Looking back at the 2020 All-NBA First Team selections, I can't help but feel this was one of the most fascinating rosters in recent memory. Having covered the league for over a decade, I've seen numerous All-NBA teams come and go, but this particular group stood out for both their incredible statistics and the unique circumstances surrounding their achievements. The five players who made the cut - Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, James Harden, Anthony Davis, and Luka Dončić - represented a perfect blend of established superstars and emerging talents, with an average age that surprisingly leaned toward the veteran side compared to recent years.
What struck me most about this team was how each player's journey reflected that crucial advice we often hear from veteran coaches about maintaining perspective regardless of the scoreboard. Giannis, for instance, was absolutely dominant that season, putting up 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game while leading the Bucks to the league's best record. Yet what impressed me beyond the numbers was how he maintained his joy for the game even during tough playoff moments. Similarly, LeBron James, at 35 years young, demonstrated why he's the ultimate professional, averaging 25.3 points and a league-leading 10.2 assists while somehow making it look effortless. I've always believed that the mental aspect separates good players from great ones, and watching these athletes perform under unprecedented circumstances during the pandemic bubble was truly remarkable.
The inclusion of Luka Dončić particularly resonated with me because here was a 21-year-old making his first All-NBA First Team, averaging 28.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 8.8 assists - historic numbers for someone so young. Having followed his career since his Real Madrid days, I've always been amazed by how he plays with visible joy regardless of the situation. That mentality reminds me of the coaching wisdom about not losing your smile regardless of what the scoreboard reads - something Dončić embodies perfectly even during high-pressure moments. Meanwhile, Anthony Davis delivered his most complete season with 26.1 points and 9.3 rebounds while anchoring the Lakers' defense, and James Harden's scoring mastery continued with 34.3 points per game before the season hiatus.
Reflecting on this team now, I'm convinced that their mental approach to the game was just as important as their physical talents. The 2020 season presented unique challenges with the pandemic interruption and bubble environment, testing players' resilience in ways we'd never seen before. What made these five stand out wasn't just their statistical production - though that was certainly elite - but their ability to maintain professional excellence while adapting to extraordinary circumstances. In my view, this particular All-NBA First Team will be remembered not only for their on-court achievements but for demonstrating how the best athletes combine supreme talent with mental fortitude. They showed us that maintaining passion and perspective, much like that advice about keeping your smile regardless of the score, is what truly separates legendary players from merely great ones.