The Crux

2022-2023 All-NBA Process (Or, If I Had a Ballot…)

Ultimate guide to All-NBA… Guard candidates Advanced Metrics Average Placement  Box score rankings per 36 Dame: 32/5/7, 64% TS, 3.3 TO Steph: 30/6/7, 65% TS, 3.4 TO Luka: 32/9/8, 61% TS, 3.6 TO Shai: 32/5/6, 63% TS, 2.9 TO Ja: 30/7/9, 56% TS, 3.8 TO Trae: 27/3/10, 58% TS, 4.1 TO Booker: 29/5/6, 60% TS,…

Justin Rossman
9–13 minutes

Ultimate guide to All-NBA…

Guard candidates

  • Jaylen Brown (63 games played, 43-20 IN, 9-3 OUT)… 36.1 MPG
    • 27.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.9 TO
    • 59% True Shooting… 58% from 2, 34% from 3 (7.5 per game), 76% from the line (5.4 per game)
    • EPM: 2.9 (46th), LEBRON: 1.18 (68th), RAPTOR: 0.8 (100th) (neutral ish on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 71.33st
  • Jrue Holiday (62 games played, 46-16 IN, 8-5 OUT)… 32.7 MPG
    • 19.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 7.3 apg, 2.9 TO
    • 58% True Shooting… 54% from 2, 38% from 3 (6.2 per game), 87% from the line (2.6 per game)
    • EPM: 4.4 (25th), LEBRON: 3.13 (23rd), RAPTOR: 4.9 (20th) (significant + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 22.67nd
  • James Harden (53 games played, 36-17 IN, 13-9 OUT)… 36.9 MPG
    • 21.4 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 10.8 apg, 3.4 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 50% from 2, 38% from 3 (7.3 per game), 87% from the line (6.5 per game)
    • EPM: 5.4 (15th), LEBRON: 3.98 (12th), RAPTOR: 6.3 (9th) (neutral ish on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 12.0 th
  • Donovan Mitchell (64 games played, 42-22 IN, 6-6 OUT)… 35.5 MPG
    • 27.4 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 4.5 apg, 2.6 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 56% from 2, 38% from 3 (9.3 per game), 87% from the line (5.2 per game)
    • EPM: 4.7 (20th), LEBRON: 4.37 (9th), RAPTOR: 4.5 (23rd) (negative on defense)
    • ANALYS: 17.33th
  • Jalen Brunson (65 games played, 37-28 IN, 6-5 OUT)… 35.0 MPG
    • 23.8 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 6.2 apg, 2.0 TO
    • 60% True Shooting… 52% from 2, 41% from 3 (4.7 per game), 83% from the line (5.8 per game)
    • EPM: 2.1 (58th) (massive D negative), LEBRON: 2.07 (43rd) (- on D), RAPTOR: 4.1 (29th) (- on D)
    • ANALYS: 43.33rd
  • Trae Young (68 games played, 35-33 IN, 2-5 OUT)… 34.6 MPG
    • 26.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg, 10.0 apg, 4.1 TO
    • 58% True Shooting… 48% from 2, 34% from 3 (6.4 per game), 89% from the line (8.6 per game)
    • EPM: 3.7 (36th) (small – on D), LEBRON: the 2.61 (31st) (big – on D), RAPTOR: 4.6 (22nd) (- on D)
    • ANALYS: 29.67th
  • Ja Morant (56 games played, 37-19 IN, 10-8 OUT)… 32.0 MPG
    • 26.8 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 8.1 apg, 3.3 TO
