Filling out an All-NBA ballot was a huge challenge for voters this season not only because of the amount of talent around the league, but also because of the difficulty in determining positions.
Joel Embiid and Nikola Jokic were both deserving of First Team spots, but voters didn’t bend the rules and put one of the big men at forward. DeMar DeRozan was listed as a guard and forward on the Bulls’ roster. He ultimately landed at forward on the Second Team. LeBron James, who logged minutes at every position, was one of the Third Team forwards.
There were no easy answers to the toughest All-NBA questions, so voters had to use their best judgment in completing their ballots. Fans will undoubtedly be upset with certain selections, but the debates are always part of the fun.
Here is the complete list of selections for the All-NBA First, Second and Third Teams.
MORE: TSN’s Stephen Noh breaks down his unofficial All-NBA ballot
All-NBA First Team
| Position | Player | Team |
| G | Devin Booker | Suns |
| G | Luka Doncic | Mavericks |
| F | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bucks |
| F | Jayson Tatum | Celtics |
| C | Nikola Jokic | Nuggets |
All-NBA Second Team
| Position | Player | Team |
| G | Stephen Curry | Warriors |
| G | Ja Morant | Grizzlies |
| F | DeMar DeRozan | Bulls |
| F | Kevin Durant | Nets |
| C | Joel Embiid | 76ers |
All-NBA Third Team
| Position | Player | Team |
| G | Chris Paul | Suns |
| G | Trae Young | Hawks |
| F | LeBron James | Lakers |
| F | Pascal Siakam | Raptors |
| C | Karl-Anthony Towns | Timberwolves |
How All-NBA Teams are selected
A global panel of 100 media members determines which players make All-NBA Teams. Voters choose two guards, two forwards and one center for the First, Second and Third Teams.
Players earn points for each vote: five points for First Team, three points for Second Team and one point for Third Team. If a player receives votes at multiple positions, that player will be placed at the position where he received the most votes.
Votes are counted by an independent firm, and the ballots are released after all end-of-season NBA awards have been handed out.
The Kia All-NBA First Team is made up entirely of players age 27 or younger for the first time since the 1954-55 season.
More ➡️ https://t.co/nzFuNn37iT
Voting results ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/62uiQpWv4o
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 25, 2022
NBA award winners 2022
Most Valuable Player finalists
- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets (winner)
- Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
- Joel Embiid, 76ers
Rookie of the Year finalists
- Scottie Barnes, Raptors (winner)
- Cade Cunningham, Pistons
- Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Defensive Player of the Year finalists
- Marcus Smart, Celtics (winner)
- Mikal Bridges, Suns
- Rudy Gobert, Jazz
Sixth Man of the Year finalists
- Tyler Herro, Heat (winner)
- Cam Johnson, Suns
- Kevin Love, Cavaliers
Most Improved Player finalists
- Ja Morant, Grizzlies (winner)
- Darius Garland, Cavaliers
- Dejounte Murray, Spurs
Coach of the Year finalists
- Monty Williams, Suns (winner)
- Taylor Jenkins, Grizzlies
- Erik Spoelstra, Heat