- There is a new rule that implements a 65-game requirement to be legible for achievements
- As a result of commission initiatives, there will be new players making All-NBA Teams
- The All-NBA First Team will be occupied by the five best players in the universe
It has never been more difficult to make one of the three coveted All-NBA Teams. After all, making an All-NBA Team is the most impressive end-of-season achievement for a player because it acknowledges individual performances, winning, and dominance on the court on a consistent basis. Next season, there will be two major rules in place: players must play at least 65 games to qualify and players won’t be divided into the past formats of guards, forwards, and centers.
That means there could be an All-NBA Team with all backcourt or all frontcourt players if that happens to be the case as long as they all play 65 games. There has been some backlash to the new 65-game requirement because a lot of the top players in the NBA over the past three years have had questionable health. Examples include LeBron James (55, 56, 45), Stephen Curry (56, 64, 63), Kevin Durant (47, 55, 35), Kawhi Leonard (52, 52, 57), Anthony Davis (56, 40, 36), Kyrie Irving (60, 29, 54), Paul George (56, 31, 54), Jimmy Butler (64, 57, 52), Zion Williamson (29, 61, 24), Ja Morant (61, 57, 63).
It is expected that these stars will not play at least 65 games next season due to rest, load management, and in Morant’s case – suspension. While a player’s team record could come into play, individual brilliance and statistics are often the major driving factors for being selected to an All-NBA Team. We have seen some legendary All-NBA Teams throughout history, but this season could be very interesting because many players are competing well on the basketball court. Without further ado, here are the predictions for the All-NBA Teams in the 2023-24 season.
All-NBA Third Team
Trae Young
2022-23 Season Statistics: 26.2 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 10.2 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Trae Young consistently poses a significant contention for a coveted spot on the All-NBA Team owing to his exceptional offensive prowess. In an era dominated by analytical insights, statistical achievements assume paramount importance, and Young emerges as a dominant force across various pertinent categories. Serving as the point guard for the Atlanta Hawks, Young will likely lead the Hawks to an above .500 record and average another double-double.
It is reasonable to anticipate that Young will maintain his impressive scoring and playmaking abilities throughout the duration of the season, which bodes well for the Hawks as a collective unit. While the team’s overall performance may not align with the prerequisites for inclusion in the prestigious All-NBA Team, Young’s individual contributions stand as a strong foundation for his expected second All-NBA selection.
Jalen Brunson
2022-23 Season Statistics: 24.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 6.2 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.2 BPG
Jalen Brunson became one of the best pure floor generals last year with the New York Knicks which makes his $100 million contract seem like a bargain. The talented scorer and playmaker is only 27 years old and will get better over the next few seasons, so expect All-NBA appearances on the way.
As one of the standout performers for Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup, Brunson has a lot to build on in the upcoming season. While his numbers were very solid last year, Brunson might see an uptick in his scoring and playmaking as he hopes to guide the Knicks to a deeper playoff berth than just the second round.
De’Aaron Fox
2022-23 Season Statistics: 25.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.1 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.3 BPG
The speedy point guard became a well-deserved All-Star last season as he guided the Sacramento Kings to the third seed in the Western Conference. Finally an improved passer and decision-maker, De’Aaron Fox was very difficult to defend because he could hurt the defense in many ways.
Due to the fact that he has boosted his three-point percentage in recent years, Fox feels more comfortable as the head of the offense. However, shooting 32.4% from three still isn’t great and there will be expectations for him to get better following his breakout year. Luckily for Kings fans, Fox will be even better in the 2024 campaign.
Anthony Edwards
2022-23 Season Statistics: 24.6 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 0.7 BPG
No doubt, Anthony Edwards was the star of Team USA in the 2023 FIBA World Cup. Not only was he the most explosive athlete in the tournament, but his scoring ability was impressive, to say the least. He can shoot the three, attack the rim with force, and has a solid step-back jumper. The sky is the limit for the 22-year-old All-Star.
As a result, Edwards will enter the season knowing he is the man in Minnesota and take on a greater responsibility in terms of team performance. It is clear that Edwards has more natural leadership skills than Karl-Anthony Towns and that will bode well for him as he looks to carry a franchise. Expect the former No. 1 overall pick to average a career-best scoring clip in 2024.