    • 56% True Shooting… 52% from 2, 31% from 3 (4.9 per game), 75% from the line (8.4 per game)
    • EPM: 4.9 (27th), LEBRON: 3.93 (14th), RAPTOR: 6.3 (9th) (small + on defense all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 16.67th
  • De’Aaron Fox (67 games played, 41-26 IN, 4-4 OUT)… 33.8 MPG
    • 25.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 6.1 apg, 2.6 TO
    • 60% True Shooting… 58% from 2, 34% from 3 (5.0 per game), 77% from the line (6.2 per game)
    • EPM: 2.4 (50th) (big – on D), LEBRON: 1.98 (46th) (big – on D), RAPTOR: 2.5 (48th) (big – on D)
    • ANALYS: 48th
  • Devin Booker (48 games played, 29-19 IN, 11-16 OUT), 34.5 MPG
    • 28.1 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.7 TO
    • 60% True Shooting… 55% from 2, 37% from 3 (5.9 per game), 85% from the line (6.5 per game)
    • EPM: 4.6 (24th), LEBRON: 3.33 (19th), RAPTOR: 4.2 (28th) (negative on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 23.67rd
  • Steph Curry (50 games played, 25-25 IN, 14-12 OUT), 34.9 MPG
    • 29.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 6.3 apg, 3.3 TO
    • 66% True Shooting… 59% from 2, 43% from 3 (11.4 per game), 91% from the line (5.1 per game)
    • EPM: 6.2 (10th), LEBRON: 3.47 (17th), RAPTOR: 6.2 (11th) (slight – on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 12.67th
  • Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (64 games played, 32-32 IN, 5-6 OUT), 35.5 MPG
    • 31.3 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 5.4 apg, 2.9 TO
    • 63% True Shooting… 53% from 2, 35% from 3 (2.5 per game), 90% from the line (10.7 per game)
    • EPM: 5.7 (12th), LEBRON: 4.11 (11th), RAPTOR: 5.2 (17th) (slight + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 13.33th
  • Luka Doncic (64 games played, 32-32 IN, 5-10 OUT), 36.3 MPG
    • 32.9 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 8.1 apg, 3.7 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 59% from 2, 35% from 3 (8.2 per game), 74% from the line (10.6 per game)
    • EPM: 6.2 (8th), LEBRON: 4.40 (8th), RAPTOR: 8.1 (3rd) (slight – on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 6.33rd
  • Kyrie Irving (59 games played, 31-28 IN), 37.2 MPG
    • 27.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.1 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 58% from 2, 37% from 3 (8.2 per game), 90% from the line (4.6 per game)
    • EPM: 5.5 (14th), LEBRON: 2.67 (29th), RAPTOR: 5.8 (14th) (slight – on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 19.0th
  • Damian Lillard (58 games played, 27-31 IN), 36.3 MPG
    • 32.2 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 7.3 apg, 3.3 TO
    • 65% True Shooting… 57% from 2, 37% from 3 (11.3 per game), 91% from the line (9.6 per game)
    • EPM: 7.1 (3rd), LEBRON: 3.86 (15th), RAPTOR: 7.3 (5th) (big – on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 7.67th

