Who would be in the 2010s All NBA 1st, 2nd, and 3rd teams? Part 2: The Forwards
In a game that is normally dominated by guards, this decade’s best players were mainly forwards. On the last 10 championship teams, the best player has been a forward 8 out of 10 times. The 2 exceptions were Kobe and Curry. On top of that, out of the last 10 MVPs, 5 of them have been forwards. Forwards are starting to emerge as the most important position on the team and the hardest position to play. All of this meant that it was very hard to decide some players on the 3 teams.
THE FORWARDS-Kevin Garnett, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Kristaps Porzingis, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Millsap, Dirk Nowitzki, Pascal Siakam, Blake Griffin, Kevin Love, Luol Deng, Paul George, Gordon Hayward, Kawhi Leonard, Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala, Kevin Durant, Tim Duncan, Nicolas Batum, LeBron James, Khris Middleton, and Jimmy Butler. (Bold indicates they are mentioned later on)
Honorable Mentions:
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis would have easily made one of the teams if he had played for longer than he got to in the last decade. In only 7 years, he already has a Hall of Fame worthy resume and I’m sure it will keep on developing. Giannis has dominated on both sides of the floor. He is a top 3 defender in the league and he is arguably the best scorer in the paint. If Giannis can develop a better jump shot, he could be a top 10 player of all time by the time he retires. Hopefully, Giannis can make deeper playoff runs and eventually win a championship.
Decade stats (per game)
20.5 Points, 9.1 Rebounds, 4.4 Assists, 1.2 Steals, and 1.3 Blocks.
Decade accolades
MVP (2019)
3x All-Star (2017–2019)
1x MIP (2017)
3x All NBA Team: 1x 1st Team (2019) and 2x 2nd Team (2017 & 2018)
All-Rookie 2nd Team (2014)
2x All-Defensive Team: 1x 1st Team (2019) and 1x 2nd Team (2017)
Carmelo Anthony
Melo has been a staple of the NBA for the last 10 years. Playing in both the East and West, Melo has made a name for himself with his versatile scoring and clutch shooting. Even as he gets older, he is proving these abilities as a role player. In the bubble, he showed up, averaging 17.6 points and 6.9 rebounds. He was still hitting clutch shots and even had moments of defensive greatness. For me, the one thing that keeps Melo out of the top 6, is his selfishness with the ball and lack of success in the playoffs, only making the conference finals once. Now, Melo can enjoy his last few years in the league and hopefully win a ring.
Decade stats (per game)
22.4 Points, 6.6 Rebounds, 2.6 Assists, 0.9 Steals, and 0.5 Blocks.
Decade accolades
8x All-Star (2010–2017)
3x All NBA Team: 2x 2nd Team (2010 & 2013) and 1x 3rd Team (2012)
All-Rookie 1st Team (2004)
Led the league in points (2013)
3rd Team Forwards
Dirk Nowitzki
One of the most loved and loyal players of all time, Dirk was making All-Star games at 40. Even though he was an honorary member, it is symbolic of the impact he had on the league. He played 21 seasons with the Dallas Mavericks and took the franchise to their only championship. Dirk was still a dominating force through the 3 Super Teams of the decade. He is one of the best shooting big men of all time and he is now easily the best player in Mavericks history. Dirk was an extremely consistent player and had an incredibly, illustrious career. Dirk has completely deserved this place and not many players can challenge that.
Decade stats (per game)
17.8 Points, 6.2 Rebounds, 3.5 Assists, 0.7 Steals, and 0.7 Blocks.
Decade accolades
NBA Champion (2011)
Finals MVP (2011)
6x All-Star (2010–2012, 2014–2015 & 2019)
3x All NBA: 2x 2nd Team (2010–2011) and 1x 3rd Team (2012)
Blake Griffin
Griffin was the number one pick in 2009 but debuted in 2010 because of injury. Griffin has a lack of playoff success this decade and had a decade riddled with injuries. This would be enough to leave him out, but his dominance throughout the decade and his adaptability to each role he had to play was astounding. He had to develop a three-point shot after his explosiveness was tainted by injuries. As a rookie, he was one of the most dominant players in the league. His rebounding and finishing were two of his main features of the decade. He was lucky to play along with one of the best playmakers, Chris Paul. This meant Griffin’s strengths were highlighted. Now, Griffin is the main player on the Detroit Pistons and can hopefully have an injury-free end to his career.
