As the regular season of the NBA 2023/24 is nearing its conclusion, it’s time for us to look back at the entire season and make predictions for the awards. The Sporting News predicts the players who will make up the three All-NBA teams for the 2023/24 season.
Starting this season, the NBA has mandated that players who do not play a minimum of 65 games will not be eligible for awards consideration at the end of the season. Therefore, stars like Joel Embiid or Kyrie Irving will be excluded from the list despite their stellar performances.
All-NBA First Team
- Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
- Luka Doncic
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Jayson Tatum
- Nikola Jokic
Gilgeous-Alexander, Doncic, Antetokounmpo, and Jokic are the standouts at their positions, and they are also strong contenders for the MVP title this season.
Jokic continues to prove he is the most well-rounded player in the current NBA. The Serbian center is an unstoppable scorer and also the top playmaker for the Denver Nuggets this season. He is the frontrunner for the MVP title and deserves a spot on the All-NBA First Team.
Competing with Jokic in the MVP race is Gilgeous-Alexander. The former LA Clippers guard is having a breakout season with the OKC Thunder. Gilgeous-Alexander is both the primary scorer and the leader of the young Thunder squad.
Doncic is simply unstoppable. No defense can contain the Slovenian star. He has improved his stepback ability this season, making his 1-on-1 situations even more unpredictable and dangerous, as evidenced by his 73-point performance against the Atlanta Hawks. If opponents choose to double-team Doncic, don’t forget he’s also a highly skilled playmaker.
The final spot on the first team goes to Tatum. He is the number one star for the Boston Celtics, who are expected to lead the NBA after the regular season. Tatum’s versatility on both offense and defense is the reason he deserves a place on the NBA’s First Team.
All-NBA Second Team
- Anthony Edwards
- Jalen Brunson
- Kawhi Leonard
- Kevin Durant
- Anthony Davis
The Minnesota Timberwolves are one of the biggest surprises this season, going from just 42 wins last season to leading the Western Conference with 54 wins and still having 4 games to improve. One of the reasons for the Wolves’ transformation is the remarkable growth of Anthony Edwards. His outstanding scoring ability and stability, especially late in games, have been key to the Wolves overcoming tough opponents.
Jalen Brunson has been leading the New York Knicks through a challenging season. With Mitchell Robinson and Julius Randle frequently sidelined due to injuries, Brunson has been the one to lift the team. Not only fulfilling offensive duties, Brunson has also made significant progress in his defensive support this season.
After several seasons plagued by injuries, Kawhi Leonard has returned to his formidable self on both ends of the court. The Klaw is one of the best 1v1 defenders in the NBA, while on the offensive end, he poses a significant threat with his scoring skills from all ranges.
The Los Angeles Lakers’ late-season surge owes much to Anthony Davis. He is one of the top five defenders this season, averaging 2.4 blocks per game. Additionally, the Lakers’ center is also a proficient offensive player with 3.1 offensive rebounds per game and a shooting percentage of 55.4%.
Rounding out the list is Kevin Durant. At the age of 35, Durant is still performing at his peak with 27.4 points per game, ranking fifth this season. Durant maintains a three-point shooting percentage of 41.8% and also serves as a solid defender for the Phoenix Suns.
All-NBA Third Team
- Stephen Curry
- Tyrese Haliburton
- De’Aaron Fox
- LeBron James
- Victor Wembanyama
Stephen Curry hasn’t had as strong of a season as last year, with declines in scoring, shooting, and passing. However, The Chef remains one of the top players in the NBA, especially in late-game situations. Curry still showcases his elite skills and consistently shines when his team faces adversity.
Haliburton slowed down in the latter half of the season, dealing with a wrist injury and the departure of his reliable partner, Buddy Heild, which affected his performance. Nevertheless, Haliburton has demonstrated his class, with his passing, speed, and exceptional playmaking abilities being central to the Pacers’ fast-paced style of play.
The Sacramento Kings deserve a representative in the All-NBA team, and that should be De’Aaron Fox. He is a quick and versatile guard with strong shooting and driving abilities. Particularly, Fox excels as one of the best players in late-game situations.
LeBron James continues to defy age at 39. When focused, James is one of the top defenders in the NBA and remains a significant offensive threat. Both physically and technically, James matches up with any star in the league at the moment.
Wembanyama might be a controversial choice given the poor performance of the San Antonio Spurs this season. However, the French rookie deserves recognition as a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year award, showcasing effective offense despite being in a struggling team.
The All-NBA Team voted by Sporting News
First Team | Second Team | Third Team |
---|---|---|
Luka Doncic | Jalen Brunson | Tyrese Haliburton |
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | Anthony Edwards | Stephen Curry |
Jayson Tatum | Kawhi Leonard | De’Aaron Fox |
Giannis Antetokounmpo | Kevin Durant | LeBron James |
Nikola Jokic | Anthony Davis | Victor Wembanyama |
Other candidates include
Devin Booker (Phoenix Suns): A key scorer for the Suns, Booker has been consistent and impactful throughout the season.
Domantas Sabonis (Sacramento Kings): Sabonis has displayed versatility and strong performance, contributing both offensively and defensively.
Paul George (LA Clippers): Despite some injury setbacks, George has remained a top player for the Clippers with his impressive performances.
Jaylen Brown (Boston Celtics): Brown has been integral to the Celtics’ success, contributing on both ends of the floor despite battling injuries.
Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat): Adebayo’s versatility and impact on both offense and defense make him a notable candidate.
Rudy Gobert (Utah Jazz): Known for his defensive prowess, Gobert’s impact on the Jazz’s defense makes him a candidate for consideration.
Tyrese Maxey (Philadelphia 76ers): Maxey has shown promise and growth throughout the season, making him a candidate for recognition.
Kristaps Porzingis (Dallas Mavericks): Porzingis has been a key contributor to the Mavericks’ success with his scoring and rim protection.
Zion Williamson (New Orleans Pelicans): Despite injury setbacks, Williamson’s scoring ability and athleticism make him a candidate for recognition.
Brandon Ingram (New Orleans Pelicans): Ingram has been a consistent scorer for the Pelicans, showcasing his offensive skills throughout the season.
DeMar DeRozan (Chicago Bulls): DeRozan’s scoring and playmaking have been crucial for the Bulls’ success this season.
Damian Lillard (Portland Trail Blazers): Lillard’s scoring and leadership make him a candidate for recognition despite the Trail Blazers’ struggles.