Durant being elected the leading vote-getter, however, posed a difficult problem for the NBA.
This year's All-Star format was the same as last year's, with the East and West selecting their own teams.
With Tang Tian retired, Tang Tian's former team would naturally have become Team James.
But Durant was now the leading vote-getter, and his lead was enormous. In the end, whether James or Durant would represent the West became a matter of debate.
Perhaps there would only be an answer after the full All-Star rosters were announced.
At the same time Durant was named the leading vote-getter, this year's All-Star starters were also announced.
In the East, the guards were Irving and Lowry, while the frontcourt consisted of Tatum, Antetokounmpo, and Griffin.
In the West, the guards were Curry and Harden, while the frontcourt consisted of Durant, James, and Davis.
Although Tang Tian had retired, the Pelicans still had two players selected for the All-Star starting lineup thanks to their immense popularity.
The result sparked dissatisfaction among many fans on social media, especially Spurs fans.
The Spurs currently had the best record in the league, yet not only had Aldridge and George failed to make it, even Leonard had not been selected!
"We have to change the voting rules. Chinese Fans are practically deciding our All-Star starters now."
"I respect Durant and Davis, but Leonard is having the best season of his career. I think he is more qualified and more deserving of a starting spot."
"Oh, why aren't you talking about James? Is James somehow more deserving than Leonard?"
"Exactly. Based on performance alone, have Durant and Davis been worse than James this season? Double standard much?"
"This is actually just like when Tang was still playing, and Harden and Curry were each squeezed out of the