Tyson’s Predictions for the All-NBA First Team Lineup
As the 2024-25 NBA regular season draws close, attention is shifting from playoff races to individual accolades. Among the most coveted honors in the league is a spot on the All-NBA First Team, a distinction reserved for the five players who best exemplified dominance, consistency, and impact throughout the season. With a mix of established superstars, rising talents, and surprise contenders making headlines this year, the competition for First Team honors is more intense than ever. Voter considerations include individual statistics, advanced metrics for team success, and positional versatility. This article will analyze the season's standout performers and predict which five players will most likely secure their place on the 2024-25 All-NBA First Team.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
As the 2024-25 NBA season concludes, one name stands out as a lock for the All-NBA First Team: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Oklahoma City Thunder superstar has taken his game to another level, leading his team to an astounding 68-win season and securing the number one seed in the Western Conference. Night after night, Shai has delivered MVP-caliber performances, combining elite scoring, efficient playmaking, and lockdown perimeter defense. He currently leads the league in points per game while maintaining remarkable shooting splits, and his leadership has been instrumental in transforming the Thunder into a legitimate title contender. With the MVP trophy likely headed his way, Gilgeous-Alexander’s spot on the All-NBA First Team is all but guaranteed, setting the tone for a season defined by his brilliance. What’s most impressive is how effortlessly he controls the game's pace, making even the most challenging matchups look routine.
Donovan Mitchell
Another standout deserving of All-NBA First Team honors is Donovan Mitchell, who has been the driving force behind the Cleveland Cavaliers’ incredible 64-win season. In a year where consistency and two-way excellence separated the elite from the rest, Mitchell has elevated his game as a dynamic scorer and vocal leader. Averaging over 27 points per game with improved efficiency and defensive intensity, he’s become the heartbeat of a Cavs team that has risen to the top of the Eastern Conference standings. Beyond the stats, Mitchell’s leadership has been crucial in rallying his team through injuries and tough stretches, and setting the tone with his competitive fire. His ability to take over in clutch moments, create offense from nothing, and inspire confidence in his teammates has solidified his case as one of the league’s best guards this season. Mitchell has made Cleveland a legitimate championship threat with his relentless drive and elite shot-making.
Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum also makes a compelling case for All-NBA First Team honors, continuing to solidify his status as one of the premier forwards in the league. Leading the Boston Celtics to a 61-win season and a top-two seed in the Eastern Conference, Tatum has been the cornerstone of one of the NBA’s most balanced and dangerous rosters. He’s averaging over 26 points, eight rebounds, and four assists per game, while playing high-level defense and consistently delivering in big moments. Tatum's all-around skill set, from his polished scoring repertoire to his improved playmaking, allows him to impact the game in nearly every facet. His ability to rise to the occasion in marquee matchups and maintain consistency over the season's grind makes him an undeniable First Team candidate. On a team loaded with talent, Tatum’s calm leadership and ability to take over games late set him apart as the actual engine behind Boston’s championship aspirations.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a perennial All-NBA First Team fixture, and the 2024–25 season has been no exception, even in what’s considered a down year for the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite the team finishing as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference with a 48–34 record, mainly due to injuries and lineup instability, Giannis carried an enormous load and kept Milwaukee competitive night after night. Averaging nearly 29 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists per game, he maintained his usual level of dominance while shouldering a career-high usage rate to compensate for key absences around him. His ability to adapt and produce elite numbers under added pressure speaks to his maturity and leadership value. Defensively, he remained game-changing, guarding multiple positions and anchoring the Bucks. Even in a year filled with adversity, Giannis’s consistency, impact, and all-around brilliance make him more deserving of another All-NBA First Team selection.
Nikola Jokic
Nikola Jokić has once again put together a remarkable season in 2024-25, making a strong case for a third MVP award. The Denver Nuggets, currently a top-four seed in the Western Conference, have been propelled by Jokić’s dominant play, as he is averaging 30.6 points, 13.2 rebounds, and nine assists per game, flirting with another triple-double average. His efficiency is equally impressive, shooting 55.5% from the field, and he leads the league in Player Efficiency Rating, further solidifying his status as the league’s most impactful player. Jokić’s unique ability to score, rebound, and facilitate at an elite level has helped redefine the center position, making him the focal point of Denver’s offense. Beyond his scoring, he has continued to display exceptional vision and playmaking, often serving as the primary facilitator for the Nuggets. His historic production and all-around impact make him one of the top contenders for MVP again, earning him a rightful spot on the All-NBA First Team.
