Milwaukee Bucks’ star Giannis Antetokounmpo has cemented his status as the most decorated European player in NBA history by earning his fifth All-NBA first-team selection. He was the only unanimous selection this season as a first-teamer, with 100 reporters and broadcasters who cover the NBA voting for him.
Antetokounmpo was joined by Boston’s Jayson Tatum and Philadelphia’s Joel Embiid at forward, and Dallas’ Luka Doncic and Oklahoma City’s Shai Gilgeous-Alexander at guard.
Giannis is the first European player with five All-NBA 1st Team selections.
The only international player with more is Hakeem Olajuwon (6) 🇳🇬
— HoopsHype (@hoopshype) May 10, 2023
The All-NBA team was unveiled on Wednesday night and for the first time in over 30 years, it was not broken down by position. This means that players like Embiid and last year’s MVP, Nikola Jokic, will not have to settle for second-team All-NBA status in the future.
Jokic was named the second-team pick at center this year, with Miami’s Jimmy Butler and Boston’s Jaylen Brown at forward, and Golden State’s Stephen Curry and Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell at guard.
Joining Antetokounmpo on the first team this year were Embiid, who made the first-team for the first time, Tatum, Doncic, and Gilgeous-Alexander, who made All-NBA for the first time in his career. Mitchell, Brown, Sabonis, Fox, and Butler also made the All-NBA teams for the first time.
Notable players who were omitted this year after making it last year included first-teamer Devin Booker, second-teamers Ja Morant, Kevin Durant, and DeMar DeRozan, and third-teamers Karl-Anthony Towns, Chris Paul, Trae Young, and Pascal Siakam.
Antetokounmpo’s fifth All-NBA first-team selection places him in elite company. He is now tied with legends Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, and Karl Malone for the third-most All-NBA first-team selections in NBA history. Only LeBron James, with 13 first-team selections, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, with 10 first-team selections, have more.
The Greek Freak’s latest accolade is yet another feather in his cap, as he continues to establish himself as one of the greatest players in NBA history. With two MVP awards, an NBA championship, and now five All-NBA first-team selections to his name, Antetokounmpo’s legacy is already secure. And at just 26 years of age, there is no telling how many more accolades he will add to his impressive resume in the years to come.
Giannis Antetokounmpo – A Decade-Defining NBA Star
Giannis Antetokounmpo, also known as the “Greek Freak,” is a two-time NBA MVP, NBA Defensive Player of the Year, and now a five-time All-NBA first-team selection. Hailing from Greece, Antetokounmpo has solidified his place as the most decorated European player in NBA history.
Since being drafted by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013, Antetokounmpo has proven to be a force to be reckoned with on the court. With his unique combination of size, speed, and skill, he has become one of the most dominant players in the league today.
Off the court, Antetokounmpo is known for his humility and dedication to his community. He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, including supporting children’s education and promoting healthy living.
As he continues to rack up accolades and lead the Bucks to success, Giannis Antetokounmpo has cemented his legacy as a decade-defining NBA star and a role model for young players around the world.
