Bucks' Giannis Antetokounmpo (Image: Getty)
Giannis Antetokounmpo has proved to be one of the most prolific power forwards in the NBA, and now that status has been confirmed again.
The Milwaukee Bucks’ 23-year-old Greek star leads the league in the first round of voting for the 2018 All-Star Game, the NBA announced Thursday.
Antetokounmpo earned 863,416 votes, about 7,000 more than LeBron James, the second-highest vote-getter. Kyrie Irving, (802,834) Kevin Durant (767,402) and Steph Curry (735,115) followed in voting.
Subscribe to our free weekly newsletter!
A week of sports news in your in-box.
We find the sports news you need to know, so you don't have to.
The funny part of the “Greek Freak” leading in votes is that dozens of fans who announced on social media that they too would vote for the forward couldn’t even spell his name correctly:
If he is selected to the All-Star Game, Antetokounmpo could have a strong chance of being named team captain for the Eastern Conference, along with James. Durant and Curry also each have a shot at being named captain of the Western Conference.
Voting is open for two more weeks. The fan vote counts for 50 percent of the overall vote. NBA players get 25 percent, and select media members get the final 25 percent. That vote determines the 10 starters for the Feb. 18 game. Those starters will be revealed on Jan. 18. NBA coaches will then select the All-Star reserves. The final rosters will be announced on Jan. 25.
The 2018 All-Star Game will be held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on Feb. 18.
Antetokounmpo, who was born in Athens to Nigerian parents, played for Filathlitikos in the Greek D league from 2012-2013 before the Bucks selected him as the 15th overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.
In 2016–17, he led the Bucks in all five major statistical categories and became the first player in NBA history to finish a regular season in the top 20 in total points, rebounds, assists, steals, and blocks.
BOSTON, MA – FEBRUARY 25: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks carries the ball against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at TD Garden on February 25, 2016 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
Former UFC heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez has been released from prison. Velasquez was charged with…
Connor McDavid showed a different side of himself on Thursday, showing that he can also…
After much speculation and rumors, the Minnesota Vikings have finally reached an agreement with free…
The Atlanta Falcons are set to have a quarterback competition heading into next season after…
WNBA player Rickea Jackson has filed a motion for a protective order against her ex-boyfriend,…
Colin Dorgan, who lost three family members during a shooting in February, scored a game-winning…