Advanced Metrics Average Placement 

  • Luka: 6.33
  • Dame: 7.67
  • Harden: 12.0
  • Steph: 12.67
  • Shai: 13.33
  • Ja: 16.67
  • Donovan: 17.33
  • Kyrie: 19.0
  • Jrue: 22.67
  • Book: 23.67
  • Trae: 29.67
  • Brunson: 43.33
  • Fox: 48.0
  • Jaylen: 71.33

Box score rankings per 36

Dame: 32/5/7, 64% TS, 3.3 TO

Steph: 30/6/7, 65% TS, 3.4 TO

Luka: 32/9/8, 61% TS, 3.6 TO

Shai: 32/5/6, 63% TS, 2.9 TO

Ja: 30/7/9, 56% TS, 3.8 TO

Trae: 27/3/10, 58% TS, 4.1 TO

Booker: 29/5/6, 60% TS, 2.9 TO

Donovan: 27/4/5, 61% TS, 2.6 TO

James: 21/6/11, 61% TS, 3.4 TO

Fox: 27/4/7, 60% TS, 2.7 TO

Kyrie: 26/5/5, 61% TS, 2.0 TO

Jaylen: 27/7/3, 59% TS, 2.9 TO

Brunson: 24/4/6, 60% TS, 2.0 TO

Jrue: 21/6/8, 58% TS, 2.9 TO

Winning/Availability rankings

Fox: 70 games played, 43-27 when he plays, Kings are 47-31

Preseason W/L: 34.5

Donovan: 67 games played, 43-23 when he plays, Cavs are 49-30

Preseason W/L: 46.5

Brunson: 68 games played, 40-28 when he plays, Knicks are 46-33

Preseason W/L: 38.5

Shai: 66 games played, 32-34 when he plays, Thunder are 38-41

Preseason W/L: 23.5

Jrue: 65 games played, 48-17 when he plays, Bucks are 56-22

Preseason W/L: 53.5

Jaylen Brown: 66 games played, 45-21 when he plays, Celtics are 54-24

Preseason W/L: 54.5

Ja: 59 games played, 38-21 when he plays, Grizzlies are 49-29

Preseason W/L: 49.5

Harden: 56 games played, 38-18 when he plays, 76ers are 51-27

Preseason W/L: 50.5

Booker: 51 games played, 32-19 when he plays, Suns are 43-35

Preseason W/L: 52.5

Trae: 71 games played, 37-34 when he plays, Hawks are 39-39

Preseason W/L: 46.5

Luka: 64 games played, 32-32 when he plays, Mavs are 37-42

Preseason W/L: 48.5

Steph: 53 games played, 27-26 when he plays, Warriors are 41-38

Preseason W/L: 52.5

Dame: 58 games played, 27-31 when he plays, Blazers are 33-45

Preseason W/L: 39.5

Kyrie: 59 games played, 31-28 when he plays, teams are in shambles

Preseason W/L: 50.5 for the nets, 48.5 for the Mavs

Pretending to give even weight to all 3 categories, what would the final rankings be…

Shai: 4.33

Luka: 5.0

Dame: 5.33

Donovan: 5.67

Steph: 6.0

Ja: 6.0

James: 6.67

Fox: 8.0

Booker: 8.67

Trae: 9.0

Jrue: 9.33

Brunson: 9.33

Jaylen: 10.67

Kyrie: 11.0

Final All-NBA Guards (definitely still not finalized)

