There are some NBA players who are having great seasons that are not eligible for my All-NBA teams due to not meeting the minimum number of games played. According to the NBA rules, a player must have played in at least 58 games (70% of their team’s games) in the regular season to be eligible for the scoring title and, therefore in my book, the All-NBA teams as well.
Moving forward, the NBA is increasing the minimum games played requirement to 65 games to be eligible for the All-NBA teams. This change was made to encourage players to take better care of their bodies and play more games, which ultimately benefits the fans and the league as a whole. So if you want to make the big bucks by making an All-NBA team… PLAY!
1st Team All NBA
- PG – Damian Lillard – Portland Trail Blazers
- SG – Luka Doncic – Dallas Mavericks
- SF – Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics
- PF – Giannis Antekokuunmpo – Milwaukee Bucks
- C – Joel Embiid – Philadelphia 76ers
PG Damian Lillard: Damian Lillard had another incredible season with the Portland Trail Blazers, averaging 32.2 points per game on 46.3% shooting from the field, 37.1% from 3-point range, and 91.4% from the line. He also contributed 4.8 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game. Lillard was a shining star on a dismal and disappointing 33-49 Blazers team this season. Lillard is one of the best guards in the league, and with Steph Curry only playing 56 games this season, the way was made clear for Damian to make the 1st Team All-NBA.
SG Luka Doncic: Luka Doncic was one of the best players in the league once again this season, averaging 32.4 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game for the Dallas Mavericks. He shot 49.6% from the field and 34.2% from 3-point range. Doncic led the Mavericks to a shocking 38-44 record, which left them out of the playoffs. The mid-season trade for Kyrie Irving shook up the team, and not even Luka’s brilliance could will them into the playoffs. Doncic is one of the most talented young players in the league and is very deserving of this spot on the 1st Team All-NBA.
SF Jayson Tatum: Tatum had a breakout season for the Boston Celtics this year, averaging 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game. He shot 46.6% from the field and 35.0% from 3-point range. Tatum led the Celtics to a 57-25 record and the 2nd seed in the Eastern Conference. Tatum has established himself as one of the best players in the league, and really took his game to the next level this season, earning him a spot on the 1st Team All-NBA.
PF Giannis Antetokounmpo: Giannis had another fantastic season for the Milwaukee Bucks, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game. He shot 55.3% from the field and 27.5% from 3-point range. Antetokounmpo led the Bucks to a 58-24 record and the 1st seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. He had dominant performances throughout the season, is one of the best players in the league, and is a lock for the 1st Team All-NBA.
C Joel Embiid: Joel Embiid had an incredible season for the Philadelphia 76ers, averaging 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game. He shot 54.8% from the field and 33.0% from 3-point range. He also shot an impressive 85.7% from the line, which is very impressive for a big man, and got him alot of those 33ppg. Embiid led the 76ers to a 54-28 record, and the 3rd seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. Embiid is one of the most dominant players in the league. He took the MVP from Jokic this year, and also grabs his spot on the 1st Team All-NBA.
2nd Team All NBA
- PG – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Oklahoma City Thunder
- SG – Donovan Mitchell – Cleveland Cavaliers
- SF – Jaylen Brown – Boston Celtics
- PF – Julius Randle – New York Knicks
- C – Nikola Jokic – Denver Nuggets
PG Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Shai has been the clear standout on a rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder team this season, and in his 5th season has taken a giant leap forward. He was a monster for the Thunder this season, averaging 31.4 points per game, along with 6.1 assists and 4.8 rebounds. His scoring average was 4th in the league, and he has shown an ability to get to the free throw line, shooting over 90% from there. Despite being on a losing team, Shai has had a huge impact on his team, and has shown he can be a franchise player.
SG Donovan Mitchell: Donovan has continued his progression as a star player in the league, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to one of the 4th seed in the Eastern Conference. He averaged 26.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game this year. He was efficient as well, shooting over 48% from the field and 38% from three. Donovan was a key component of the Cav’s success this season, and has continued to improve as a player.
