On Tuesday, the NBA announced the All-NBA teams in a tradition that’s lasted 75 years, beginning with the league’s conception in 1946.
In what’s become one of the most arduous processes, with so much talent at every position and only 15 spots to fill, debates have raged about players thought to have been snubbed. Nonetheless, most would be hard pressed not to agree with the honorees.
All-NBA First Team
The 2020-21 All-NBA First Team:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021
🏀 Giannis Antetokounmpo
🏀 Stephen Curry
🏀 Luka Dončić
🏀 Nikola Jokić
🏀 Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/WYSz2le2Be
The recently crowned Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokić (99 votes); Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (100 votes); and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (98 votes) dominated the 2020-21 All-NBA First Team voting.
Dallas Mavericks point guard Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard rounded out the top five players on the All-NBA First Team.
All-NBA Second Team
The 2020-21 All-NBA Second Team:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021
🏀 Joel Embiid
🏀 LeBron James
🏀 Damian Lillard
🏀 Chris Paul
🏀 Julius Randle pic.twitter.com/t5iZu1MahA
With his second team selection, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James added to his record for most All-NBA Team selections with 17, including: 13 First Team selections (also a record), three Second Team selections and one Third Team selection. Friend and Phoenix Suns point guard Chris Paul collected his 10th All-NBA Team selection, which ranks second among active players behind LeBron.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid and New York Knicks power forward Julius Randle—the 2020-21 Most Improved Player—rounded out the Second Team.
All-NBA Third Team
The 2020-21 All-NBA Third Team:
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2021
🏀 Bradley Beal
🏀 Jimmy Butler
🏀 Paul George
🏀 Rudy Gobert
🏀 Kyrie Irving pic.twitter.com/s4aEK3ivcs
With his selection, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal made his first All-NBA team after battling Curry for the NBA’s 2020-21 scoring title. Los Angeles Clippers wing Paul George made his All-NBA sixth team while three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler each notched their fourth selections.
Brooklyn Nets guard Kyrie Irving made his third All-NBA team.
The All-NBA teams were voted in by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters. Voters select two guards, two forwards and one center for each team.
