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Not sure exactly how I feel about this, but the NBA is removing the “forward” and “center” designations from the All-Star ballot this season and replacing them with “frontcourt”. Here are details:
The league will announce Wednesday a change to its All-Star ballot that will, for the first time, allow fans to vote for three undefined “frontcourt” players instead of having to vote for two forwards and a center. With more and more teams playing smaller than in the past, the definition of “center” was becoming increasingly difficult — not to mention finding enough quality big men for whom to vote.
Re-arranging the ballot does make some sense, now that teams are employing starting lineups featuring three forwards instead of the traditional two guards, two forwards and a designated center. The new ballot allows for those players who are not traditional centers to have a chance to be rewarded by the fans for their play.
On the flip side, the traditional center has been a staple in the NBA’s history for years. Having the few that truly dominate the position be acknowledged on the All-Star ballot was a great accomplishment.
But in all honesty, Roy Hibbert (12.8 ppg, 8.8 rpg, 2.0 bpg) only made the All-Star team last year due to the lack of competition at his position and the All-Star game really is for the fan’s enjoyment. We’ll see how the change of the ballot affects voting and how long it lasts.
-ALR
