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Ahh, predicting the All-NBA First team. In the NBA, often picking who is the best in the league at any given time becomes an exhaustive debate. Debates range from who should be added despite playing less than stellar defense or defenders who can't shoot. What is true is that talent always rises to the top, and this year could be as dramatic as we've seen recently given all the turnover of the Eastern Conference. Who deserves to make the NBA's most important postseason team and what are your criteria for making the team? Let me know in the comments.
Without further ado, let's take a look at the team.
Point Guard: Steph Curry (Golden State Warriors)
Predicted stat line: 33 ppg, 7.5 apg, 4.8 rpg
Steph Curry was so good last season that many began to speak of him as right behind Magic Johnson in an all-time point guard sense. He put the Golden State Warriors on his back and made so many impossible shots along the way. I don't see any reason why 2021-22 will be any different until Klay Thompson returns. The Warriors looked outstanding in pre-season, with Steph Curry's dead eye from anywhere in and outside Oakland. How far over 30 points will Steph Curry average on the postseason NBA accolades trail?
Shooting guard: James Harden (Brooklyn Nets)
Predicted stat line: 2020-21: 32.6 points per game, 6.9 boards, 12.8 dimes
James Harden is masterful at what he does, and this might be the first postseason mention, and not the last. He's poised to have one of his Houston Rockets seasons where he's north of 35 points a game. Many say that the Brooklyn Nets have to score in incredible bunches to win. Yet in the East, where possessions are maximized, the Brooklyn Nets simply have to make more shots. He'll have more of the floor now that Kyrie Irving is sidelined, and the triple double numbers will be outlandish with Kevin Durant and Joe Harris on either side. The key for James Harden obviously is to stay healthy, and if he does that with all the Brooklyn Nets TV appearances, his numbers will be highlighted like the next player on this list.
Small forward: Kevin Durant (Brooklyn Nets)
Predicted stat line: 33 points, 8.5 boards, 6.2 assists
Yes, the next guy on this All-NBA prediction list, Kevin Durant, could win every postseason award available to him as well. The Easy Money Sniper has a lot to prove to many, and staying healthy is on his mind as well in Kyrie Irving's absence. This is going to be good! How many points per game will James Harden and Kevin Durant combine for? Every team playing the Brooklyn Nets will hope that Kevin Durant has an off night. The career 27 points a game scorer has this fire going under the surface. He doesn't speak to points until they're asked. The NBA world is his.
Power forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks)
Predicted stat line: 30.1 points, 13.1 boards, 4.6 dimes
Some say Kevin Durant is the best player in the league currently, yet I say it's Giannis Antetokounmpo. He simply took the NBA title last season. Giannis took the NBA title so viciously that his likeness should adorn the Larry O'Brien trophy. Putting up playoff averages with a scowl of 35 points per, 13 boards and five assists, it's apparent that Giannis Antetokounmpo is not done. Giannis will have to fight every team to his best as the target on his NBA championship back balloons bigger. It would be absurd not to think the NBA will be coming for the Milwaukee Bucks as fans proclaim "Bucks in 6!" for the duration of time.
Center: Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers)
Predicted stat line: 31.7 points, 11.6 boards, 3.8 dimes
Nikola Jokic did Wilt Chamberlain things last season, but if Joel Embiid had played more games, he would have won MVP. It's the difference he makes on the defensive end that separates the two best big men in the NBA, and that would be the difference again if Joel Embiid can stay healthy this season. As the Philadelphia 76ers look beyond this current drama with Ben Simmons and give Joel Embiid the total reigns of the team, his numbers of last season will increase if he can take the pressure off his weary knees. Will Joel Embiid have to post up more if Ben Simmons isn't on the floor to find his mates at the arc when dribbling to the center of the court? How will the pick and roll look with Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey? Check out the box score somewhere down the line, and there's your answer.
Guess the Lakers players!
