The NBA debuted a new rule this season stipulating that players must participate in a minimum of 65 games to qualify for awards. This has led to star players missing fewer games, resulting in one of the most competitive and exciting seasons in recent memory. With only one week remaining before the playoffs, it’s time to unveil my picks for the All-NBA teams.
First Team:
- Guard: Luka Doncic (5th): Doncic is putting up historic numbers and has propelled his team back into championship contention after missing the playoffs last season.
- Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2nd): Renowned for his defensive prowess, Gilgeous-Alexander currently ranks third in points per game this season.
- Forward: Jayson Tatum (4th): Tatum stands out as the best player on the league-leading team; anything less than a finals win would be deemed a disappointment.
- Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo (8th): The NBA’s premier athlete continues to elevate his game, posting career-high assist numbers alongside his usual dominance.
- Center: Nikola Jokic (6th): Jokic is the front-runner for his third MVP award and has guided his team to the second seed in the Western Conference.
Second Team:
- Guard: Anthony Edwards (1st): Despite facing adversity with injuries to key teammates, Edwards has led the Western Conference’s top team admirably.
- Guard: Jalen Brunson (1st): Brunson’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding his injury-plagued team to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference.
- Forward: LeBron James (20th): Aging gracefully, LeBron continues to shine, propelling his team to 11 wins above .500 despite surrounding talent limitations.
- Forward: Kevin Durant (11th): Durant remains unstoppable on the court, displaying prowess comparable to his pre-injury form.
- Center: Anthony Davis (5th): Davis has maintained his status as a top-10 player and notably avoided injury throughout the season.
Third Team:
- Guard: Devin Booker (2nd): Booker has sustained his scoring dominance while demonstrating improved playmaking skills this season.
- Guard: Stephen Curry (10th): Although Curry’s numbers have dipped slightly, he remains an elite talent; however, his team’s championship aspirations have waned.
- Forward: Jaylen Brown (2nd): Brown may not boast eye-popping statistics, but as the second option on the league’s best team, his impact is undeniable.
- Forward: Kawhi Leonard (6th): Leonard has reaffirmed his status as one of the league’s premier talents, excelling on both ends of the court when healthy.
- Center: Domantas Sabonis (2nd): Sabonis has showcased his versatility with a record-setting streak of double-doubles and leads the league in triple-doubles.
All Snub Team:
- Guard: Tyrese Haliburton: Despite a decline in production post All-Star break, Haliburton remains a promising talent.
- Guard: De’Aaron Fox: Fox’s impressive numbers haven’t translated to team success, likely contributing to his exclusion.
- Forward: Paul George: Despite being the second option on a talented team, George’s numbers fall short of All-NBA standards.
- Forward: Paolo Banchero: Banchero has been a standout for the surprising Orlando Magic and is poised for future All-NBA recognition.
- Center: Rudy Gobert: Gobert’s defensive prowess is unmatched, but his team’s performance may have influenced his snub, though he remains likely to secure his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award.