SF Jaylen Brown: Jaylen has been a consistent scoring threat for the Boston Celtics, averaging 26.6 points per game, and has become nearly impossible to stop on offense. He has emerged as a stopper on the defensive end, averaging 1.1 steals per game, and he has been extremely efficient shooting over 49.1% from the field. Jaylen’s tenacity and alpha mentality has elevated his play this year, and propelled him into the Second Team All-NBA.
PF Julius Randle: Julius has been a breakout player for the New York Knicks this season, leading them to the 5th seed in that playoffs. He has averaged 25.1 points, 10.0 rebounds, and 4.1 assists per game, making him one of the most versatile players in the league. His scoring and rebounding averages are both in the top 20 in the league, and he has been a big reason for the Knicks’ success this season.
C Nikola Jokic: Nikola has continued to show why he is one of the best players in the league, leading the Denver Nuggets to the top playoff spot in the West. He has averaged 24.5 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game, making him a triple-double threat every night. His rebounding and assist averages are both in the top 10 in the league, and he has been the driving force behind the Nuggets’ success this season. He is a complete beast on the court, but was bumped down to second team due to the monster season by Embiid.
3rd Team All NBA
- PG – Ja Morant – Memphis Grizzlies
- SG – Trae Young – Atlanta Hawks
- SF – Zach Lavine – Chicago Bulls
- PF – Lauri Markkanen – Utah Jazz
- C – Pascal Siakam – Toronto Raptors
PG – Ja Morant: Ja Morant is an exciting young player who has continued to improve in his third season. He has been a key player for the Memphis Grizzlies, leading them to the playoffs. He is averaging 26.2 points, 8.1 assists, and 5.9 rebounds per game while shooting 46.6% from the field. He has also been a solid defender, averaging 1.1 steals per game. Morant’s playmaking ability and scoring touch make him a valuable asset for his team and a player deserving of a spot on the All-NBA third team.
SG – Trae Young: Trae Young has continued to impress in his fourth season in the league, leading the Atlanta Hawks to the playoffs. He is averaging 26.6 points and 10.2 assists per game while shooting 42.9% from the field. Young’s ability to create for himself and others has made him a difficult matchup for opposing teams. His impact on the Hawks’ success this season is undeniable, earning him a spot on the All-NBA third team.
SF – Zach Lavine: Zach Lavine has been a bright spot for the Chicago Bulls this season, leading them to their first playoff appearance since 2017. He is averaging 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. He has also been a great three-point shooter, making 2.6 threes per game at a 37.5% clip. Lavine’s scoring ability has been crucial for the Bulls this season, and his impact on their success cannot be overlooked. He is deserving of a spot on the All-NBA third team.
PF – Lauri Markkanen: Lauri Markkanen has been a valuable player for the Utah Jazz this season, averaging 25.6 points and 8.6 rebounds per game while shooting 49.9% from the field. He has also been a solid three-point shooter, making 3 threes per game at a 39.2% clip. Markkanen’s ability to stretch the floor and score in a variety of ways has been crucial for the Jazz. He is more than deserving of a spot on the All-NBA third team.
C – Pascal Siakam: Pascal Siakam has been a key player for the Toronto Raptors this season, averaging 24.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game while shooting 48.0% from the field. He has also been a solid defender, averaging 0.9 steals and 0.5 blocks per game. Siakam’s versatility and all-around play have been important for the Raptors, who have been competitive despite being outside the playoff picture this year. He rounds out the last spot on the All-NBA third team.
Unfortunately, some of the league’s biggest stars have not played in enough games this season to be eligible for the All-NBA teams. These players include Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Kevin Booker, Kawhi Leonard, LeBron James, and Anthony Davis.
It’s important to note that even though some of the league’s biggest stars may not be eligible for my All-NBA teams this year, there are still plenty of talented players above who have met the minimum games played requirement and are having great seasons.