Two Memphis Grizzlies snubbed in the first All-Star fan voting cycle

The new year has begun, meaning the NBA is about a month away from the trade deadline and a little over a month away from the NBA All-Star break. The Memphis Grizzlies have the second-best record in the Western Conference on the backs of a balanced scoring attack that has them leading the league in points per game with seven players averaging double figures scoring.

The Grizzlies currently have two former All-Star players who figure to get an invite again this season due to their impact and the team's record. However, early fan voting returns put a cause of concern on the chances that both players make it to the game.

Jaren Jackson Jr. ranked 10th on first fan votes return

The Grizzlies big man is one of only three players in the NBA to lead his team in points, steals, and blocks. The other two players are Los Angeles Lakers forward Anthony Davis and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous Alexander. Davis ranked fourth in fan voting for the West frontcourt players and Alexander ranked first for the West guards.

Jackson Jr., who is ranked second in FanDuel Sportsbook's Defensive Player of the Year odds, has been the Grizzlies' most consistent player this season. His 38 points and 12 rebounds performance on the road at the Phoenix Suns to end 2024 helped the shorthanded Grizzlies secure an important victory to remain as the second seed in the west with nine players missing.

Fan voting is a popularity contest, but the Grizzlies' big man is leading one of the league's best teams despite who is in the lineup. His chances of making the All-Star game as a starter are unlikely at this point based on the early fan voting returns, but he will likely make it as a reserve when the coaches have the final say so in who makes the team.

Ja Morant ranked 6th on first fan votes return

Ja Morant's voting returns are a little shocking considering his popularity with the NBA social media account. Although he has tuned back the his dunks this season, he still produces highlight reels on a nightly basis when he is available.

The availability part is an important piece as Ja Morant has played the least amount of games of the top 10 guards on the early vote return. However, the second-leading vote-getter, Luka Doncic, has only played two more games than Morant and is listed as being out for the foreseeable future longer than Morant's current week-to-week designation for his shoulder injury.

Like Jackson Jr., Morant will have to depend on coaches' votes for a reserve spot, and with Doncic likely out through the All-Star game he has a good chance at making the team. As long as he returns soon and the Grizzlies keep their pace as a top-three team in the Western Conference, expect Morant to make the All-Star team.