2012 NBA Awards: LeBron James, Kevin Durant Headline All-NBA First Team
The NBA has announced its All-NBA teams for the 2011-12 season. They are highlighted by most of the usual suspects including LeBron James and Kevin Durant, who are both still chasing their first championship in the NBA playoffs.
Let's take a look at each of the teams.
G: Chris Paul (Los Angeles Clippers)
G: Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers)
F: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder)
F: LeBron James (Miami Heat)
C: Dwight Howard (Orlando Magic)
No real surprises here. Some might question the Howard selection because of all the drama he caused in Orlando this season, but when he was on the court he was still one of the most dominant big men in the league.
G: Tony Parker (San Antonio Spurs)
G: Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder)
F: Blake Griffin (Los Angeles Clippers)
F: Kevin Love (Minnesota Timberwolves)
C: Andrew Bynum (Los Angeles Lakers)
Love would have had a strong argument to make the first team if he didn't get hurt late in the season. The only question mark is Griffin, who needs to add more versatility to his game before he becomes an elite player.
The guard duo of Parker and Westbrook will battle each other in the Western Conference Finals in what should be must-see television.
G: Rajon Rondo (Boston Celtics)
G: Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)
F: Carmelo Anthony (New York Knicks)
F: Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks)
C: Tyson Chandler (New York Knicks)
Both forwards are debatable choices. Tim Duncan and LaMarcus Aldridge are both more deserving of those spots, in my opinion. Last season's MVP Derrick Rose also doesn't make an appearance due to all of his nagging injuries throughout the season.
These types of lists are always going to have a couple questionable inclusions, but for the most part the right choices were made. The number of young players featured bodes well for the future of the NBA.
