The Unstoppable First Team

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder)

The new MVP led the league with 32.9 points per game while shooting career-best percentages (52.1% FG, 37.2% 3P). His 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game powered OKC's playoff return.

Nikola Jokić (Denver Nuggets)

The Serbian center nearly averaged a triple-double (29.3/12.8/10.2) despite missing 12 games, keeping Denver in championship contention with a 34-19 record.

Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)

The Greek Freak dominated with 30.2 points and 12 rebounds nightly, shooting a career-high 60.1% while leading Milwaukee to 51 wins.

Second Team: Veterans Meet Rising Stars

Luka Dončić (Dallas Mavericks)

Despite putting up 33.5 points and 8.8 assists, Dallas' 42-40 record kept the Slovenian star from first-team honors.

Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors)

The 36-year-old sharpshooter made history with his 12th All-NBA selection, draining 4.4 threes per game at 41.2% accuracy.

Third Team Surprises and Snubs

Cade Cunningham (Detroit Pistons)

The Pistons star revitalized his team with 25.7 points and 9.2 assists, proving his status as a franchise cornerstone.

The Trae Young Controversy

Atlanta's floor general led the league in assists (11.4) but missed selection despite 22.7 points per game, with voters seemingly punishing the Hawks' 38-44 record.

Key Takeaways

The selections highlight the NBA's generational shift, with young stars like Gilgeous-Alexander (25) and Edwards (23) joining veterans like Curry (36) and LeBron (40). However, the exclusion of players like Alperen Şengün (19.1/10.3 for 52-win Houston) raises questions about market size bias in voting.

Looking Ahead

These selections set the stage for an intense playoffs, with Jokić chasing his third title and young stars aiming to prove their worth. The snubs will fuel offseason discussions about refining selection criteria for future honors.