Decade stats (per game)
21.6 Points, 8.8 Rebounds, 4.4 Assists, 0.9 Steals, and 0.5 Blocks.
Decade accolades
6x All-Star (2011–2015 & 2019)
5x All NBA: 3x 2nd Team (2012–2014) and 2x 3rd Team (2015 & 2019)
2011 Rookie of the Year
All-Rookie 1st Team (2011)
2nd Team Forwards
Paul George
PG has recently become one of the most trolled players in the league because of his performances in the bubble and the playoffs. However, this has led fans to forget George’s dominance in the league. He was one of the most consistent defenders in the league and was a quality scorer. George took a weak Pacers team to Central Division Championships. They then followed their division wins with deep playoff runs. He decided to join Westbrook and Melo in Oklahoma and helped them to 48 wins. He is an extremely decorated player and like many great players in the league right now, he is missing a championship. George now has his best opportunity to win a ring with Kawhi and Co.
Decade stats (per game)
20 Points, 6.4 Rebounds, 3.4 Assists, 1.7 Steals, and 0.4 Blocks.
Decade accolades
6x All-Star (2013–2014 & 2016–2019)
5x All NBA: 1x 1st Team (2019) and 4x 3rd Team (2013–2014, 2016 & 2018)
4x All-Defensive Team: 2x 1st Team (2014 & 2019) and 2x 2nd Team (2013 & 2016)
All-Rookie 2nd Team (2011)
Most Improved Player (2013)
Led the league in steals (2019)
Kawhi Leonard
Kawhi is considered, by some, as the best player in the league. He is one of the best two-way players in the league. He started his career on a great Spurs team and in 2014, they set out to seek revenge on the Heat in the Finals. Kawhi ended up being pivotal in their eventual Finals win and he won Finals MVP. One of the most incredible Finals series for a young player. He was guarding the best player in the world, LeBron, whilst putting up incredible numbers on the offensive end. This series changed Kawhi and gave him the confidence to guard the greatest players in the league. Now he is one of the best defenders in the league and is a consistent player on offense. Kawhi then played an incredible season in 2019 for the Raptors. Another title and a masterful playoffs performance topped off with one of the most famous and record-breaking buzzer-beaters ever. This topped off Kawhi’s already decorated career and all of this by the age of 29. Now, Kawhi has teamed up with Paul George and they are serious contenders for the championship.
Decade stats (per game)
18.7 Points, 6.4 Rebounds, 2.7 Assists, 1.8 Steals, and 0.7 Blocks.
Decade accolades
2x NBA Champion (2014 & 2019)
3x All-Star (2016, 2017 & 2019)
2x Finals MVP (2014 & 2019)
All-Rookie 1st Team (2012)
3x All NBA: 2x 1st Team (2016 & 2017) and 1x 2nd Team (2019)
2x Defensive Player of the Year (2015 & 2016)
5x All-Defensive Team: 3x 1st Team (2015–2017) and 2x 2nd Team (2014 & 2019)
Led the league in steals (2015)
1st Team Forwards
Kevin Durant
If it wasn’t for LeBron, KD would have been the MVP of the decade. His stats are mind-blowing and inhuman. His height and ability allow him to play in any position, something that only a few players can do. Ever since his rookie season, he has averaged at least 20 points and he has put up incredible shooting splits. Kevin Durant has never been a top-level defender, but he has been a consistent shot blocker and what KD doesn’t do on defense, he makes up for on offense. He is the most versatile scorer ever. He can shoot from anywhere and has a strong paint game. This decade, he never missed the playoffs and has put up incredible playoff stats (He led the playoffs in scoring 5 times). Durant’s decade started at OKC with Westbrook and Harden. They made the Finals once but were handed defeat by the Heat. After that, they were in the playoffs every year (except 2015). Then, in 2017 KD left for the Warriors. After years of failure in the playoffs, Durant decided it was time to go. Durant’s dream came true and the Warriors went back to back in KD’s first 2 years. Durant was the best player on possibly the most dominant team of all time. Once again, Durant’s incredible all-around game was displayed all year round. Sadly, the dynasty was destroyed in 2019, with Klay, Curry, and KD all getting injured. The Warriors lost the Finals to Kawhi’s Raptors. After a year out, KD has now arrived back in the league with the Nets. The return has gone well and he looks like he is slowly returning to his former self, alongside Kyrie. All in all, after 12 years in the league, Kevin Durant is a top 20 player of all time and will go down in history as the most versatile scorer of all time.
Decade stats (per game)
27.7 Points, 7.4 Rebounds, 4.4 Assists, 1.1 Steals, and 1.2 Blocks.
Decade accolades
2x NBA Champion (2017 & 2018)
MVP (2014)
2x Finals MVP (2017 & 2018)
10x All Star (2010–2019)
2x All Star MVP (2012 & 2019)
9x All NBA: 6x 1st Team (2010–2014 & 2018) and 3x 2nd Team (2016, 2017 & 2019)
4x Led the league in scoring (2010–2012 & 2014)
LeBron James
The easiest choice from all 3 teams in any position. LeBron was the unanimous MVP of the decade. LeBron isn’t like many players on this list because he is not a specialist in one area, instead, he is incredible in each area. This is what makes him so elite compared to everyone else in these teams. LeBron started his decade with the Cavs before making a decision that would change history. LeBron went to the Heat to join his friend Dwyane Wade. Along with Wade and Bosh, LeBron won his first 2 championships back to back in 2012 and 2013. LeBron was then unsuccessful in 2014 and didn’t get the three-peat he wanted. LeBron moved back home for the 2015 season and the Cavs gained 20 wins that season. The next year, LeBron went on to win one of the most famous Finals wins ever. The Cavs came back from 3–1 down against the 73–9 Warriors and it was all lead by LeBron James. LeBron went from a Miami super team to a Cleveland team with 2 other star players (Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving. LeBron then tried 2 more times with the Cavs, both seasons being unsuccessful. Finally, LeBron made a move to LA to play for the Lakers. His first year was great (statistically), but the team didn’t make the Playoffs. LeBron then teamed up with AD on the Lakers and they are the reigning champions. LeBron is undoubtedly the best player in this decade and his legacy will be felt in the league for decades to come. For now, LeBron is focusing on winning another championship with the Lakers and playing long enough so that he can play with his son.
Decade stats (per game)
27 Points, 7.7 Rebounds, 7.6 Assists, 1.5 Steals, and 0.7 Blocks
Decade accolades
3x NBA Champion (2012, 2013 & 2016)
3x MVP (2010, 2012 & 2013)
3x Finals MVP (2012, 2013 & 2016)
10x All-Star (2010–2019)
All-Star MVP (2018)
10x All NBA: 9x 1st Team (2010–2018) and 1x 3rd Team (2019)
5x All-Defensive Team: 4x 1st Team (2010–2013) and 1x 2nd Team (2014)
So, now we have the forwards and the centers, next up are the guards. They will be in part 3. Here’s a quick recap of the players.
Honorable Mentions: Kevin Garnett, Kristaps Porzingis, Paul Millsap, Pascal Siakam, Kevin Love, Luol Deng, Gordon Hayward, Paul Pierce, Andre Iguodala, Tim Duncan, Nicolas Batum, Khris Middleton, and Jimmy Butler.
3rd Team: Dirk Nowitzki and Blake Griffin.
2nd Team: Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
1st Team: Kevin Durant and LeBron James.
(All stats found on Basketball-Reference)
By Joshan Basi
