Making the All-NBA First Team is an honor that a player will cherish forever because it essentially means he was one of the top-five performing players throughout a regular season. LeBron James leads all NBA players all time with 13 total First-Team appearances, followed by Kobe Bryant and Karl Malone who each have 11 selections. Based on the last 20 years, we have collected the NBA stars with the most All-NBA First Team selections.
- 1. LeBron James – 13
- 2. Kobe Bryant – 8
- 3. Kevin Durant – 6
- 4. James Harden – 6
- 5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 6
- 6. Luka Doncic – 5
- 7. Dwight Howard – 5
- 8. Dirk Nowitzki – 4
- 9. Chris Paul – 4
- 10. Stephen Curry – 4
- 11. Nikola Jokic – 4
- 12. Anthony Davis – 4
- 13. Tim Duncan – 3
- 14. Steve Nash – 3
- 15. Kawhi Leonard – 3
- 16. Jayson Tatum – 3
- 17. Shaquille O’Neal – 2
- 18. Dwyane Wade – 2
- 19. Russell Westbrook – 2
- 20. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 2
1. LeBron James – 13
All-NBA First Teams (2006, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2020)
LeBron James has dominated the NBA landscape for over two decades, with a remarkable 13 selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His first selection came in 2006, marking the beginning of a career that has made him one of the greatest players in basketball history.
Key moments over this span include leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first NBA Finals appearance in 2007, winning his first NBA championship with the Miami Heat in 2012, and returning to Cleveland to deliver the Cavaliers their first NBA title in 2016. He continued his success with the Los Angeles Lakers, leading them to the NBA championship in 2020.
Statistically, LeBron James has consistently ranked among the top in points, assists, and steals throughout his career. His ability to impact the game in multiple facets has set him apart from his peers. In addition to his scoring prowess, James is known for his ability to elevate the play of his teammates, demonstrated by his numerous playoff appearances and deep runs into the postseason.
2. Kobe Bryant – 8
All-NBA First Teams (2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013)
Kobe Bryant, the greatest shooting guard of all time behind Michael Jordan, earned eight selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His career spanned two decades and was defined by his competitive spirit, scoring ability, and clutch performances.
Bryant’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2000, marking the beginning of an illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He was pivotal in the Lakers’ three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002 and again in 2009 and 2010. Known for his work ethic and dedication to the game, Bryant’s career was highlighted by his scoring ability, footwork, and versatility as a shooting guard.
Key moments in his career include his 81-point game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006, which stands as the second-highest single-game scoring performance in NBA history. Statistically, Bryant finished his career with over 33,000 points, ranking him among the top five scorers in NBA history, and dominated the early 2000s and early 2010s with the Lakers.
3. Kevin Durant – 6
All-NBA First Teams (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2018)
Kevin Durant, known for his scoring prowess and versatility, has earned six selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His ability to score from anywhere on the court, coupled with his length and basketball IQ, has made him one of the most formidable offensive players in NBA history.
Durant’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2010, shortly after he led the Oklahoma City Thunder to the NBA Finals in 2012. He later joined the Golden State Warriors, where he won two NBA championships in 2017 and 2018 and earned additional All-NBA First Team selections.
Key moments in Durant’s career include winning back-to-back NBA Finals MVP awards in 2017 and 2018, solidifying his status as one of the best players in the league. He has consistently been among the league leaders in scoring and has also been recognized for his ability to rebound and block shots.
4. James Harden – 6
All-NBA First Teams (2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
James Harden’s unique style of play, including his step-back three-pointer and ability to draw fouls, has made him one of the most dangerous offensive players in the league. Harden’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2014, shortly after he was traded to the Houston Rockets. He quickly established himself as a scoring machine, leading the league in scoring in three seasons and earning the NBA scoring title in 2018.
Key moments in Harden’s career include winning the NBA MVP award in 2018 and finishing as the runner-up in MVP voting in 2015 and 2017. He has consistently been among the league leaders in points per game, assists per game, and free throws made, demonstrating his all-around offensive prowess.
Statistically, Harden has averaged over 25 points per game throughout his career, with a career-high of 36.1 points per game during the 2018-19 season. He has also been a prolific playmaker, averaging over 7 assists per game in 10 seasons and leading the league in assists in 2017 and 2023.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo – 6
All-NBA First Teams (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2017, marking the beginning of his rise to superstardom with the Milwaukee Bucks. He won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2019 and 2020, becoming the first player since Steph Curry to win the award in consecutive seasons.
Key moments in Antetokounmpo’s career include leading the Bucks to the NBA championship in 2021, where he was named Finals MVP after a historic performance in Game 6 when he dropped 50 points. He has consistently been among the league leaders in points, rebounds, and blocks, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor.
Statistically, Antetokounmpo has averaged over 20 points per game throughout his career, with a career-high of 30.4 points per game during the 2020-21 season. He has also been a key contributor to Team Giannis in the All-Star Game, winning MVP honors in 2021.
6. Luka Doncic – 5
All-NBA First Team Selections (2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024)
Luka Doncic, the young phenom from Slovenia, has earned five selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. Despite his relatively short NBA career thus far, Doncic has quickly established himself as one of the league’s brightest stars with his exceptional skill set and basketball IQ.
