Blazers star Damian Lillard might not be leading the Western Conference All-Star voting, but he has one high-profile advocate: Golden State Warriors HC Steve Kerr.
"Damian Lillard should absolutely be an All-Star. I don't think he's going to be voted in...Damian Lillard should be automatic." Kerr told Diamond Leung of the Bay Area News Group.
Lillard only shot 2-10 in Golden State's 95-90 win over Portland back on November 5, but he's come a long way since. After averaging 24.1 points in December, Lillard torched the Los Angeles Lakers for 39 points on January 5, then had another huge game against them on Sunday. Lillard scored fewer points (34), but took over the game in the fourth quarter with a savage one-handed dunk over two defenders followed by several clutch shots.
Lillard isn't the only Blazer on the outside looking in - LaMarcus Aldridge currently ranks sixth in the West frontcourt voting. He's also expected to make it in as a reserve, but Kerr wasn't asked about his chances.
Lillard is currently 5th in Western Conference backcourt voting, trailing Stephen Curry, Kobe Bryant, James Harden and Chris Paul - the full Western Conference All-Star voting as of 1/8 is included below:
FRONTCOURT:
1. Anthony Davis (NO) 922,381
2. Blake Griffin (LAC) 490,786
3. Marc Gasol (Mem) 476,660
4. Tim Duncan (SA) 374,814
5. Kevin Durant (OKC) 330,297
6. LaMarcus Aldridge (Por) 315,405
7. Dwight Howard (Hou) 211,531
8. DeMarcus Cousins (Sac) 209,742
9. Dirk Nowitzki (Dal) 186,017
10. Kawhi Leonard (SA) 115,194
11. Rudy Gay (Sac) 97,856
12. DeAndre Jordan (LAC) 75,777
13. Tyson Chandler (Dal) 63,906
14. Nick Young (LAL) 62,502
15. Serge Ibaka (OKC) 60,842
BACKCOURT:
1. Stephen Curry (GS) 958,014
2. Kobe Bryant (LAL) 862,568
3. James Harden (Hou) 690,843
4. Chris Paul (LAC) 401,945
5. Damian Lillard (Por) 210,794
6. Klay Thompson (GS) 170,827
7. Rajon Rondo (Dal) 165,427
8. Russell Westbrook (OKC) 159,264
9. Jeremy Lin (LAL) 148,763
10. Tony Parker (SA) 75,325
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