Pau Gasol Remains 2nd In East Frontcourt All-Star Voting
(CBS) Bulls big man Pau Gasol remains in line to start in February's NBA All-Star Game.
In the third and final returns before the final numbers are announced, Gasol remained in second place in the frontcourt for the Eastern Conference. Gasol had 527,582 votes, well behind LeBron James (971,299 votes) but also comfortably ahead of Carmelo Anthony (third at 456,186 votes) and Chris Bosh (fourth with 354,609 votes).
Gasol is averaging 18.1 points and 11.1 rebounds. His 18 doubles-doubles rank seventh in the league.
In the backcourt, Bulls wing Jimmy Butler was fifth, and point guard Derrick Rose was sixth. Amid a career year, Butler is viewed by many as a lock to reach his first All-Star Game, even if he doesn't start.
After fan voting chooses the starters, coaches select the reserves. Voting can be found at NBA.com and ends on Jan. 19, and starters will be announced Jan. 22. The All-Star Game is Feb. 15 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.