The 2024-2025 All-NBA Third Team has been announced, featuring talented players who showcased exceptional skills throughout the season. The team includes ¹:
– *Cade Cunningham*: Detroit Pistons guard, earning his first All-NBA selection after averaging 26.1 points, 9.1 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game. This achievement not only recognizes his outstanding performance but also bumps up his max extension from 25% to 30% of the cap, potentially netting him $269 million over five seasons.
– *Tyrese Haliburton*: Indiana Pacers guard, securing his second straight Third Team honor with a modest stat line of 18.6 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 9.2 assists per game. Haliburton’s consistent performance has solidified his position as one of the league’s top players.
– *Karl-Anthony Towns*: New York Knicks center-forward, named to the Third Team for the third time. Towns’ versatility and skillset make him a valuable asset to his team.
– *James Harden*: LA Clippers guard, receiving his eighth All-NBA selection overall and first since 2019-2020. Harden’s experience and talent were key factors in his selection.
– *Jalen Williams*: Oklahoma City Thunder guard-forward, earning his first All-NBA selection. Williams’ impressive performance has marked him as one of the rising stars in the NBA.
The All-NBA team selection process involves a global media panel voting on the top players, with a “positionless” format adopted since the 2023-2024 campaign. This means that only the best players make the cut, regardless of their position. The panel’s decision sparked conversations across the community, with some players feeling snubbed, such as Trae Young and Jaylen Brown ².
Cunningham’s All-NBA selection is particularly significant for the Detroit Pistons, marking their first All-NBA team selection since Blake Griffin in 2019. This achievement highlights the team’s progress and Cunningham’s emergence as a reliable star. The potential $269 million contract extension will likely be a significant factor in the Pistons’ future planning ³ ⁴.
The All-NBA teams provide a benchmark for the league’s top performers, and this year’s selections demonstrate the talent and depth of the NBA. As the playoffs continue, these players will look to build on their momentum and make a deep run in the postseason.
