SGA, Jokic, Wembanyama, Doncic, Cunningham make 1st-team All-NBA

The NBA has officially announced the All-NBA First Team for the 2025-26 season, marking a significant shift in the league's hierarchy. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic continue their dominance as unanimous selections, while Victor Wembanyama secures his first-ever First Team nod in just his third season. Joining them are Luka Doncic, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, and Cade Cunningham of the Detroit Pistons, rounding out a powerhouse lineup that reflects the incredible talent across the league. This selection highlights a mix of established superstars and rising icons who have defined the competitive landscape of professional basketball this year.

The 2025-26 All-NBA First Team consists of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Thunder), Nikola Jokic (Nuggets), Victor Wembanyama (Spurs), Luka Doncic (Lakers), and Cade Cunningham (Pistons). Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic were the only unanimous selections, receiving all 100 first-place votes. Victor Wembanyama fell just one vote short of a unanimous selection, receiving 99 first-team votes. This year's team is notable for the inclusion of Wembanyama in his first selection and the absence of LeBron James, whose record-breaking streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections came to an end due to missing the 65-game eligibility requirement.

The Unanimous Leaders: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic

For the second consecutive year, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (SGA) and Nikola Jokic have stood alone at the very top of the NBA's individual honors. Both players were selected to the First Team by every single one of the 100 media voters, totaling 500 points each. SGA, the reigning two-time MVP, led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a dominant regular season, showcasing his elite scoring and playmaking. Jokic, a three-time MVP, remained the focal point of the Denver Nuggets' offense, proving once again why he is considered the most impactful offensive force in the game today.

Their consistency is historic. By achieving back-to-back unanimous selections, they join an elite group of legends. The statistical profiles for both are staggering, with Jokic averaging near-triple-double numbers and SGA maintaining high-efficiency scoring while leading a young roster to the top of the Western Conference. Their presence on the First Team was never in doubt, as they have effectively become the gold standard for performance in the modern NBA.

Victor Wembanyama: A Historic Rise to the First Team

Victor Wembanyama’s inclusion in the All-NBA First Team is perhaps the most significant story of the 2025-26 awards. In only his third professional season, the 7-foot-4 French phenomenon has completely altered the defensive and offensive landscape of the league. Wembanyama received 99 out of 100 first-team votes, missing a unanimous selection by just a single dissenter. At only 22 years old, he becomes one of the youngest players ever to receive this honor, signaling the start of what many believe will be a decade of dominance.

During the regular season, Wembanyama averaged 25 points, 11.5 rebounds, and led the league with 3.1 blocks per game. His defensive impact was so profound that he was also named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year. The San Antonio Spurs' star has revitalized the franchise, leading them deep into the Western Conference Finals. His ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor—switching onto guards, protecting the rim, and shooting from distance—makes him a unique force that the NBA has never seen before.

Luka Doncic’s New Chapter with the Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Doncic continues to build his Hall of Fame resume, securing his sixth All-NBA First Team selection. However, this year marks a major milestone as it is his first selection as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers. After a blockbuster move to Los Angeles, Doncic has seamlessly transitioned into the "storied franchise" atmosphere, maintaining his elite production and leading the Lakers back into championship contention. He received 91 first-team votes, solidifying his status as one of the premier guards in basketball history.

Doncic’s ability to control the pace of the game and deliver in high-pressure moments has made him a fan favorite in Los Angeles. By reaching his sixth First Team selection before the age of 27, he joins a list of all-time greats including LeBron James and Tim Duncan. His partnership with the Lakers' roster has proven fruitful, and this All-NBA nod confirms that he remains the centerpiece of the league's most famous team.

Cade Cunningham’s Breakout and the Detroit Pistons' Success

Cade Cunningham has officially arrived among the NBA's elite. After showing glimpses of brilliance in his early years, Cunningham’s 2025-26 campaign was a masterclass in lead-guard play, earning him 60 first-team votes and his first-ever All-NBA selection. His playmaking and scoring were the driving forces behind a resurgent Detroit Pistons team that exceeded all expectations this season. Cunningham’s inclusion on the First Team validates his status as the cornerstone of the Pistons' future.

Throughout the season, Cunningham displayed a level of maturity and poise that allowed Detroit to compete with the league's best. Despite facing some injury concerns late in the season, his overall impact during the games he played was undeniable. He is the first Pistons player to make the All-NBA First Team in years, bringing a renewed sense of hope and pride to the city of Detroit. His growth into a legitimate superstar is one of the most encouraging developments for the NBA's eastern conference.