1st team: Luka, SGA

2nd team: Damian Lillard, Donovan Mitchell

3rd team: Steph Curry, Ja Morant

Closest runner-up: James Harden 

Forward candidates

  • Jaylen Brown (66 games played, 45-21 IN, 9-3 OUT)… 36.1 MPG, Celtics are 54-24 (preseason w/l: 54.5)
    • 27.0 ppg, 7.0 rpg, 3.4 apg, 2.9 TO
    • PER 36: 27/7/3, 59% TS, 2.9 TO
    • 59% True Shooting… 58% from 2, 34% from 3 (7.5 per game), 76% from the line (5.4 per game)
    • EPM: 2.9 (46th), LEBRON: 1.18 (68th), RAPTOR: 0.8 (100th) (neutral ish on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 71.33st
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo (62 games played, 46-16 IN, 10-6 OUT)… 32.1 MPG, Bucks are 56-22, (preseason w/l 53.5)
    • 31.1 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 5.6 apg, 3.8 TO
    • PER 36: 35/13/6, 61% TS, 4.3 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 60% from 2, 28% from 3 (2.8 per game), 65% from the line (12.2 per game)
    • EPM: 6.4 (7th), LEBRON: 5.48 (2nd), RAPTOR: 6.4 (7th), (*big* + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 5.33
  • Jayson Tatum (72 games played, 51-21 IN, 3-3 OUT)… 37.2 MPG, Celtics are 54-24 (preseason w/l 54.5)
    • 30.3 ppg, 8.9 rpg, 4.6 apg, 2.9 TO
    • PER 36: 29/9/5, 61% TS, 2.8 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 56% from 2, 35% from 3 (9.3 per game), 86% from the line (8.4 per game)
    • EPM: 5.5 (13th), LEBRON: 4.43 (7th), RAPTOR: 3.4 (39th), (weirdly close to neutral on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 19.67
  • Julius Randle (77 games played, 44-33 IN, 2-0 OUT)… 35.5 MPG, Knicks are 46-33 (preseason w/l 38.5)
    • 25.1 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 4.1 apg, 2.8 TO
    • PER 36: 26/10/4, 58% TS, 2.8 TO
    • 58% True Shooting… 55% from 2, 34% from 3 (8.3 per game), 76% from the line (6.9 per game)
    • EPM: 3.3 (34th), LEBRON: 2.94 (27th), RAPTOR: 1.9 (62nd), (substantial – on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 41.0
  • Jimmy Butler (62 games played, 33-29 IN, 8-8 OUT)… 33.4 MPG, Heat are 41-37 (preseason w/l 49.5)
    • 22.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 5.3 apg, 1.6 TO
    • PER 36: 25/6/6, 64% TS, 1.7 TO
    • 64% True Shooting… 56% from 2, 35% from 3 (1.6 per game), 85% from the line (8.7 per game)
    • EPM: 6.9 (4th), LEBRON: 4.5 (6th), RAPTOR: 6.4 (7th), (significant + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 5.67
  • Demar Derozan (71 games played, 36-35 IN, 2-5 OUT)… 36.4 MPG, Bulls are 38-40 (preseason w/l 41.5)
    • 24.9 ppg, 4.7 rpg, 5.1 apg, 2.1 TO
    • PER 36: 25/5/5, 60% TS, 2.1 TO
    • 60% True Shooting… 53% from 2, 33% from 3 (1.9 per game), 87% from the line (7.2 per game)
    • EPM: 3.3 (35th), LEBRON: 1.91 (49th), RAPTOR: 3.3 (40th), (neutralish on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 41.33
  • Zach Lavine (74 games played, 37-37 IN, 1-3 OUT)… 36.1 MPG, Bulls are 38-40 (preseason w/l 41.5)
    • 25.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 2.6 TO
    • PER 36: 25/4/4, 61% TS, 2.6 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 56% from 2, 38% from 3 (7.1 per game), 85% from the line (5.6 per game)
    • EPM: 2.9 (42nd), LEBRON: 0.60 (97th), RAPTOR: 1.3 (80th) (negative on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 73.0
  • Pascal Siakam (68 games played, 34-34 IN, 5-5 OUT)… 37.5 MPG, Raptors are 39-39 (preseason w/l 46.5)
