Predicting the 2021 All-NBA First, Second, and Third teams

Predicting the 2021 All-NBA First, Second, and Third teams is a tough one. There are many players that are deserving of spots in the All-NBA voting but couldn’t due to the format. The voting is limited only to two guards, two forwards, and one center per each of our All-NBA predictions 2021.

It is what it is.

Still, we can arrive at our best guess by crunching numbers and factoring in impact on winning and health. Without further ado, let’s look at the 2021 All-NBA predictions.

All-NBA Third Team prediction

Chris Paul – Guard, Suns

Chris Paul‘s game is like fine wine. At 36 years of age, CP3 is still averaging 16 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 9 assists per game while leading the Suns (No. 2 in West) for their first playoff appearance in years.

Kyrie Irving – Guard, Nets

Kyrie Irving is still one of the most prolific scorers in the league. He’s putting up a scorching hot 27.4 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists per game while leading the Nets to No. 2 in the Eastern Conference.

Kevin Durant – Forward, Nets

Kevin Durant is still the best scorer in the league, and probably of all time. This season, KD is averaging 28 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. The only thing that stops him from dominating the league again is his health. He, Kyrie, and Harden are serious contenders for a championship this season.

Jayson Tatum – Forward, Celtics

We’ve all witnessed what Jayson Tatum can do starting from his rookie season and it’s just a matter of time for his break out. Tatum is an elite scorer with Kobe-esque moves. He improved his numbers from last year averaging 26.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game.

Rudy Gobert – Center, Jazz

Rudy Gobert is a defensive beast. The Stifle Tower is a key part of the Utah Jazz’s success this season. With the way he’s currently playing, he can win his third Defensive Player of the Year award, averaging a career-high 2.8 blocks per game.

All-NBA Second Team prediction

James Harden – Guard, Nets

James Harden is still one of the most unguardable players in the league. If not for his hamstring injury, he could be a first team All-NBA selection. The Beard is averaging a near triple-double with 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 11 assists per game.

Damian Lillard – Guard, Blazers

Damian Lillard has been putting the injury-riddled Blazers team on his back. Dame is still one of the most clutch players in the league and there are no signs of him slowing down. He’s currently averaging 28.6 points and 7.6 assists per game.

Kawhi Leonard – Forward, Clippers

Kawhi Leonard is still one of the best two-way players in the league. Although the Clippers came up short last season, Kawhi is looking to bounce back and get his revenge in the playoffs. He’s averaging 25 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game.

LeBron James – Forward, Lakers

Prior to his ankle injury, LeBron James has been putting up MVP numbers. He didn’t rest that much as well to show the doubters what he can do in his 18th year in the league. If not for his ankle sprain, LeBron should be a top 3 MVP candidate right now. This season, he’s putting up 25 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game.

Anthony Davis – Center, Lakers

Although riddled by injuries this season, Anthony Davis is still one of the most elite two-way bigs in the league. His numbers took a dip from last season, averaging just 22 points and 8 rebounds per game. While his offense dropped off, the defense is still there with 1.2 steals and 1.8 blocks per game. The Lakers might need Davis to step up in the final week of the regular season to avoid the play-in tournament.

All-NBA First Team prediction

Stephen Curry – Guard, Warriors

Stephen Curry has been on a tear this season. He’s putting up 32 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game like it’s 2015 all over again. If the Warriors were a top team this year, he might grab another MVP award.

Luka Doncic – Guard, Mavericks

Luka Doncic is undoubtedly the future face of the NBA. The 21-year old phenom is leading the Mavericks while putting up video game-like numbers with averages of 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. His wide array of moves are what makes Luka an elite offensive threat.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – Forward, Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo is a consistent top 3 player and a serious MVP contender every year. His freak athleticism is enough to put him on the All-NBA First Team.

The Greek Freak is currently averaging 28 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. He’s still a young stud which leaves a lot of room for improvement—especially his free throw and three-point shooting. Once he figured out those, it’s over.

Joel Embiid – Forward, 76ers

The NBA has announced that Embiid is eligible for the forward selection. Joel Embiid is one of the best centers if not, the best center in the league. He’s averaging a double-double with 29 points and 10.7 rebounds. He’s putting up MVP-like numbers while leading the 76ers No. 1 in the Eastern Conference.

Nikola Jokic – Center, Nuggets

This might be Jokic’s MVP year. Nikola Jokic has been averaging almost a ridiculous 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game with great efficiency. The Nuggets also has one of the best offenses in the league— all thanks to the Joker’s playmaking ability. To top it all, Jokic hasn’t missed a game yet.

Notable snubs: Russell Westbrook, Bradley Beal, Devin Booker, Paul George, Julius Randle

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