All-NBA First Team Player	Team
Nikola Jokic	Denver Nuggets
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander	Oklahoma City Thunder
Victor Wembanyama	San Antonio Spurs
Luka Doncic	Los Angeles Lakers
Cade Cunningham	Detroit Pistons

The End of an Era: LeBron James and the 65-Game Rule

For the first time in over two decades, the All-NBA lists do not feature the name LeBron James. The 41-year-old superstar, despite continuing to play at an elite level, appeared in only 60 regular-season games. Under the NBA’s strict 65-game minimum eligibility rule for major awards, James was officially disqualified from consideration. This brings an end to his unprecedented streak of 21 consecutive All-NBA selections, a record that many believe will never be broken.

The impact of the 65-game rule was a major talking point throughout the season. While it was designed to combat "load management," it has also resulted in some of the league's biggest stars missing out on historical accolades. James’ absence from the teams marks a symbolic passing of the torch to the younger generation led by Wembanyama, SGA, and Cunningham. Even without the award, James remains a central figure in the league, but his streak ending is a definitive moment in NBA history.

All-NBA Second and Third Team Highlights

The talent pool in the NBA is currently so deep that the Second and Third Teams are filled with perennial All-Stars and future legends. The Second Team is led by veteran Kevin Durant of the Houston Rockets, along with Kawhi Leonard (Clippers), Donovan Mitchell (Cavaliers), Jaylen Brown (Celtics), and Jalen Brunson (Knicks). These players provided the veteran stability and high-level scoring that kept their respective teams in the hunt for the top seeds.

The Third Team is particularly interesting as it features several first-time honorees. Jamal Murray (Nuggets), Chet Holmgren (Thunder), Jalen Johnson (Hawks), Tyrese Maxey (76ers), and Jalen Duren (Pistons) all earned their first career All-NBA honors. This indicates a massive influx of young talent that is quickly rising through the ranks. Players like Holmgren and Duren represent the next wave of elite big men, ensuring that the league's future remains in capable hands.

Defensive Prowess: Wembanyama’s DPOY and All-NBA Double

Victor Wembanyama’s season was not just about scoring; it was a defensive masterclass. By winning the Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY) award and making the All-NBA First Team in the same season, he joins a very short list of legends who have achieved this double. His 3.1 blocks per game led the league, but his impact went far beyond the stat sheet. Opposing players visibly altered their shots or chose not to enter the paint when Wembanyama was roaming the floor.

The Spurs’ defensive rating improved dramatically when Wembanyama was on the court, allowing 13 fewer points per 100 possessions. This defensive gravity is what truly sets him apart from other young stars. While his offensive game is still evolving, his defensive floor is already at an all-time great level. This dual-threat capability is why he received nearly unanimous support for the First Team and why many experts believe he will be the face of the league for years to come.

The Global Impact on All-NBA Selections

The 2025-26 All-NBA First Team is a testament to the global nature of the modern NBA. Four of the five members are international players: Nikola Jokic (Serbia), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Canada), Victor Wembanyama (France), and Luka Doncic (Slovenia). Only Cade Cunningham represents the United States on the top squad. This continues a trend where international stars have dominated the league's highest individual honors over the past several seasons.

The global media panel, consisting of 100 voters from around the world, reflected this international excellence. The dominance of international players has forced a shift in how the game is played and coached, with a greater emphasis on versatility, passing, and high-IQ play. As the NBA continues to expand its reach, the competition for All-NBA spots will only become more intense, with talent coming from every corner of the globe.

FAQ Section

Who were the unanimous selections for the 2025-26 All-NBA First Team?

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder were the only two players to receive all 100 first-place votes, making them the unanimous selections for the 2025-26 All-NBA First Team.

Why did LeBron James miss the All-NBA Team this year?

LeBron James missed the All-NBA Team because he only played in 60 regular-season games, which is below the 65-game minimum requirement set by the NBA for players to be eligible for season awards.

Is this Victor Wembanyama's first All-NBA selection?

Yes, this is the first time Victor Wembanyama has been selected to an All-NBA Team. He made the First Team in just his third season in the league.

Which team had the most players selected across all three All-NBA Teams?

The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Denver Nuggets were well-represented. The Thunder had SGA on the First Team and Chet Holmgren on the Third Team. The Nuggets had Nikola Jokic on the First Team and Jamal Murray on the Third Team.

How many times has Luka Doncic made the All-NBA First Team?

Luka Doncic has been selected to the All-NBA First Team six times. This year’s selection was his first as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Conclusion

The 2025-26 All-NBA First Team selection marks a defining moment in the league's history, showcasing a new generation of superstars ready to lead the NBA into the future. With Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Nikola Jokic maintaining their unanimous status, and Victor Wembanyama achieving First Team honors so early in his career, the hierarchy of basketball has clearly shifted. The inclusion of Luka Doncic in his new Lakers home and the breakout of Cade Cunningham further emphasize the diverse and immense talent present in today's game. While the end of LeBron James' historic streak signals the closing of one chapter, the rise of these five incredible athletes ensures that the NBA's future is brighter than ever.

SGA, Jokic, Wembanyama, Doncic, Cunningham make 1st-team All-NBA

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