Doncic’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2020, just one year after being drafted by the Dallas Mavericks with the third overall pick and completing his rookie season. He has since become the face of the franchise and a focal point of their offense, displaying remarkable scoring ability, playmaking skills, and clutch performances.
Key moments in Doncic’s career include winning the NBA Rookie of the Year award in 2019 and leading the Mavericks to the playoffs in 2021 and 2022 while making the Western Conference Finals in 2022 and 2024. He has been known for his ability to deliver in high-pressure situations, often hitting game-winning shots and recording triple-doubles.
7. Dwight Howard – 5
All-NBA First Team Selections (2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012)
Dwight Howard, known for his dominant presence in the paint and defensive prowess, earned five selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His athleticism, shot-blocking ability, and rebounding skills made him one of the most dominant centers of his era.
Key moments in Howard’s career include winning the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award three times in a row from 2009 to 2011 and leading the league in rebounds per game for multiple seasons. He was also a key member of Team USA, winning a gold medal at the 2008 Olympics in Beijing.
Statistically, Howard averaged 15.7 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 1.8 blocks per game throughout his career. He has been known for his durability, playing in over 1,200 regular-season games and maintaining a high level of performance on the defensive end.
8. Dirk Nowitzki – 4
All-NBA First Teams (2005, 2006, 2007, 2009)
Dirk Nowitzki’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2005, following several seasons of establishing himself as one of the premier scorers in the NBA. He led the Dallas Mavericks to the NBA Finals in 2006 and was instrumental in their success during the 2000s and early 2010s.
Key moments in Nowitzki’s career include winning the NBA MVP award in 2007, leading the Mavericks to their first NBA championship in 2011, and becoming the first European-born player to win the Finals MVP award. He was known for his iconic fadeaway jumper and his ability to score from anywhere on the court.
Statistically, Nowitzki finished his career with over 31,000 points, ranking him among the top 10 scorers in NBA history. He was also an exceptional shooter, with career averages of over 47% from the field and 38% from three-point range.
9. Chris Paul – 4
All-NBA First Teams (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014)
Chris Paul’s exceptional court vision, leadership, and defensive skills have made him a perennial All-Star and a respected veteran in the league. Paul’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2008, shortly after being drafted by the New Orleans Hornets (now Pelicans).
He quickly established himself as one of the top point guards in the league, leading the Hornets to playoff appearances and earning multiple All-Star selections. Key moments in Paul’s career include leading the league in assists five times and steals six times, demonstrating his ability to impact the game on both ends of the court. He has been known for his ability to control the pace of the game, make timely plays, and elevate the play of his teammates.
Statistically, Paul has averaged 17.5 points, 9.4 assists, and 2.1 steals per game throughout his career. He has consistently been among the league leaders in assists per game and has been recognized for his defensive skills with nine All-Defensive Team selections.
10. Stephen Curry – 4
All-NBA First Team Selections (2015, 2016, 2019, 2021)
Stephen Curry, known for his incredible shooting range and playmaking abilities, has earned 4 selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His impact on the game of basketball has been profound, revolutionizing the way three-point shooting is viewed and establishing himself as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
His resume included winning the NBA MVP award twice, in 2015 and 2016, and being instrumental in the Warriors’ success during their four championship runs. He has been known for his ability to score in bunches, his exceptional ball-handling skills, and his leadership on and off the court as one of the greatest players of the late 2010s and early 2020s.
11. Nikola Jokic – 4
All-NBA First Team Selections (2019, 2021, 2022, 2024)
Nikola Jokic, known for his unique skill set as a passing center, has earned four selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. He has quickly become the centerpiece of the Nuggets’ offense and a perennial MVP candidate. Key moments in Jokic’s career include winning the NBA MVP award in 2021 and becoming the first center to win the award since Shaquille O’Neal in 2000.
He has consistently been among the league leaders in points, rebounds, assists, and triple-doubles, demonstrating his versatility and impact on the game. Statistically, Jokic has averaged over 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 6 assists per game throughout his career. He has been known for his exceptional passing ability, leading the Nuggets in assists and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Since his first MVP trophy, he has won two more and also has an NBA title and Finals MVP to his name which could mean Jokic could one day have one of the best resumes of all time before he retires.
12. Anthony Davis – 4
All-NBA First Team Selections (2015, 2017, 2018, 2020)
Anthony Davis, known for his versatility and defensive prowess, has earned four selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the court as a power forward and center has made him one of the top players in the league.
Davis’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2015, following several seasons of establishing himself as a dominant force with the New Orleans Pelicans (now Pelicans). He quickly became known for his shot-blocking ability, rebounding, and scoring in the paint.
Key moments in Davis’s career include leading the league in blocks per game three times and being named to nine NBA All-Star teams. He has consistently been among the league leaders in points, rebounds, and blocks, demonstrating his impact on both ends of the floor.
