The Evolution of the NBA's All-NBA Team
A Look Back at the League's Most Prestigious Honor
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The All-NBA Team is the most prestigious honor in the NBA, recognizing the league's top players each season. Since its inception in 1955, the All-NBA Team has undergone several changes, reflecting the evolution of the game and the changing landscape of the league. In this article, we take a look back at every All-NBA team in league history, highlighting the legendary players who have graced its ranks and the storylines that have shaped its legacy.
The All-NBA Team was first awarded in the 1955-56 season, with 10 players being named to the team. The team was originally divided into two units, with five players named to the First Team and five players named to the Second Team. In 1979, the league expanded the All-NBA Team to 15 players, with 10 players named to the First Team and five players named to the Second Team. In 2005, the league once again expanded the All-NBA Team to 16 players, with 10 players named to the First Team, five players named to the Second Team, and one player named to the Third Team.
The All-NBA Team has been dominated by some of the greatest players in NBA history, including Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, and Bill Russell. Jordan has the most All-NBA Team selections, with a total of 15, while Abdul-Jabbar has the most First Team selections, with a total of 10. James has been named to the All-NBA Team 19 times, including 13 First Team selections, while Russell has been named to the All-NBA Team 11 times, including 10 First Team selections.
The All-NBA Team has also been a source of controversy over the years. In 2013, Dwight Howard was named to the All-NBA Third Team despite missing more than half of the season with injuries. In 2018, James Harden was named to the All-NBA Second Team despite leading the league in scoring. And in 2020, Giannis Antetokounmpo was named to the All-NBA First Team despite missing 15 games with injuries.
Despite the controversies, the All-NBA Team remains the most prestigious honor in the NBA. It is a testament to the league's best players and a reflection of the evolution of the game. As the NBA continues to evolve, the All-NBA Team will undoubtedly continue to be a source of debate and discussion for years to come.
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