As you saw a few days ago when we took a look at the guards who could possibly be named to the All-NBA Team, there is a plethora of talent at each position. Only two guards can be named, but what is even tougher is only two forwards can be named.
The position with the most superstars is at forward. Simply because at the forward position, these guys have to do absolutely everything. Shoot, pass, rebound, play defense, and most importantly they have to play well without the ball in their hands. Since 2009, the forwards to be named to the All-NBA Team have been the same with LeBron James and Kevin Durant. But, there is a battle for the two candidates this season. It may be closer than you think.
So, who are the candidates at forward to make this year’s All-NBA Team?
LeBron James, Miami Heat
Can LeBron James make it to his eighth All-NBA Team? Photo by Steve Mitchell, USA Today Sports Images
LeBron James truly does it all. He is averaging 27 points per game which is third in the NBA, he is shooting 56.9 percent from the field which is just an astronomical number for someone who shoots as often as James does. He is also averaging 6.9 rebounds and 6.9 assists to go along with 1.6 steals per game.
It’s truly crazy to think that James is only 29 years old, and he has been on the All-NBA Team seven times. James looks like he is on his way to another All-NBA Team, but there are a couple more competitors that are giving him a run for his money this season. Is this the end of James’ run on the All-NBA Team?
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder
Can Durant make it back to the All-NBA Team? Photo by Cary Edmondson, USA Today Sports Images
Some believe that Kevin Durant is the NBA’s MVP this season, and it is hard to argue against that notion. Durant leads the NBA in scoring at 32 points per game. In addition, he is averaging 7.5 rebounds and 5.5 assists, which makes him a very well-rounded player despite what some may think. Durant has also stepped up his defense this season as he is averaging 1.3 steals per game and 0.7 blocks per contest. “KD” could potentially be the MVP, and is the closest to what a “lock” is in this day and age.
How good has Durant been? He leads the NBA in PER (player efficiency rating) and WS (Win shares), so not only do the traditionalists believe he is having an MVP-type season, but the numbers and new metrics agree.
Carmelo Anthony, New York Knicks
Does ‘Melo have what it takes to earn a spot on the All-NBA Team? Photo by Steve Mitchell, USA Today Sports Images
Despite Anthony receiving a ton of scrutiny from the basketball community, he has still been one of the top forwards in the NBA. He is averaging 27.5 points per game, good for second in the NBA. In addition he is averaging 8.2 rebounds per game. The problem with Carmelo has always been passing the basketball. He remains one of the more selfish players in the game, and his 3.1 assists per game proves that.
Considering the amount of time that Anthony plays each game, the amount of assists he should get is exponentially higher than what he has done in his career. There is no question, if Anthony was more of a passer he would draw more love and affection from basketball fans everywhere. Can the former Syracuse star make the All-NBA Team?
Kevin Love, Minnesota Wolves
Can Kevin Love sneak his way onto the All-NBA Team? Photo by Jesse Johnson, USA Today Sports Images.
When the All-NBA Team comes to people’s minds, what do you think of? Michael Jordan, Julius Erving, Magic Johnson, and others? How about Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal? Most likely the answer was yes. Now, do you ever think of Kevin Love? Chances are the former UCLA star is left out each and every time. But he shouldn’t be.
Kevin Love is scorned for his pure offense style of play, but that is exactly what Love is best at. Kevin Love is averaging 25.8 points per game, good for fourth in the NBA. He also averages 12.5 rebounds which is good for third in the NBA. Love is also contributing 4.4 assists per contest, which is very good for a big man. Kevin Love ranks amongst the tops in nearly every category when it comes to power forward, and he makes a very valid to be included in the discussion for the All-NBA Team.
Photo via Mark D. Smith, USA Today Sports Images