The NBA playoffs are here, but before diving in, let's look back at the regular season.  The season was full of standout performances, and now it's time to recognize the best of the best.  The All-NBA, All-Defense, and All-Rookie teams are up for grabs, and there's plenty to discuss.

First, let's talk about the All-NBA team.  Four spots are pretty much guaranteed: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokić, Jayson Tatum, and Giannis Antetokounmpo.  These guys were first-teamers last year, and they've proven themselves again this season.  The big question is who gets that fifth spot.  After a close vote, Anthony Edwards from the Timberwolves snagged it.  He just barely beat out Donovan Mitchell, Stephen Curry, and LeBron James.  It was a tight race, with each of these players getting at least one first-team vote.  The Knicks and Cavs are the only teams with two players making the All-NBA cut, showing a wide range of talent across the league.

Now, let's shift gears to the All-Defense team.  Three players stood out: Evan Mobley, Draymond Green, and Amen Thompson.  These guys were unanimous picks for the first team.  Mobley and Green were also in the running for Defensive Player of the Year, and it's clear why—they're both elite defenders.  Joining them on the first team are Dyson Daniels and Lu Dort.  The Thunder, known for their top-rated defense, get two selections here, with Dort making the second team.

Lastly, let's talk about the rookies.  Stephon Castle, Zaccharie Risacher, and Jaylen Wells were unanimous first-team picks.  Castle is the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year after a strong finish with the Spurs.  Risacher and Sarr, the top two picks in the draft, showed significant improvement as the season went on.  The Grizzlies also made a strong showing, with two players, Wells and Edey, making the first team.

There are some interesting rules to note.  Players need to have played at least 65 games to be eligible for All-NBA and All-Defense teams.  This rule means Kevin Durant, who played 62 games, and Kris Dunn, who played 74 but didn't meet the minute requirement, are out of the running.  It's a bit of a head-scratcher, but those are the rules.

The NBA season is full of surprises, and this year was no different.  From the standout performances to the tight races, it's been a season to remember.  As the playoffs heat up, it's worth taking a moment to appreciate the incredible talent on display.  The best players have been recognized, and now it's time to see who will come out on top.

NBA Season Wrap-Up: The Top Performers of 2024-25

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