comparatives and positives come in. We could expand further, but not for now. The mere fact that all are a part of the NBA means that they qualify. However, all are called, but few (the superlatives) are chosen.

Take Action

Get on your phone now, download the NBA App, if you don’t already have it, and go vote. I already did.

Don’t sit and watch your GOAT player sidelined. There will still be one or two more returns. Help your GOAT player qualify. They will thank you for it.