Why Kerr thinks Mavericks rookie Doncic is All-Star
DALLAS — Of the two Western Conference players ahead of Warriors guard Stephen Curry in All-Star voting, one was not a surprise (Lakers forward LeBron James), but the other (Dallas swingman Luka Doncic) is.
Count Golden State head coach Steve Kerr, who will vote for All-Star reserves, among those who reckon Doncic deserves an All-Star selection. Asked for his thoughts on Doncic, Kerr said, “He’s already an All-Star. I don’t know how the voting is going to shake out, but he looks like an All-Star player to me.”
Per last week’s second fan returns, Curry (2,094,158 votes) was third among West players behind James (2,779,812) and Doncic (2,220,077). The Mavericks’ rookie is considerably ahead of Warriors forward Kevin Durant (1,717,968).
For the third consecutive year, NBA players and basketball media will join fans in selecting the All-Star Game starters. Fans will comprise 50 percent of the vote, with players and a media panel accounting for 25 percent each. NBA head coaches will select the reserves.
If Doncic makes the cut, he will become the 46th rookie to appear on an All-Star roster. The last first-year player to do so was Clippers forward Blake Griffin in 2011.
“I think just the confidence,” Kerr said when asked what he likes about Doncic, who is averaging 20.2 points, 5 assists and 6.7 rebounds. “The skill set combined with the confidence level coming at 19 years old. Barely 40 games under his belt, and he looks like he’s been out here for 20 years.” Reflecting on Nowitzki: Barring a potential playoff matchup, Sunday might have marked the last time the Warriors face forward Dirk Nowitzki, 40, in Dallas.
“I wouldn’t even know where to begin with that,” Kerr said when asked for his favorite memory of Nowitzki, who could retire after this season. “He’s been incredible to watch. Tough to prepare for because he was so unique. It’s just great for the game the way he’s always carried himself with so much class, dignity, humor.”