2009 All-NBA First Team Selections Announced

A panel of 122 of the most knowledgeable people in the NBA voted for the All-NBA first, second, and third team on Wednesday. The All-NBA team is an annual NBA tradition that began in 1946. Each team must consist of two guards, two forwards, and one center. Here are the five NBA players that made the All-NBA first team:

Lebron James (Forward): Lebron James was the only unanimous selection to the All-NBA first team as he was put on the first team on every ballot of 122 sportswriters and broadcasters. This was the third time in James' career that he was picked for the first team. James averaged 28.4 PPG in the regular season, good enough for second in the league. He also led the Cavaliers to a 66-16 record which is best in the NBA and was awarded the 2009 Most Valuable Player Award. The Cavaliers have swept two teams already in the playoffs and are already in the Eastern Conference Finals.

Kobe Bryant (Guard): Kobe Bryant made the All-NBA first team for the seventh time in his career, putting him two behind Tim Duncan and one behind Shaquille O'Neal for most first team selections between active players. Kobe was second in voting as he was put on the first team in 119 of the 122 ballots. Bryant led the Los Angeles Lakers in scoring (26.8 PPG), assists (4.9 APG), and free-throw percentage (85.6%). Bryant has also helped the Lakers to a record of 65-17 and the #1 seed in the Western Conference. Kobe was the 2008 Most Valuable Player and got the Lakers to the NBA finals last year.

Dwight Howard (Center): Dwight Howard, one of the best centers in the NBA, made the All-NBA first team for the second time in his career. Howard, listed at 6 feet, 11 inches, led his team, the Orlando Magic, in four categories total. Howard was the leading scorer (20.6 PPG), had the most rebounds (13.8 RPG), highest field-goal percentage (57.2%), and most blocks (2.9 BPG). The Magic finished the season with a record of 59-23, seven games better than in the 2008 season. Orlando won the Southeast division and was the #3 seed in the Eastern Conference.

Dwayne Wade (Guard): Dwayne Wade was on the All-NBA first team for the first time in his illustrious career. Wade led the NBA in scoring (30.2 PPG) in the regular season and that was a big part of him making the team. He also led his team in assists (7.5 APG), blocks (1.3 BPG), and steals (2.2 SPG). Wade also took the Miami Heat from a NBA worst 15-67 record in the 2007-08 season to a 43-39 record this season, the #5 seed in the Eastern Conference, and a NBA playoffs berth. It was one of the biggest turn-arounds in NBA history. Wade is a 2006 NBA Champion and was awarded the 2006 NBA Finals MVP.

Dirk Nowitski (Forward): German born, Dirk Nowitski made the All-NBA first team for the fourth time in his career. Nowitski led the Mavericks in scoring (25.9 PPG) and rebounds (8.4 RPG), as well as field goal percentage (47.9%) and free-throw percentage (89.0%). Dallas finished the season with a record of 50-32, the #6 seed in the Western Conference, and a playoff berth. Nowitski was a big factor in helping the Mavericks win their first round playoff series against the #3 seed San Antonio Spurs in five games.

The All-NBA second team consists of New Orleans Hornets guard Chris Paul, Portland Trail Blazers guard Brandon Roy, San Antonio Spurs forward Tim Duncan, Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce, and Houston Rockets center Yao Ming.

The All-NBA third team has Denver Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups, San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker, Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol, and Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal.