The Denver Nuggets’ MVP, Nikola Jokić, along with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander from the Oklahoma City Thunder and Luka Dončić of the Dallas Mavericks, were the standout names in the latest All-NBA team selections unveiled on Wednesday.
Alongside these three MVP contenders, the All-NBA first team also featured Giannis Antetokounmpo from the Milwaukee Bucks and Jayson Tatum of the Boston Celtics.
The second team comprises Jalen Brunson from the New York Knicks, Anthony Davis of the Los Angeles Lakers, Anthony Edwards of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Kawhi Leonard from the Los Angeles Clippers, and Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns.
The third team honors went to Devin Booker of the Phoenix Suns, Stephen Curry from the Golden State Warriors, Tyrese Haliburton of the Indiana Pacers, LeBron James of the Lakers, and Domantas Sabonis from the Sacramento Kings.
Both Jokić and Gilgeous-Alexander achieved unanimous first-team selection, each securing all 99 possible votes. Dončić was just short of a perfect score, with 98 first-place votes and one second-place vote. Antetokounmpo and Tatum received 88 and 65 first-place votes, respectively. Jaylen Brown led the non-selected players with 50 votes, followed by Paul George and Tyrese Maxey with 16 each, reported from ESPN.
This selection marks Jokić’s sixth All-NBA mention and comes shortly after his third MVP win in four years. LeBron James made history with his 20th selection, becoming the oldest player at 39 to achieve this feat, adding to his record as the youngest at 20.
For first-timers Brunson, Haliburton, and Edwards, this recognition is a significant milestone. Sabonis also celebrated his second All-NBA nod after missing out on the All-Star Game earlier this year.
Still competing in the playoffs are Dončić, Edwards, Tatum, and Haliburton. Their teams are currently battling in the Conference Finals, with critical games having just taken place.
The implications of these selections extend beyond prestige, potentially leading to substantial financial benefits under the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement. Notably, both Dončić and Gilgeous-Alexander are set for supermax extensions, with Dončić eligible for a record-breaking five-year contract worth approximately $346.4 million, and Gilgeous-Alexander for a four-year deal valued at $294.3 million, via NBA Sports.
Meanwhile, Edwards and Haliburton are positioned to sign enhanced extensions potentially increasing their earnings by $41 million due to their All-NBA selections, showcasing the significant financial impact of these prestigious acknowledgments.