NBA: Way-too-early All-NBA team predictions for 2021-22

All-NBA 1st Team:

G – Steph Curry
G – Luka Doncic
F – Kevin Durant
F – Giannis Antetokounmpo
C – Nikola Jokic

While this prediction may seem a bit boring considering it is four out five of the same players from last year’s team (the 5th being Kawhi Leonard who as of now is projected to miss the entire season) I honestly believe most of the same players will make it.

To me, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Luka Doncic are basically locks for the 1st team, as all three are younger stars who have established themselves as top players in the NBA already, and also haven’t missed many games in their careers so far.

Steph Curry and Kevin Durant were more difficult choices for me as they are on the older side, and also each has a lot of talent around them that limits their stats somewhat.

However, I feel that if the Nets have a full season of their stars staying healthy, then Kevin Durant will put up elite stats as the best player on the best team in the NBA, making him a clear choice for All-NBA First Team.

With Curry, I feel that while Klay Thompson’s return could possibly limit his stats somewhat, Thompson’s main role is to open up the floor as an off-ball threat rather than handle the ball, so while Curry probably won’t take as many shots, he should be more efficient and possibly get more assists as well, meaning his stats could just as easily be as good or even better than last season.

Another benefit of having Thompson back is the Warriors should be a much better team record-wise, which increases Curry’s chances of making All-NBA First Team for the voters who highly value team success.