    • 24.3 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 6.0 apg, 2.4 TO
    • PER 36: 23/7/6, 56% TS, 2.3 TO
    • 56% True Shooting… 52% from 2, 33% from 3 (4.1 per game), 77% from the line (6.7 per game)
    • EPM: 2.3 (52nd), LEBRON: 2.48 (36th), RAPTOR: 0.50 (108th), (neutralish on D on average, very neg in RAPTOR)
    • ANALYS: 65.33
  • Kristaps Porzingis (65 games played, 27-38 IN, 7-6 OUT)… 32.6 MPG, Wizards are 34-44 (preseason w/l 35.5)
    • 23.2 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 2.7 apg, 2.1 TO
    • PER 36: 26/9/3, 63% TS, 2.3 TO
    • 63% True Shooting… 56% from 2, 39% from 3 (5.5 per game), 85% from the line (6.4 per game)
    • EPM: 5.1 (17th), LEBRON: 2.51 (34th), RAPTOR: 4.4 (25th), (steady + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 25.33
  • Jaren Jackson Jr (60 games played, 39-21 IN, 10-8 OUT)… 28.1 MPG, Grizzlies are 49-29 (preseason w/l 49.5)
    • 18.0 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 0.9 apg, 1.7 TO
    • PER 36: 23/9/1, 61% True Shooting, 1.9 TO
    • 61% True Shooting… 59% from 2, 35% from 3 (4.4 per game), 78% from the line (4.6 per game)
    • EPM: 4.8 (21st), LEBRON: 5.40 (3rd), RAPTOR: 3.7 (32nd), (metrics say he is best defender in the NBA)
    • ANALYS: 18.67
  • Kevin Durant (45 games played, 32-13 IN, not as good OUT)… 35.5 MPG, teams are boop
    • 29.3 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 5.1 apg, 3.3 TO
    • PER 36: 30/7/5, 68% TS, 3.4 TO
    • 68% True Shooting… 62% from 2, 39% from 3 (4.9 per game), 93% from the line (7.2 per game)
    • EPM: 6.5 (6th), LEBRON: 3.83 (16th), RAPTOR: 5.7 (15th), (metrics say steady + on D)
    • ANALYS: 12.33
  • Kawhi Leonard (49 games played, 30-19 IN, 11-19 OUT)… 33.5 MPG, Clippers are 41-38 (preseason w/l 52.5)
    • 23.7 ppg, 6.9 rpg, 3.9 apg, 1.7 TO
    • PER 36: 26/7/4, 62% TS, 1.8 TO
    • 62% True Shooting… 55% from 2, 42% from 3 (4.7 per game), 87% from the line (5.3 per game)
    • EPM: 6.9 (5th), LEBRON: 3.46 (18th), RAPTOR: 7.2 (6th), (metrics say *big* + on D)
    • ANALYS: 9.67
  • Paul George (56 games played, 32-24 IN, 9-14 OUT)… 34.6 MPG, Clippers are 41-38 (preseason w/l 52.5)
    • 23.8 ppg, 6.1 rpg, 5.1 apg, 3.1 TO
    • PER 36: 25/6/5, 59% TS, 3.3 TO
    • 59% True Shooting… 52% from 2, 37% from 3 (7.6 per game), 87% from the line (5.3 per game)
    • EPM: 4.7 (22nd), LEBRON: 3.05 (25th), RAPTOR: 5.0 (19th), (significant + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 22.0
  • Lebron James (51 games played, 27-24 IN, 13-14 OUT)… 35.6 MPG, Lakers are 40-38 (preseason w/l 44.5)
    • 28.8 ppg, 8.5 rpg, 6.9 apg, 3.1 TO
    • PER 36: 29/9/7, 58% TS, 3.2 TO
    • 58% True Shooting… 58% from 2, 30% from 3 (6.7 per game), 77% from the line (6.1 per game)
    • EPM: 6.1 (9th), LEBRON: 4.75 (5th), RAPTOR: 4.4 (25th), (substantial + on D in most metrics)
    • ANALYS: 13.0
  • Lauri Markaanen (66 games played, 32-34 IN, 4-8 OUT)… 34.4 MPG, Jazz are 36-42 (preseason w/l 23.5)
    • 25.6 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.9 apg, 1.9 TO
    • PER 36: 27/9/2, 64% TS, 1.9 TO
    • 64% True Shooting… 59% from 2, 39% from 3 (7.7 per game), 88% from the line (6.0 per game)
    • EPM: 5.0 (19th), LEBRON: 2.29 (39th), RAPTOR: 4.5 (23rd), (neutralish on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 27.0

