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The first returns of NBA All-Star Game voting are in and Warriors point guard Stephen Curry, seeking his first trip to the league's midseason showcase affair, is among the leaders.
With roughly three weeks of results tabulated, Curry ranks third among Western Conference guards, with 327,449 votes. Others Warriors among the leaders are forwards Andre Iguodala (ninth, 109,745) and David Lee (13th, 60,015).
Ballots are separated into two categories, backcourt (guards) and frontcourt (forwards and centers). The top two backcourt players in each conference earn starts, along with the top three in the frontcourt.
Curry currently sits behind Lakers legend Kobe Bryant (501,215) and Clippers star Chris Paul (393,313). Never mind that Bryant missed the first five weeks of the season.
How else to explain, for example, Rockets guard Jeremy Lin (240,404) ranking fourth among conference backcourt players, while Portland's Damian Lillard (55,847) is 10th.
Remember, folks, All-Star voting is about popularity. The balloting is but a tool for voters to support personal favorites.