Let the debates begin.
The NBA released its All-NBA teams Thursday afternoon, and leading the pack were Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetekounmpo and Houston Rockets guard James Harden, who were unanimously selected.
Antetokounmpo’s had a stellar season, averaging career-highs in points (25.9), rebounds (12.3) and blocks (1.9), while adding 4.9 assists.
Harden, who’s looking to repeat as league MVP, received his third straight unanimous selection. This season, he led the league in scoring — for the second straight year — with 36.1 points per game, and added 7.5 assists, 6.6 rebounds and two steals per outing.
Rounding out the rest of the first team were Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic.
The second team featured notable All-Stars such as Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, Boston Celtics guard Kyrie Irving, Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard, Golden State Warriors forward Kevin Durant and Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.
For the first time in his career, Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was named to the third team. But on the bright side, he became the fourth player in league history to earn 15 All-NBA selections, tying Kareem Abdul-Jabaar, Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan.
Joining him was Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook, Detroit Pistons forward Blake Griffin and Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert.
All-NBA teams have recently become more than a list of the top fifteen players in the league.
Some players can earn extra money if selected to an All-NBA team.
The teams are selected by sportswriters and broadcasters across the nation who cover the league.
Walker, who will become an unrestricted free agent this summer, is now eligible for a supermax contract.
Antetekounmpo can sign also sign a supermax next summer, which could potentially be the richest contract in NBA history.
The ramifications for missing an All-NBA team can be costly as well.
Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson and Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal are still eligible for max deals, but missed out on the supermax — roughly an extra $30 million — by not making an All-NBA team.
Who do you think got snubbed? Drop a comment.
The Curtis Critique 