Advanced Metrics Average Placement

  • Giannis: 5.33
  • Jimmy Butler: 5.67
  • Kawhi: 9.67
  • Kevin Durant: 12.33
  • Lebron: 13.0
  • JJJ: 18.67
  • Tatum: 19.67
  • Paul George: 22.0
  • Kristaps: 25.33
  • Lauri: 27.0
  • Randle: 41.0
  • Derozan: 41.33
  • Siakam: 65.33
  • Jaylen Brown: 71.33
  • Lavnie: 73.0

Box Score Rankings per 36 (forwards)

  • Giannis: 35/13/6, 61% TS, 4.3 TO
  • KD: 30/7/5, 68% TS, 3.4 TO
  • —tier gap—
  • Tatum: 29/9/5, 61% TS, 2.8 TO
  • Jimmy: 25/6/6, 64% TS, 1.7 TO
  • Lebron: 29/9/7, 58% TS, 3.2 TO
  • ——tier gap—-
  • Lauri: 27/9/2, 64% TS, 1.9 TO
  • Porzingis: 26/9/3, 63% TS, 2.3 TO
  • Kawhi: 26/7/4, 62% TS, 1.7 TO
  • —-tier gap—–
  • Randle: 26/10/4, 58% TS, 2.8 TO
  • Derozan: 25/5/5, 60% TS, 2.1 TO
  • Jaylen: 27/7/3, 59% TS, 2.9 TO
  • Paul George: 25/6/5, 59% TS, 3.3 TO
  • Lavine: 25/4/4, 61% TS, 2.6 TO
  • —–tier gap——
  • JJJ: 23/9/1, 61% TS, 1.9 TO
  • Siakam: 23/7/6, 56% TS, 2.3 TO

Winning/Availability handicap (April 4th)

  • Giannis Antetokounmpo: 62 games played, 46-16 IN, 10-6 OUT… 32.1 MPG, Bucks are 56-22, (preseason w/l 53.5)
  • Jayson Tatum: 72 games played, 51-21 IN, 3-3 OUT… 37.2 MPG, Celtics are 54-24 (preseason w/l 54.5)
  • Julius Randle: 77 games played, 44-33 IN, 2-0 OUT… 35.5 MPG, Knicks are 46-33 (preseason w/l 38.5)
  • Lauri Markaanen (66 games played, 32-34 IN, 4-8 OUT)… 34.4 MPG, Jazz are 36-42 (preseason w/l 23.5)
  • Jaylen Brown: 66 games played, 45-21 IN, 9-3 OUT… 36.1 MPG, Celtics are 54-24 (preseason w/l: 54.5)
  • Jaren Jackson Jr (60 games played, 39-21 IN, 10-8 OUT)… 28.1 MPG, Grizzlies are 49-29 (preseason w/l 49.5)
  • Jimmy Butler: 62 games played, 33-29 IN, 8-8 OUT… 33.4 MPG, Heat are 41-37 (preseason w/l 49.5)
  • Kristaps Porzingis (65 games played, 27-38 IN, 7-6 OUT)… 32.6 MPG, Wizards are 34-44 (preseason w/l 35.5)
  • Demar Derozan (71 games played, 36-35 IN, 2-5 OUT)… 36.4 MPG, Bulls are 38-40 (preseason w/l 41.5)
  • Zach Lavine (74 games played, 37-37 IN, 1-3 OUT)… 36.1 MPG, Bulls are 38-40 (preseason w/l 41.5)
  • Pascal Siakam (68 games played, 34-34 IN, 5-5 OUT)… 37.5 MPG, Raptors are 39-39 (preseason w/l 46.5)
  • Paul George (56 games played, 32-24 IN, 9-14 OUT)… 34.6 MPG, Clippers are 41-38 (preseason w/l 52.5)
  • Lebron James (51 games played, 27-24 IN, 13-14 OUT)… 35.6 MPG, Lakers are 40-38 (preseason w/l 44.5)
  • Kawhi Leonard (49 games played, 30-19 IN, 11-19 OUT)… 33.5 MPG, Clippers are 41-38 (preseason w/l 52.5)
  • Kevin Durant (45 games played, 32-13 IN, not as good OUT)… 35.5 MPG, teams are boop

Pretending to give even weight to all 3 categories, what would the final rankings be…

  • Giannis: 1.0
  • Tatum: 4.0
  • Jimmy: 4.33
  • Lauri: 6.67
  • KD: 7.0
  • Randle: 7.67
  • Lebron: 7.67
  • Kristaps: 8.0
  • Kawhi: 8.33
  • JJJ: 8.67
  • Jaylen Brown: 10.0
  • Derozan: 10.33
  • PG13: 10.67
  • Lavine: 12.67
  • Siakam: 13.0

Final All-NBA Forwards (*definitely* not finalized)

  • 1st team: Giannis, Tatum
  • 2nd team: Jimmy, Lauri
  • 3rd team: Randle, ???

