Watching this season's All-NBA First Team selections unfold reminded me why I love following basketball's evolving narratives. Having just witnessed a young coach lead University of Santo Tomas to its first juniors crown since 2001—breaking a 23-year drought—I'm struck by how similar stories of excellence and breakthrough performances define this year's elite selections. When the league announced the five names, I wasn't surprised but rather impressed by how each player's journey reflected that same championship mentality we saw in that NCAA juniors turnaround.
Let me start with Luka Dončić, because frankly, his inclusion was the easiest decision the voters made. The Slovenian sensation averaged 33.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.2 rebounds—numbers that haven't been seen since Oscar Robertson's prime. What impressed me most wasn't just the statistics but how he carried the Mavericks despite key injuries early in the season. I've followed his career since his EuroLeague days, and his basketball IQ reminds me of those tactical geniuses we occasionally see—like that young coach who just ended UST's 23-year juniors drought through smart adjustments rather than pure talent alone. Dončić makes everyone around him better while putting up video game numbers, and that dual impact is why he's becoming a perennial first-teamer.
Then there's Giannis Antetokounmpo, who in my opinion remains the most physically dominant player since prime Shaquille O'Neal. His 30.8 points per game on 61% shooting while anchoring Milwaukee's defense demonstrates a two-way commitment that few superstars maintain. I've always appreciated how Giannis never coasts on his athleticism—he's constantly adding to his game, much like how breakthrough coaches study film to find new edges. Watching him evolve from a raw prospect to this finished product reminds me that even at the highest level, the great ones keep growing. His relentless attacking style forces opponents to build entire defensive schemes around containing him, and yet he still puts up historic numbers night after night.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's emergence has been my favorite storyline this season. The Oklahoma City guard went from promising talent to bona fide superstar, averaging 31.2 points while leading the Thunder to the top of the brutal Western Conference. What separates Shai in my view is his old-school midrange game combined with modern efficiency—he shot 54% from the field despite being the focal point of every defense he faced. His calm demeanor under pressure reminds me of that championship composure we saw when UST finally broke through after decades of coming up short. Some players have that special ability to elevate their games when it matters most, and Gilgeous-Alexander demonstrated that quality throughout the season.
Nikola Jokić makes basketball look effortless in ways that sometimes get taken for granted. The Denver big man posted near-triple-double averages of 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists while maintaining his unique role as offensive orchestrator. Having watched Jokić since his early days in Serbia, I've always felt his genius lies in making the simple, effective play rather than forcing highlight-reel moments. His game embodies that same strategic intelligence we appreciate in great coaches—the ability to see patterns others miss and exploit them consistently. Jokić doesn't just put up numbers; he controls the game's tempo like a chess master, and that qualitative impact transcends his already impressive statistics.
The final spot went to Jayson Tatum, who led Boston to the league's best record while posting career highs in multiple categories. At 26.9 points per game with improved playmaking, Tatum silenced critics who questioned his consistency in big moments. I'll admit I've been somewhat skeptical about Tatum's efficiency in past seasons, but this year he put those concerns to rest by shooting 47% from the field while taking on increased defensive responsibilities. His growth mirrors how complete players evolve—not through flashy additions to their games, but by refining their weaknesses until they become strengths.
What ties these five players together in my assessment is that they didn't just accumulate stats—they elevated their teams through a combination of individual excellence and leadership. Much like how ending a championship drought requires both talent and the right mentality, these selections represent players who brought more than just numbers to the court. They changed their teams' cultures, raised expectations, and delivered when it mattered. Having followed the NBA for over two decades, I can say this particular First Team stands out for its blend of established superstars and ascending talents who all peaked at the right moment.
The beauty of this year's selections lies in their diversity of paths to excellence. We have international stars like Dončić and Jokić revolutionizing their positions, homegrown talents like Tatum fulfilling their potential, and emerging forces like Gilgeous-Alexander announcing their arrival at the highest level. Each represents a different blueprint for greatness, yet they all share that championship DNA we recognize immediately when we see it—whether in a young coach ending a 23-year drought or an NBA superstar carrying his franchise. As the playoffs approach, I'm convinced we'll look back on this First Team as one of the most deserving in recent memory, not just for their statistical dominance but for how they embodied excellence throughout the marathon of an NBA season.
