Giannis vs Durant: The Case for Giannis' All-NBA 1st Team Selection

There's been much debate over the selection of Giannis Antetokounmpo to the All-NBA 1st team over Kevin Durant. Let's explore this discussion in detail, examining the arguments for both players and the factors that led to the final decision.

Giannis Antetokounmpo's Dominance and Impact

Giannis, a powerhouse around the rim, has solidified his status as one of the league's best players. His ability to dominate the paint and his overall impact on the game have made him a top performer season after season. Giannis' inclusion in the All-NBA 1st team this year is no shock, considering his standout performance and the effectiveness of the Milwaukee Bucks, who had the best record in the NBA.

Kevin Durant's Performance

Kevin Durant also had a phenomenal season, playing for the Golden State Warriors, who finished first in the Western Conference. Durant's impact on the team as their best player is undeniable. However, Durant's season was not at the same level as Giannis'. While Durant's jumper remained one of the most unstoppable shots in the NBA, his overall efficiency and the support around him played a crucial role in his ranking.

Paul George's All-NBA 1st Team Spot

Paul George, despite an incredible first half and a solid second half, was the one who took KD's 1st team spot. This decision likely came down to the situations each player found themselves in. George had an excellent first half of the season, but his performance dipped in the second half due to injuries, impacting his team's performance as well.

Stat Comparison: Giannis, Durant, and Paul George

Let's compare the top three players, focusing on the key advanced statistics:

Player Games Played Points (Pts) Rebounds (Reb) Fg% 3pt% FT% eFG% PER G. Antetokounmpo 72 27.7 12.5 5.9 57.8 25.6 72.9 59.9 30.9 K. Durant 78 26.0 6.4 5.9 52.1 35.3 88.5 57.1 24.2 P. George 77 28.0 8.2 4.1 43.8 38.6 83.9 52.9 23.3

While all three players had exceptional seasons, Giannis leads in key advanced metrics like eFG% (effective field goal percentage) and PER (player efficiency rating). This could explain his higher ranking.

Team Dynamics and All-Star Considerations

The choice of All-NBA teams often considers team dynamics and the overall impact a player has on their squad. While Giannis was the top overall performer in terms of individual statistics, Durant was on a team surrounded by future Hall-of-Famers and other All-Stars. George, on the other hand, was surrounded by an inefficient Russell Westbrook.

Concluding Thoughts

While there are valid arguments for both Giannis and Durant's inclusion in the All-NBA team, the final decision likely came down to these factors. Ultimately, Giannis' All-NBA 1st team selection is justified by his individual performance and his team's record. It may be worth considering the All-NBA 2nd team as a fair place for Kevin Durant's selection this year.