2025 NBA All-NBA Teams Announced Amid Controversy

NEW YORK, NY — NBA.com’s writers have revealed their picks for the 2024-25 All-NBA First, Second, and Third Teams, leading to lively discussions about team success versus individual performance. As the regular season wraps up, All-NBA recognition is highly anticipated, and this year specifically had several noteworthy trends.

The top picks for the All-NBA First Team include Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers. Gilgeous-Alexander’s performance was crucial, as he led the league in scoring with an average of 32.7 points per game, significantly contributing to the Thunder’s best record in the league at 68 wins. Writers suggest that Gilgeous-Alexander’s success mirrors Derrick Rose‘s MVP achievement in 2011, attributing much of his recognition to team success. Meanwhile, Mitchell was praised for his ability to adapt and opt for team contributions over individual numbers.

In discussing the selections, one writer mentioned, “Donovan Mitchell rounded out my First Team by leading the top team in the East all season long, even sacrificing his stats in favor of team success,” highlighting the balance between individual accolades and overall team contributions.

The second and third teams reflect a mix of seasoned players and emerging talent. LeBron James and Stephen Curry remain formidable forces, proving their longevity with robust performance this season. James, now 40, demonstrated versatility in his play, while Curry, with two 50-point games to his name, cemented his status as one of the league’s top scorers. Their admissions onto the All-NBA Teams are not merely legacy selections but are substantiated by their on-court performances this season.

Notable exclusions from the teams include Devin Booker, Trae Young, and Pascal Siakam, raising questions about the selection criteria, especially regarding the weight given to team success versus individual metrics. As one writer observed, “It figures — now that I’ve surrendered to the ‘positionless’ guideline for these teams, my First Team is no different than if I held out.”

The announcement of the All-NBA Teams comes just as the league prepares for the playoffs. The playoff picture is set, with 20 teams vying for the coveted Larry O’Brien trophy. Both the Eastern and Western Conference playoff brackets look competitive, with the top seeds eyeing deep runs.

The teams are expected to perform under immense pressure, particularly those like the Cavaliers and Thunder, who are seen as strong contenders. Analysts speculate on the potential impact of recent trades and injuries on playoff outcomes, making this postseason one of the most unpredictable in recent history.

As the league transitions to postseason play, discussions surrounding the All-NBA teams will likely continue, prompting debate over criteria and methodology that may shape future selections. The roads several teams have traversed to reach this point highlight a blend of emerging talents and proven veteran leadership.