$8 million tennis star rallies for Luka Doncic & Kyrie Irving's All-Star votes, dubbing Mavericks duo as 'best backcourt' in NBA

Tennis star Francis Tiafoe campaigned for Dallas Mavericks duo Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving to get more All-Star votes. The fan voting for the 2025 NBA All-Star starters is ongoing, and both Mavs stars are within range to take over the starting spot.

According to the second fan voting results, Doncic garnered 1,344,205 votes. This puts him in the third spot among backcourt players in the Western Conference. On the other hand, Irving has collected 797,965 fan votes and is ranked fourth, right behind his star teammate.

They have a shot at becoming All-Star starters and have gotten an endorsement from the Tiafoe. The tennis star is worth $8 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. On Tuesday, Tiafoe encouraged fans to keep voting for the star duo via the Mavs' Instagram.

"Hey Maverick fans, Francis Tiafoe here," the tennis star said. "Vote for Kyrie and Luka for All-Star, they're the best backcourt in the league, you already know the deal. Let's get them in there."

Despite being limited to 22 games due to a calf injury, Doncic is still putting up All-Star-caliber numbers. He is averaging 28.1 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on 46.4% shooting. On the other hand, Irving has played 30 games, averaging 24.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists.

Together, they've helped the Mavs secure a 22-17 record in the Western Conference, good for fifth place in the standings.

Jason Kidd shares honest feelings on Luka Doncic’s disqualification from regular-season NBA awards

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Luka Doncic's prolonged absence disqualified him from NBA awards

While fans await Luka Doncic's return to action, there is one disappointing fact about his prolonged absence. Doncic is now disqualified from receiving NBA awards, including the MVP and any All-NBA selection.

The confirmation came after Doncic missed his 17th game of the season. Because of the NBA's 65-game rule, players are required to play at least 65 games to be considered for any postseason awards. The Slovenian star has dealt with a left calf strain for the majority of the 2024-25 NBA season. This ends his streak of receiving five straight All-NBA selections.

Doncic isn't the only star who has been ruled out of consideration for any postseason awards. Zion Williamson, Kawhi Leonard, Joel Embiid, Paolo Banchero, and Chet Holmgren have all missed a significant number of games.

Mavs coach Jason Kidd is disappointed that his star player has been disqualified. However, he's focused on the bigger prize, winning the NBA title.

"Unfortunately he’s not eligible to win the MVP, but it’s a team sport and understanding that we need him back to win the championship," Kidd said. "The individual awards will come, but we’re playing to win a championship and hopefully we can get him back soon."

Kidd also revealed that Doncic is working "extremely hard" to get back on the floor with his teammates.