Contenders for final spot: Lebron, KD

Center candidates

  • Nikola Jokic (67 games played, 48-19 IN, 4-7 OUT)… 33.9 MPG, Nuggets are 52-26 (preseason w/l 51.5)
    • 24.9 ppg, 11.9 rpg, 9.9 apg, 3.5 TO
    • PER 36: 27/13/11, 70% TS, 3.7 TO
    • 70% True Shooting… 68% from 2, 39% from 3 (2.2 per game), 82% from the line (6.1 per game)
    • EPM: 8.3 (1st), LEBRON: 8.25 (1st), RAPTOR: 14.6 (1st by a mile), (giant + on D in 2 of the metrics, neutral in epm)
    • ANALYS: 1.0
  • Joel Embiid (65 games played, 43-22 IN, 9-5 OUT)… 34.7 MPG, 76ers are 52-27 (preseason w/l 50.5)
    • 33.3 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 4.2 apg, 3.4 TO
    • PER 36: 35/11/4, 65% TS, 3.6 TO
    • 65% True Shooting… 59% from 2, 33% from 3 (3.2 per game), 86% from the line (12.3 per game)
    • EPM: 7.2 (2nd), LEBRON: 5.10 (4th), RAPTOR: 8.6 (2nd), (significant or giant + on D in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 2.67
  • Anthony Davis (54 games played, 29-25 IN, 12-14 OUT)… 34.0 MPG, Lakers are 41-39 (preseason w/l 44.5)
    • 26.3 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 2.2 TO
    • PER 36: 28/13/3, 63% TS, 2.3 TO
    • 63% True Shooting… 59% from 2, 26% from 3 (1.4 per game), 78% from the line (8.1 per game)
    • EPM: 5.9 (11th), LEBRON: 4.33 (10th), RAPTOR: 7.3 (4th), (one of the best D players in the league in all metrics)
    • ANALYS: 8.33
  • Domantas Sabonis (78 games played, 47-31 IN, 1-1 OUT)… 34.8 MPG, Kings are 48-32 (preseason w/l 34.5)
    • 19.2 ppg, 12.4 rpg, 7.3 apg, 2.9 TO
    • PER 36: 20/13/8, 67% TS, 3.0 TO
    • 67% True Shooting… 64% from 2, 37% from 3 (1.1 per game), 74% from the line (5.6 per game)
    • EPM: 2.3 (53rd), LEBRON: 3.05 (24th), RAPTOR: 3.5 (35th), (metrics disagree but balance out to neutral on D)
    • ANALYS: 37.33

Narrowing down the All-NBA picture

Absolute locks (10 players)
Guards: Shai, Luka, Donovan, Dame, Steph

Forwards: Giannis, Tatum, Jimmy Butler

Centers: Embiid, Jokic

Competing for the final spots

Competing for 1 guard spot: Ja Morant, James Harden, De’Aaron Fox

Competing for 3 forward spots and 1 center spot: Julius Randle, Lauri Markaanen, Kevin Durant, Lebron James, Anthony Davis, Domantas Sabonis

Competing for either 1 

For my money, Sabonis and AD both have to make it (however we end up arranging it)

Which means it comes down to one of Harden/Ja/Fox for the final guard spot

And 2 of Randle/Markaanen/Durant/Lebron for the final 2 forward spots

Which means here are the sample teams

1st team all-NBA

Guard: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Guard: Luka Doncic

Forward: Giannis Antetokounmpo

Forward: Jayson Tatum

Center: Joel Embiid

2nd team all-NBA

Guard: Donovan Mitchell

Guard: Damian Lillard

Forward: Jimmy Butler

Forward: Anthony Davis

Center: Nikola Jokic

3rd team All-NBA

Guard: Steph Curry

Guard: James Harden

Forward: Lebron James

Forward: Kevin Durant

Center: Domantas Sabonis

Snubbed: Ja Morant, De’Aaron Fox, Julius Randle, Lauri Markaanen

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