The official announcement for the 2017 All-NBA Teams has more eyes on it than any All-NBA announcement in recent history. It’s due in part to this being the lone award not on the inaugural NBA Awards Show but mostly because of two players futures with their team essentially depend on their selection to any of the three teams.
The future of Paul George hinges heavily on his selection to one of these three teams. His contract potentially allows the Indiana Pacers to offer him a $200+ million contract if he makes one of these teams and they could offer him that extension this summer. But if he misses out, the posturing towards George’s free agency in the summer of 2018 begins.
Another player who would have his future possibly be determined by these selections is Utah Jazz star, Gordon Hayward. He can see himself in a similar situation this summer coming up if he elects to opt out of his contract.
In the eyes of many, George and Hayward’s best shots were to make the 2017 All-NBA third team. The four forward spots on the first two teams appeared to be locked in as the season came to an end with the fifth spot dependent on an injury and the sixth and final spot essentially between three players. LeBron James and Kawhi Leonard are two MVP candidates and locks for the first team. Giannis Antetokounmpo is presumably the 2017 ‘Most Improved Player’. Jimmy Butler had another solid All-Star season. Kevin Durant had his season cut short due to injury but he still delivered as one of the best players in the league. Many considered the final spot to be a contest between George, Hayward and Draymond Green.
As many do say, the All-NBA teams are essentially a time capsule of the 15 best players in the NBA for that season. So who are the 15 best for the 2016-17 season? The NBA announced the full rosters earlier today.
2017 All-NBA Teams
All-NBA 1st Team
G – James Harden, Houston Rockets
G – Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
F – Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs
F – LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
C – Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans
All-NBA 2nd Team
G – Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
G – Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors
F – Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
F – Kevin Durant, Golden State Warriors
C – Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz
All-NBA 3rd Team
G – DeMar DeRozan, Toronto Raptors
G – John Wall, Washington Wizards
F – Draymond Green, Golden State Warriors
F – Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls
C – DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Other players receiving votes, with point totals (First Team votes in parentheses): Karl-Anthony Towns, Minnesota, 50 (2); Chris Paul, LA Clippers, 49; Marc Gasol, Memphis, 48 (2); DeMarcus Cousins, New Orleans, 42 (2); Paul George, Indiana, 40; Gordon Hayward, Utah, 27; Hassan Whiteside, Miami, 18; Kyrie Irving, Cleveland, 14; Klay Thompson, Golden State, 14; Nikola Jokic, Denver, 12 (1); Damian Lillard, Portland, 12; Paul Millsap, Atlanta, 3; LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio, 1; Blake Griffin, LA Clippers, 1; Al Horford, Boston, 1.
And now, the Paul George and Gordon Hayward drama begins.
