Predicting the All-NBA Third Team

Guard: Paul George

I believe that Paul George and the Clippers will have a fantastic season. George only played 31 games last season but still averaged 24 points, seven rebounds, six assists, and two steals per game. George is one of the most skilled scorers in this league and can score a bucket from anywhere on the court. He has heard the critics talking, and I believe this season could be the season where the Clippers finally make a deep run into the playoffs behind the play of Kawhi Leonard and George.

They will prove why they are one of the league's best duos on offense and defense. I predict that the Clippers are a top-four seed in the West, with George having an outstanding season on the offensive and defensive end.

Guard: Devin Booker

Devin Booker and the Suns are coming off the worst loss in Game Seven history to the Dallas Mavericks. There has also been drama surrounding the Suns with Deandre Ayton and Monty Williams, and now Jae Crowder has requested a trade. With many unknowns surrounding the Suns, it's hard to believe they will be a top seed in the West.

However, we do know that Booker is an exceptional talent and will continue to perform up to expectations on the court. He will be the driving force behind a good Suns season. His talent alone can get him a selection on the third team, but if he wants to be on the first or second team, he will need to push the Suns to another successful season.

Forward: Lebron James

LeBron James is going into his 20th season in the NBA, and it's crazy that the NBA world still expects him to make an All-NBA team. However, if James' body can cooperate with him throughout the season and stay healthy, I believe he will still put up numbers worthy of making the third team.

In his 19th season, James put up 30 points, eight rebounds, and six assists per game. He has stated he is taking a backseat offensively to Anthony Davis, but that just opens up more opportunities for his playmaking. I could see his points per game being in the 23 to 25 range while his assists per game go into the eight to 10 range. I expect a healthy Lakers squad to be a top-five seed in the West behind the play of James and Anthony Davis.

Forward: Jimmy Butler

During the 2021-22 season, Jimmy Butler led the Miami Heat to a 53-win season which landed them the first seed in the East. Last season, Butler averaged 21 points, six rebounds, six assists, and two steals per game. If he can once again put those numbers up while leading his team to a 50+ win season, I don't see why he wouldn't be deserving of a spot on the All-NBA Third team.

However, the East has dramatically improved, so Butler might have to improve his individual stats if he wants the Heat to be a high seed going into the playoffs.

Center: Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert will be starting this upcoming season on a brand new team after the Minnesota Timberwolves traded for him in the offseason. Gobert will fit in very naturally with the T-Wolves because he doesn't need the ball and can just continue to focus on being the defensive anchor he is known for.

One of the biggest weaknesses for the T-Wolves was their interior defense, and Gobert completely solves that problem. He will continue to be the best defensive big in the NBA and lock down the paint for Minnesota. Gobert will also get a lot of easy looks on offense, with the opponents' defense focusing on players like Anthony Edwards, Karl-Anthony Towns, and D'Angelo Russell. I like the fit for both Gobert and the T-Wolves and can see him being selected for the All-NBA Third Team.

If you enjoyed the article, check out my All-NBA First Team predictions here and my All-NBA Second Team predictions here!