Raptors' DeRozan voted starter to NBA All-Star Game

Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan will start for the Eastern Conference at the NBA All-Star Game in New Orleans next month, it was revealed on Thursday.

This will mark the third time in the last four seasons that the 27-year-0ld will play in the midseason spectacle, but the first time as a starter. Teammate Kyle Lowry, was named a starter last year, and could still be named to this year’s game as a reserve.

DeRozan is having a career year in 2016-17. Through 42 games, DeRozan is averaging 28.2 points per game, well ahead of his previous career high of 23.5 points averaged last season. He also has more rebounds (5.4) than ever before and is not far off his career-best with 3.9 assists per game.

The NBA takes into account the votes of fans, players, and media to select its starters. DeRozan finished with the second highest weighted score among Eastern Conference guards.

Other Eastern Conference starters include Cleveland Cavaliers teammates LeBron James and Kyrie Irving, Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee), and Jimmy Butler (Chicago). Starters for the Western Conference include Golden State Warriors teammates Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, Kawhi Leonard (San Antonio), Anthony Davis (New Orleans), and James Harden (Houston).

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