Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Headlines the All-NBA First Team
The NBA unveiled its All-NBA teams on Friday night, with Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander earning the coveted title of league MVP. He was joined on the All-NBA First Team by renowned players including Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, and Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell. This year saw unanimous selections for Gilgeous-Alexander, Jokić, Antetokounmpo, and Tatum, highlighting their elite performances throughout the season.
Key Changes and New Milestones
The 2024-25 season marked Year 2 of the NBA’s position-less All-NBA teams and another year of the strict 65-game minimum requirement for eligibility in awarding All-NBA honors. In contrast, the recently released NBA All-Rookie Teams do not adhere to this game-play minimum. Despite this, veterans like Lakers star LeBron James continued their legendary careers, securing his 21st All-NBA selection, albeit this time as a member of the Second Team.
Notable Absences
Several high-profile players were notably absent from the All-NBA consideration due to insufficient games played. Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant played 62 games, flagship talent Luka Dončić of the Lakers appeared in just 50 games, Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs played 46 games, and Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving also finished with 50 games played.
Historic Achievements
LeBron James has remarkably achieved All-NBA honors for 21 consecutive seasons, a feat unparalleled in NBA history, where no other player has surpassed 16 selections. Icons like Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar each garnered 15 throughout their respective careers.
Furthermore, Warriors star guard Stephen Curry achieved All-NBA recognition for the 11th time, placing him in esteemed company alongside Kevin Durant and Chris Paul. This ongoing success further cements the legacy of these talented players.
First-Time All-NBA Selections
Among the highlights, several players secured their first All-NBA selections. Notably, Oklahoma City Thunder's Jalen Williams, Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham, and Cleveland Cavaliers center Evan Mobley earned their spots, signaling the emergence of fresh talent in the league.
A total of nine additional players received votes for All-NBA honors, listed by votes received: Alperen Şengün (58), Jaren Jackson Jr. (55), Ivica Zubac (15), Darius Garland (6), Domantas Sabonis (4), Pascal Siakam (4), Bam Adebayo (3), Trae Young (3), and Devin Booker (2).
Individual Player Highlights
Jayson Tatum's place in the All-NBA First Team reflects his outstanding performance. This was his fourth consecutive year on the First Team and the fifth time in his career that he has been recognized as an All-NBA player. Tatum now joins an elite group as the fifth Celtic in franchise history to achieve this honor at least four times, a distinction he shares with basketball legends such as Larry Bird and Bob Cousy.
In the 72 games played this season, Tatum averaged 26.8 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 6.0 assists—his highest assist average to date. Additionally, he competes closely with other elite players, being one of just two to reach over 26 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists while playing a minimum of 65 games this season.
Tatum's notable performances include tying for fourth place in the league with 28 games scoring at least 30 points—demonstrating his scoring prowess. Notably, he recorded a 40-point triple-double in December, showcasing his all-around skills and impact on the court.
Final Thoughts and Future Implications
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches its conclusion, the announcements of the All-NBA teams not only celebrate individual achievements but also set the stage for future contract negotiations, particularly for players like Cunningham and Mobley, who showcase promising potential. Overall, the unveiling of these teams encapsulates the evolving landscape of the NBA, highlighting both seasoned legends and the fresh faces ready to make their mark.
This is a developing story, and updates will be provided as more information about the players and their performances becomes available.
Bias Analysis
Key Questions About This Article