Pascal Siakam
2022-23 Season Statistics: 24.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 5.8 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Pascal Siakam has flown under the radar in recent seasons as a bonafide All-Star power forward. He simply helps his team win games as he has shown with his stint in Toronto. A capable all-around forward who can score, rebound, defend, and pass, Siakam arrived on the scene during the 2019 championship run when Kawhi Leonard was in town.
Since then, the Cameroonian has made two All-Star appearances and two All-NBA appearances with the Raptors as he gains more comfort in the NBA in his eighth season coming up. The forward has been involved in trade rumors constantly but that’s only because of the number of assets he will demand in return because he could make his third All-NBA Team next year.
All-NBA Second Team
Damian Lillard
2022-23 Season Statistics: 32.2 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 7.3 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Damian Lillard is right behind Stephen Curry as the best point guard in the NBA. He might not be the best floor general in the league, but he is an elite scorer and will continue to be in 2024 when he plays alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton in Milwaukee.
The point guard averaged over 32 points per game last season and chipped in 7.3 assists, so he knows his way against NBA defenses and that means he should be making his 8th All-Star and 8th All-NBA appearance in 2024. While that’s impressive, Dame has reached a stage where a championship means far more than individual awards.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
2022-23 Season Statistics: 31.4 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander did not win the Most Improved Player last year but he did make the All-NBA First Team substantiated by his outstanding statistical contributions across various facets of the game. As a highly skilled guard, he possesses an innate ability to amass points with remarkable efficiency, while simultaneously displaying impressive playmaking acumen.
Within the context of the Western Conference, the Oklahoma City Thunder will have a boost in team record thanks to Gilgeous-Alexander’s presence alongside Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren. It is incontrovertible that their standout performer, Gilgeous-Alexander, is primed for his second All-Star selection and a rightful inclusion in the All-NBA ranks for the second straight year. Expect the talented guard to put up over 30 points per game because he is that talented offensively.
Devin Booker
2022-23 Season Statistics: 27.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.5 APG, 1.0 SPG, 0.3 BPG
Devin Booker stands tall as one of the NBA’s premier shooting guards, but his influence extends far beyond his prowess on the hardwood. Averaging an impressive 27.8 points per game while shooting at a remarkable 4948% from the field and maintaining a sharpshooting accuracy of 35.1% from beyond the arc, Booker’s performance solidified his place as a top-10 player on the global stage last season.
The Phoenix Suns, with Booker leading the charge alongside Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, will occupy a top-three seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference. With a previous All-NBA Team selection to his name in 2021-22, Devin Booker’s prospects for a similar performance next year appear entirely realistic, reinforcing his status as one of the league’s premier talents.
Donovan Mitchell
2022-23 Season Statistics: 28.3 PPG, 4.3 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.5 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Donovan Mitchell has undeniably fulfilled a crucial role within the Cleveland Cavaliers franchise, providing the perfect blend of scoring prowess and leadership that propelled the team to an impressive 51-31 record last year. While Darius Garland admirably steered the ship last season, the infusion of additional talent has afforded him the support necessary to harbor legitimate playoff aspirations.
While the Cavaliers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs, their potential to contend remains palpable, especially if they can maintain the cohesion of their closely-knit roster. Mitchell, formerly a consistent All-Star with the Utah Jazz, has transcended his own performance this season with a new team, elevating his game to new heights by scoring 71 points in a game last year. It is, therefore reasonable to anticipate Mitchell’s inaugural inclusion as an All-NBA performer for the second time.
Jaylen Brown
2022-23 Season Statistics: 26.6 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 3.5 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Jaylen Brown has seamlessly forged one of the NBA’s most formidable partnerships alongside Jayson Tatum, and the Boston Celtics continue to reap the rewards in the win column. While it’s a foregone conclusion that Tatum will earn his rightful place among the All-NBA elite, Jaylen Brown is poised to join him in that prestigious group for the second straight year. This gifted scorer posted an impressive 26.6 points per game last year while simultaneously showcasing his defensive prowess.
It’s an unfortunate reality that Brown often operates in the shadow of Tatum’s brilliance, which may occasionally lead to him being somewhat underrated. However, this should not diminish the magnitude of his greatness on the basketball court. The fact that Brown signed the largest contract in NBA history will place him heavily in the spotlight but the swingman will continue doing what he does best as he averages at least 25 points per game in 2024 while capturing a top-three seed in the Eastern Conference.