13. Tim Duncan – 3
All-NBA First Team Selections (2005, 2007, 2013)
Tim Duncan’s dominance in the late 1990s and early 2000s was unparalleled. He led the San Antonio Spurs to NBA championships in 1999, 2003, 2005, and 2007, establishing himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. His ability to score in the post, rebound, and defend made him a force on both ends of the court.
Key moments in Duncan’s career during this period include winning the NBA MVP award in 2002 and 2003, as well as the Finals MVP award in 1999, 2003, and 2005. He consistently averaged double-doubles in points and rebounds, showcasing his versatility and reliability. In the regular season, Duncan’s consistency was unmatched, playing in over 1,300 regular-season games and maintaining a high level of performance throughout his career. He was a key contributor to the Spurs’ success, leading their iconic dynasty.
14. Steve Nash – 3
All-NBA First Team Selections (2005, 2006, 2007)
Steve Nash, known for his exceptional playmaking and shooting ability, earned 3 selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His impact on the game of basketball was profound, particularly during his time with the Phoenix Suns.
Nash’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2005, following a season where he led the Suns to the best record in the NBA. He continued to excel in the following seasons, guiding the Suns to deep playoff runs and becoming a two-time NBA MVP in 2005 and 2006.
Key moments in Nash’s career include leading the league in assists multiple times and being a key figure in the Suns’ high-octane offense, known as “Seven Seconds or Less.” He was renowned for his basketball IQ, exceptional passing skills, and ability to elevate the play of his teammates.
15. Kawhi Leonard – 3
All-NBA First Team Selections (2016, 2017, 2021)
Kawhi Leonard’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2016, following several seasons of establishing himself as a dominant force with the San Antonio Spurs. He quickly became known for his lockdown defense and efficient scoring. Key moments in Leonard’s career include winning the NBA Finals MVP award twice, once with the Spurs in 2014 and again with the Toronto Raptors in 2019.
He has been known for his ability to elevate his play in the playoffs and deliver in high-pressure situations. Statistically, Leonard has averaged 20.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game throughout his career. He has been known for his efficiency, shooting 49.9% from the field and 39.1% from three-point range.
16. Jayson Tatum – 3
All-NBA First Team Selections (2022, 2023, 2024)
Jayson Tatum has made the All-NBA First Team every season over the last three years and has improved significantly as an offensive player and leader. The best player on the title-contending Boston Celtics, Tatum is doing enough to be recognized as an All-NBA First Team player who is posting 23.1 points per game over his career and has five All-Star appearances.
At 26 years old, Tatum has a decade in the league at last which means he might have at least All-NBA First Team selections by the end of his career. As long as Tatum is playing alongside some elite teammates such as Jaylen Brown, he will be in a great position to win NBA championships and also accumulate individual achievements including All-Star and All-NBA selections.
17. Shaquille O’Neal – 2
All-NBA First Team Selections (2005, 2006)
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant centers in NBA history, earned 2 selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His impact on the game of basketball was profound, especially during his prime years with the Los Angeles Lakers.
O’Neal’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 1998, following several seasons of establishing himself as a force in the league with the Magic in the late 1990s. He eventually led the Lakers to three NBA championships and was a key figure in their dynasty alongside Kobe Bryant.
Key moments in O’Neal’s career include winning the NBA Finals MVP award three times, in 2000, 2001, and 2002. He was known for his dominant presence in the paint, scoring ability, and rebounding prowess. Even if his greatness was evident in the 1990s and early 2000s, he still managed two All-NBA First Team selections in the last 20 years.
18. Dwyane Wade – 2
All-NBA First Team Selections (2009, 2010)
Dwyane Wade, known for his scoring ability and tenacious defense, also earned two selections to the All-NBA First Team in the last 20 years. His impact on the game of basketball was profound, especially during his prime years with the Miami Heat.
Wade’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2009, the same year he led the NBA in scoring (30.2 PPG). He led the Heat to an NBA championship in 2006 and continued to be a key figure in the franchise’s success. His scoring ability, defensive prowess, and championship success cement his legacy as one of the greatest shooting guards in NBA history.
19. Russell Westbrook – 2
All-NBA First Team Selections (2016, 2017)
Russell Westbrook’s impact on the game of basketball has been profound, especially during his time with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Westbrook’s first selection to the All-NBA First Team came in 2016, following a season where he achieved a historic feat by averaging a triple-double for the entire season. He continued his dominance in the following season, further solidifying his status as one of the league’s top players.
Key moments in Westbrook’s career include winning the NBA MVP award in 2017, becoming only the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season, and leading the league in scoring. He has been known for his relentless attacking style, rebounding ability, and playmaking skills.
20. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – 2
All-NBA First Team Selections (2023, 2024)
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a budding superstar and is getting better with age. Currently 25 years old, the Canadian has become arguably one of the top-five talents in the NBA over the last two seasons, making back-to-back All-NBA First-Team selections while being an MVP candidate. As he continues to lead the Oklahoma City Thunder, Gilgeous-Alexander is onto some amazing things.
Posting over 30 points per game over the last two seasons, Gilgeous-Alexander is not only a terrific athlete and scorer but a capable playmaker and defender as well. It is likely the player will have at least eight All-NBA First Team appearances before his career is up and looks to be on track to be a Hall of Famer.
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