Chicago Bulls forward DeMar DeRozan fell just short of being named an All-Star Game starter for the second straight year and fourth time in his career.
The NBA on Thursday announced the starters for the Feb. 19 showcase in Salt Lake City, and DeRozan didn’t make the cut, ranking sixth among guards in the Eastern Conference. He finished sixth in fan voting, which accounted for 50% of the vote, 10th in media rankings (25%) and fourth in player voting.
DeRozan, 33, entered the Bulls’ 111-96 road loss against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday averaging 26.2 points, five rebounds and 4.9 assists. In his first season in Chicago in 2021-22, he averaged a career-high 27.9 points while adding 4.9 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game en route to being a Second Team All-NBA selection.
DeRozan faces stiff competition for his sixth career All-Star selection, including standouts such as Jaylen Brown, James Harden, Joel Embiid and Jimmy Butler. Reserves will be announced Thursday.
Eastern Conference starters
Captain: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Kyrie Irving, Brooklyn Nets
Kevin Durant, Brooklyn Nets
Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics
Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers
Western Conference starters
Captain: LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggest
Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
Luka Doncic, Dallas Mavericks
