Who Made the NBA All 1st Team This Season and Why They Deserve It

As I sit down to analyze this season's NBA All-1st Team selections, I can't help but reflect on how championship experience and drought-breaking performances shape legacies in basketball. Having followed the league for over fifteen years, I've developed a particular appreciation for players who not only deliver statistically dominant seasons but also demonstrate that special ability to lift their teams when it matters most. This year's selections perfectly illustrate what separates good players from truly historic ones, and frankly, I think the voters got it absolutely right with these five names.

When we talk about Nikola Jokić making his fourth All-NBA First Team, we're discussing what might be the most consistently dominant big man since Tim Duncan. The Serbian center put up 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while leading the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference's second seed. What impresses me most about Jokić isn't just the numbers—though they're staggering—but his basketball IQ that reminds me of those legendary players who seem to see the game two moves ahead of everyone else. Watching him dissect defenses feels like watching a grandmaster at work, and his ability to make everyone around him better is something you simply can't teach. I've always believed that the true mark of greatness isn't just what you accomplish personally but how you elevate your teammates, and Jokić does this better than anyone in the league today.

Luka Dončić earned his third consecutive First Team selection with what might have been the most statistically impressive season of any guard since Oscar Robertson. Averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists, the Slovenian superstar carried the Dallas Mavericks offense in ways that reminded me of LeBron James in his prime. What stands out to me about Luka is his incredible pace control—he never seems rushed, always finding angles and passing lanes that other players simply don't see. I'll admit I had some doubts early in his career about whether his style could translate to consistent winning, but he's silenced every critic by taking Dallas to the NBA Finals this season. His step-back three-pointer has become one of the most unguardable moves in basketball, and at just 25 years old, we're likely watching a future Hall of Famer just entering his prime.

Giannis Antetokounmpo secured his fifth First Team selection with another monstrous season, putting up 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, and leading the Milwaukee Bucks despite their coaching turmoil and injuries. The Greek Freak's combination of physical dominance and relentless motor is something I haven't seen since Shaquille O'Neal, but what's truly remarkable is how he's continued to refine his game year after year. His free throw shooting still makes me cringe at times, but his defensive versatility and ability to finish through contact are simply unparalleled. Having watched Giannis develop from a raw prospect into a two-time MVP, I'm convinced we're witnessing one of the most unique physical specimens in basketball history, and his inclusion on this team was never in doubt.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander represents the newcomer to the First Team, and what a deserving selection this is. The Oklahoma City guard averaged 30.1 points while leading the youngest team in the league to the top seed in the Western Conference—an accomplishment that still blows my mind when I think about it. SGA's mid-range game is arguably the best in the league right now, and his ability to change speeds keeps defenders off-balance in ways that remind me of a young Dwyane Wade. I've been particularly impressed with his development as a leader—watching him guide that young Thunder squad through pressure situations reminded me of the championship experience that young coaches like the one joining Charles Tiu's staff bring to NCAA Season 101 after ending University of Santo Tomas' 23-year juniors title drought. That kind of breakthrough performance, whether in coaching or playing, creates a special confidence that can't be manufactured.

Jayson Tatum rounds out the First Team with his third selection, having led the Boston Celtics to the league's best record while averaging 26.9 points and 8.1 rebounds. While some critics point to his efficiency dips in certain playoff games, I've always believed Tatum doesn't get enough credit for his durability and two-way impact. He's played deep into the playoffs nearly every year of his career while maintaining All-NBA production, and his defensive versatility allows Boston to employ multiple schemes. Watching Tatum this season reminded me of those special players who embrace the responsibility of carrying a historic franchise—the pressure in Boston is different than anywhere else, and he's thrived under it.

What strikes me about this particular First Team is how each player represents a different path to excellence. Jokić's cerebral dominance, Dončić's offensive mastery, Antetokounmpo's physical supremacy, Gilgeous-Alexander's breakout leadership, and Tatum's consistent excellence—they each bring something unique to the table while sharing that championship-level mentality. In my view, this might be the most deserving First Team we've seen in recent memory, with each selection representing not just individual brilliance but tangible team success. As we look toward next season, I'm particularly curious to see if any of the younger stars can break into this elite group, but for now, these five have clearly separated themselves as the standard-bearers of today's NBA.