All-NBA First Team
Luka Doncic
2022-23 Season Statistics: 32.4 PPG, 8.6 RPG, 8.0 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.5 BPG
The Slovenian sensation, Luka Doncic continues to dominate the court in terms of all-around statistics. As the undisputed best player on the Dallas Mavericks with the most unique style of play, “Baby Bird” will continue posting ridiculous numbers in 2024 as he likely keeps his averages around 30-8-8 while leading the team to at least 45 wins.
Doncic’s numbers undeniably mark him as a top-tier MVP candidate, a remarkable feat for a player of his age, a mere 24 years old. The ultimate outcome of the MVP race may hinge on the Mavericks’ season record, however, because the team missed the playoffs last year. Nevertheless, irrespective of the MVP outcome, Luka Doncic appears poised to secure his fifth consecutive All-NBA Team selection, an accolade well-deserved.
Jayson Tatum
2022-23 Season Statistics: 30.1 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 4.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.7 BPG
One of the frontrunners for the coveted MVP title in 2024 currently enjoyed a career-best season on the offensive front last season. The superstar forward found himself plagued by the painful memories of last season’s heartbreaking playoffs exit, acknowledging his own shortcomings, largely attributed to his relative lack of experience. However, Jayson Tatum will only get better which is scary to imagine.
Tatum’s stat line last year speaks volumes, with an impressive 30.1 points per game, 8.8 rebounds per game, and 4.6 assists per game, all while maintaining shooting percentages of 46.6% from the field, 35.0% from beyond the arc, and an impressive 85.4% from the free-throw line. The superstar forward will have to share the spotlight a little bit with Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis, but he will be the go-to player when it matters.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
2022-23 Season Statistics: 31.1 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 5.7 APG, 0.8 SPG, 0.8 BPG
Giannis Antetokounmpo, famously known as “The Greek Freak,” stands among the elite echelon of two-way players worldwide. This sensational forward will likely once again propel the Milwaukee Bucks into contention for a coveted top-three seed in the Eastern Conference next year. With a healthy Khris Middleton alongside him, the Bucks’ prospects of clinching the ultimate prize remain formidable. One would be hard-pressed to find a more dominant two-way force in the game than Giannis.
While he will have players competing around him, Giannis undeniably stands as a prime contender for the MVP accolade in 2024. His sheer size, dominance, and versatile skill set defy traditional position classifications, as he seamlessly traverses the length of the court in just a few dribbles. Regardless of whether the All-NBA Teams transition towards a positionless format or not, Giannis Antetokounmpo is a virtual lock for a coveted spot on the All-NBA First Team, a testament to his extraordinary impact on the game.
Joel Embiid
2022-23 Season Statistics: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 1.7 BPG
Joel Embiid undeniably ranks among the premier big men worldwide, closely trailing Nikola Jokic in terms of his profound impact on the court following the Serbian’s championship victory. In the regular season, Embiid has been on a tear the past two seasons by winning the MVP in 2023 and capturing back-to-back scoring titles. However, the Philadelphia 76ers have encountered their fair share of challenges in the past few months, mainly due to James Harden.
Nonetheless, Joel Embiid’s transcendent talents cannot be dismissed, positioning him as a bona fide contender for a sixth All-NBA Team selection. As a scorer, he exudes a level of skill surpassing that of Jokic, and his defensive prowess reigns as nothing short of dominant. However, it is Jokic’s unparalleled passing range and the Nuggets’ superior team record that presently places him at the forefront of the center conversation.
Nikola Jokic
2022-23 Season Statistics: 24.5 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 9.8 APG, 1.3 SPG, 0.7 BPG
Nikola Jokic is indisputably the premier center in the basketball world today. The Serbian sensation consistently reaffirms his status as the most exceptional passing big man in the history of the NBA, boasting nearly 10 assists per game season after season. With the arrival of reinforcements in the form of Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr., Jokic no longer shoulders the sole burden of scoring for his team as we saw last year.
The Denver Nuggets undeniably possess a formidable roster, yet the question looms: Is it enough to secure a second-straight NBA championship? Jokic has been seen partying non-stop in his native Serbia and there are questions about whether he loves the game as much as other players. However, as long as he plays at least 65 games, Jokic will make the All-NBA First Team and be in the MVP conversation.
