Who Made the 1st Team All NBA and What It Means for Next Season

2025-11-15 14:00

I still remember the buzz that spread through the basketball community when the All-NBA First Team selections were announced last season. As someone who's followed professional basketball for over fifteen years, I've come to recognize that these selections don't just honor individual excellence—they fundamentally reshape team dynamics, contract negotiations, and championship aspirations for the upcoming season. This year's selections particularly caught my attention because they represent such a fascinating mix of established legends and rising stars, creating what I believe will be one of the most competitive NBA landscapes we've seen in years.

When Luka Dončić earned his fourth consecutive First Team selection, I wasn't surprised in the slightest. The Slovenian sensation averaged 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists—numbers that frankly border on video game statistics rather than real-world performance. What fascinates me about Dončić's continued dominance is how it positions the Mavericks for the future. They've built their entire franchise around his unique skill set, and this recognition solidifies their commitment. I've spoken with several NBA executives off the record, and there's a growing consensus that Dallas might be one strategic move away from serious championship contention. The financial implications are massive too—Dončić now qualifies for the supermax extension, which could be worth approximately $367 million over five years starting in 2026-27. That's franchise-altering money that will dictate their roster construction for the next half-decade.

Giannis Antetokounmpo making his sixth First Team didn't surprise anyone who watched the Bucks navigate their turbulent season. What impressed me most was how he maintained his dominance despite the coaching change and various roster adjustments. His 30.4 points and 11.5 rebounds per game came with improved defensive metrics that many analysts overlooked. From my perspective, Giannis has reached that rarefied air where his mere presence guarantees Milwaukee will be competitive, but the First Team selection reinforces their urgency to build a championship-caliber team around him now rather than later. I'm particularly interested to see how this affects Damian Lillard's role moving forward—having two First Team caliber players on one roster creates fascinating strategic possibilities that could redefine Eastern Conference hierarchy.

The inclusion of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander marked what I consider a watershed moment for the Oklahoma City Thunder franchise. His leap from promising star to bonafide superstar happened faster than anyone anticipated, myself included. When I watched him play early last season, I noticed subtle improvements in his mid-range game and defensive awareness that suggested he was heading for a breakout, but even I didn't predict he'd average 31.7 points while leading the Thunder to the top of the Western Conference. This selection changes everything for Oklahoma City—they're no longer a rebuilding team but a legitimate destination for veteran players seeking championship opportunities. The financial ramifications are equally significant, as Gilgeous-Alexander now becomes eligible for the supermax extension that could keep him in Oklahoma City through his prime years.

Nikola Jokić earning his fourth First Team selection somehow feels both expected and underappreciated. The Joker's incredible consistency—averaging 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists—has become almost routine, which is absurd when you consider how historically unique his skill set truly is. From my conversations within league circles, there's growing recognition that we're witnessing one of the most versatile big men in basketball history. What fascinates me most about Jokić's continued presence on the First Team is how it forces the entire Western Conference to adjust their roster construction. Teams are now specifically acquiring players who can theoretically bother Jokić, creating a ripple effect across the league's transaction landscape.

The inclusion of Jayson Tatum completes what I consider one of the most balanced First Teams in recent memory. Tatum's evolution into a complete two-way force has been remarkable to witness firsthand. His 27.3 points per game don't fully capture his impact on both ends of the floor. Having watched him develop since his rookie season, I believe we're seeing a player entering his absolute prime at the perfect moment for the Celtics. The financial aspect here cannot be overstated—Tatum now becomes eligible for what could be the largest contract in NBA history, a five-year supermax extension worth approximately $338 million. That's not just player compensation; that's a statement about Boston's championship window and their commitment to building around Tatum for the long term.

While analyzing these selections and their implications, I can't help but draw parallels to the international basketball landscape, particularly the upcoming Asia Cup serving as a qualifier for the FIBA Under-17 Basketball World Cup. Having attended multiple international youth tournaments throughout my career, I've seen firsthand how these platforms become breeding grounds for future NBA talent. The connection might not seem immediately obvious, but trust me—the players who excel in these international competitions often develop into the types of professionals who eventually challenge for All-NBA honors. I've maintained for years that the globalization of basketball has fundamentally changed how we evaluate talent, and seeing the Asia Cup's growing importance in the development pathway only reinforces that perspective. The fact that eight different countries have produced First Team members over the past decade demonstrates how talent development has become truly globalized.

Looking ahead to next season, I'm particularly intrigued by how these selections will influence team strategies. The supermax implications create fascinating financial pressures that general managers must navigate. Having studied NBA roster construction for over a decade, I've never seen a time when so many franchises were simultaneously building around First Team caliber players in their prime. This creates what I call a "compressed competitiveness" where the margin between championship contention and early playoff exit becomes razor-thin. Personally, I believe this benefits the league tremendously, creating narrative threads that will dominate discussion throughout the season.

The legacy implications for these selections cannot be overlooked either. In my professional opinion, we're watching several future Hall of Famers cement their places among basketball's all-time greats. The fact that four of the five selections are 28 or younger suggests we'll be seeing these familiar faces on First Team ballots for years to come. What excites me most as an analyst is how their continued excellence raises the bar for the next generation of stars. The symbiotic relationship between established superstars and emerging talent creates the perfect environment for basketball evolution. As we approach what promises to be one of the most fascinating NBA seasons in recent memory, these All-NBA First Team selections provide the perfect foundation for understanding the shifting power dynamics across the league.