Early Predictions for Next Season's All-NBA Team
The NBA recently announced their All-NBA selections for the 2011-12 season with Miami's LeBron James and Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant highlighting the selections.
Even though the 2012 season isn't near completed yet, it's not too early to look ahead towards the 2013 campaign.
With that being said, here's some way too early predictions for next season's All-NBA teams.
2013 All-NBA First Team
Guard- Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics
Rondo was All-NBA Third Team this season and next year it's quite possible he becomes the elite point guard in the NBA.
Since February 28, including the postseason, Rondo has been held to single-digits in assists only twice. He's the premier playmaker in the game today and even though the Celtics could be losing some key pieces, Rondo just will keep getting better.
Guard- Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Speaking of getting better, Westbrook has done that in all four of his NBA seasons to date and I expect nothing different from him in 2013.
He was the best player on the floor in the series against the Lakers and the scary part is he can still be much better.
Forward- Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Durant won his third consecutive scoring title in 2012 and I see no reason why he can't continue the run.
Even if he doesn't win a fourth straight scoring title, Durant is still one of the top two players in the game today.
Forward- LeBron James, Miami Heat
James won his third MVP award in 2012 and if he produces anything similar to what he's done the past three postseason games, then a fourth MVP could be right around the corner.
Center- Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers
Bynum emerged as a force in 2012, averaging 18.7 points and 11.8 rebounds per game.
Whether he's in a Lakers uniform or not in 2013, this may be the year where Bynum replaces Dwight Howard as the NBA's top center.
2013 All-NBA Second Team
Guard- Chris Paul, Los Angeles Clippers
Paul will have another solid campaign in 2013, but the emergence of Rondo and Westbrook will bump him down to the second team.
Guard- Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
I won't go as far as saying Kobe will start to slow down next season, but another season like 2012 where he averaged 27.9 points per game may be asking a bit much.
Bryant may not be that good next year, but he will still be productive and earn a spot on the second team.
Forward- Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves
Love has first team worthy type numbers, averaging 26.0 points and 13.3 rebounds per game, but with Durant and LeBron occupying the first team forward spots, he may have to settle for second-team honors once again.
Forward- Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Anthony will have a bounce back season next year in the Big Apple and I expect something similar to what he did in the month of April when he averaged 29.8 points per game.
Melo may not be that good in 2013, but a scoring title and a spot on the All-NBA second team is certainly within reach.
Center- Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic
In won't be in Orlando, but Howard will be the same force that he's been throughout the past five years.
Hopefully in 2013, it will be all about basketball for Howard and a little less drama.
