Nikola Jokic has once again made headlines, leading this year’s All-NBA teams after securing his third MVP award in four years. The Denver Nuggets center has been a dominant force in the league, earning his sixth consecutive All-NBA selection and fourth overall first-team nod. This year, the award shifted to a positionless format, allowing Nikola Jokic to shine amidst fierce competition.
Nikola Jokic and the Unstoppable First Team
Nikola Jokic’s stellar performance throughout the season has been unmatched, especially in a year where the first-team All-NBA selection became positionless. Joining Nikola Jokic on the first team are Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic, Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum.
This marks the sixth straight first-team selection for Antetokounmpo, fifth for Luka Doncic, third for Tatum, and second for Gilgeous-Alexander. Notably, Nikola Jokic and Gilgeous-Alexander were the only unanimous first-team picks.
Luka Doncic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander: Future Supermax Stars
For Luka Doncic and Gilgeous-Alexander, their All-NBA selections are more than just accolades; they pave the way for record-breaking supermax extensions in 2025. Doncic is eligible for a five-year deal worth approximately $346 million, starting at nearly $60 million in 2026-27 and ending at about $79 million in 2030-31.
Similarly, Gilgeous-Alexander can sign a four-year extension worth around $294 million, starting in 2027-28 at $65 million and culminating in an unprecedented $81 million in 2030-31.
Rising Stars and Financial Boosts
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton also benefit significantly from their All-NBA selections. Both players, who agreed to extensions last summer, will see their deals increase in value to about $245 million over the next five seasons. Haliburton’s achievement is particularly notable as he becomes the first Pacers player to make an All-NBA team since Victor Oladipo in 2018.
New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson joins the second team, making him the first Knicks guard to earn an All-NBA selection since Walt “Clyde” Frazier in the 1974-75 season. Brunson’s leadership was instrumental in guiding New York to the second round of the playoffs.
Veterans and Legends
The second team features seasoned players like Phoenix’s Kevin Durant, who earned his 11th selection, tying for the 12th most in NBA history. LA Clippers forward Kawhi Leonard, LA Lakers’ Anthony Davis, and Jalen Brunson also made the second team.
On the third team, Sacramento Kings center Domantas Sabonis, Suns guard Devin Booker, and Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry secured their spots. Notably, LeBron James, at 39, became the oldest player to make an All-NBA team. This selection marks his 20th in 21 seasons, the most in NBA history. James received one first-team vote, maintaining his streak of receiving at least one in 19 of his 21 seasons.
The New 65-Game Rule
This year, the All-NBA selection process was influenced by the newly implemented 65-game rule for top awards. This rule excluded several notable players such as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell, New York Knicks forward Julius Randle, and Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, who made All-NBA last season but didn’t qualify this year.
Looking Ahead
Nikola Jokic‘s dominance continues to shape the NBA landscape, while rising stars and seasoned veterans alike are set for significant financial gains and career milestones. As the league evolves with new rules and formats, the All-NBA teams remain a testament to the exceptional talent and competitive spirit that define the sport.
