Celebrating NBA Excellence

The conclusion of the 2025-26 NBA regular season brings with it the annual highlight of recognizing the league's top talents by constructing the All-NBA teams. This season, the league made headlines by granting 'extraordinary circumstances' appeals for Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham, who both narrowly missed the 65-game threshold. Dončić's appeal came on the heels of welcoming a new child, while Cunningham's was due to a medical emergency involving a collapsed lung. Acknowledging these two stars is essential for fairness and historical accuracy, as their performances played pivotal roles in their teams' success.

The First Team Stars

Leading the pack for the First Team are remarkable players whose statistics speak volumes of their impact on the game.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

With an impressive average of 31.1 points, 6.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds per game, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) proved to be a powerhouse for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Not only did he top the league's Estimated Plus/Minus, but he also broke Wilt Chamberlain's record for consecutive games with at least 20 points. His scoring prowess, combined with his ability to create offense, made him a nightmare for defenders.

Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokić had another standout season, averaging 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. His unique ability to lead both rebounds and assists in the same season is a feat unseen in NBA history. Jokić's impact on the Denver Nuggets' offensive strategy was undeniable, as evidenced by their league-leading offensive rating when he was on the court.

Victor Wembanyama

Victor Wembanyama, the San Antonio Spurs' rookie sensation, firmly established himself as the premier defender in the league with remarkable averages of 25.0 points and 11.5 rebounds. His staggering ability to alter shots around the rim solidified his place on the First Team, showcasing a dominant presence that kept opponents at bay.

Cade Cunningham

Cade Cunningham had a defining year, leading the Detroit Pistons to the top of the Eastern Conference with averages of 23.9 points, 9.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds. Despite a roster lacking reliable shot creators, Cunningham thrived under pressure, becoming the cornerstone of the team. His defensive capabilities further strengthened his case for this accolade.

Luka Dončić

Headlining the scoring charts, Luka Dončić averaged an incredible 33.5 points along with 8.3 assists and 7.7 rebounds. Despite some concerns regarding his defensive contributions, Dončić's offensive production was among the best in the NBA, making his impact on the Dallas Mavericks undeniable.

Impressive Honorable Mentions

While the First Team is populated by superstars, a number of other players also made compelling cases for inclusion.

Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi Leonard turned heads with a career-high scoring average of 27.9 points, showcasing his enduring talent. At age 34, Leonard's efficiency and scoring volume put him among the elite, though he narrowly missed First Team selection.

Jaylen Brown

Jaylen Brown's evolving role on the Boston Celtics allowed him to average 27.9 points while maintaining exceptional defensive standards. His ability to guard the opposing team's top offensive player showcased his versatility and made him a significant asset to his team.

Donovan Mitchell

Donovan Mitchell enjoyed a remarkable season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, posting personal bests with 1,952 total points. His scoring was vital to the team's offensive success, especially given the struggling contributions from teammate Darius Garland before the trade deadline.

Second Team Showcase

The Second Team was equally a testament to talent and resilience.

Chet Holmgren

Chet Holmgren made an impactful impression with the Oklahoma City Thunder, showcasing versatility with averaging 17.1 points and excelling defensively. His proficiency as both a rim protector and stretch forward solidified his selection.

Jalen Brunson and Jamal Murray

Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks matched last year's scoring output of 26.0 points per game, proving he is invaluable in tight game situations. Meanwhile, Jamal Murray's consistent performance led him to his first All-Star selection, as he excelled in three-point shooting, averaging 43.5 percent from beyond the arc.

Kevin Durant and Tyrese Maxey

Despite being in the shadow of younger teammates, Kevin Durant emerged with a historic points total for a player his age. Tyrese Maxey's importance to the Philadelphia 76ers was palpable, logging the highest minutes per game in recent history while providing offensive firepower and defensive contributions.

Reflecting on the Season

The 2025-26 season was filled with standout performances and remarkable achievements, leading to exciting narratives for All-NBA selections. Recognizing Luka Dončić and Cade Cunningham's appeals reflects the evolving nature of the league, where individual excellence can shine even amid adversities. As the basketball season transitions into the postseason, the stakes will heighten, with anticipation building around how these All-NBA stars will perform on the biggest stage.