NBA Awards at the Quarter Pole
The All-NBA Team must have two guards, two forwards, and a center. The First-Team is not the five best players, but usually winds up as such. With that said, this year I don’t think that will be the case. I could argue that the four best players at the quarter pole are all forwards – Kawhi, Giannis, LeBron, and KD. Only two of them will earn the First-Team nod. A lot can change – and likely will - over the next four months, but through roughly 20 games here is my ballot for First-Team All-NBA.
Center: Joel Embiid. He has been an absolute beast this season, putting up Shaq-like numbers – 27.5 points and 13.4 rebounds – while also anchoring Philadelphia’s defense. My biggest concern with Embiid is his workload, as he is playing over 34 minutes per night and hasn’t taken any games off to rest so far. Marc Gasol deserves a mention, as does Anthony Davis, but Embiid is an easy selection here.
Forward: Kawhi Leonard. I thought it would take Kawhi some time to return to his old self after sitting out nearly all of last season, but he hasn’t missed a beat. Even in a new city, Kawhi has played unimpeachable defense and has shouldered quite the offensive load in Toronto to help guide the Raptors to a comfortable lead atop the Eastern Conference standings.
Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo. At times, it looks like The Greek Freak is playing a different sport than his peers. His ability to handle and run the break at his height is stunning. Giannis could certainly improve his shooting, but he has been arguably the best player in the Eastern Conference.
Guard: Kemba Walker. Cardiac Kemba is absolute must see TV. He might be 5’11” and is straight torching dudes. I am not sure a player has improved more over the course of his career than the best player in the history of the Hornet’s organization has.
Guard: Mike Conley. The fact that this man has never made an All-Star Game is criminal. He is the most underrated player of this generation. Conley is the ultimate floor general and has helped guide the Grizzlies to a hot start, averaging 20.3 points, 6.5 assists, and 4.3 assists per game.
