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NBA: The Historical Impact Of The 2016 All-NBA Teams

By Maxwell Ogden

May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) revs up the crowd during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 17, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) revs up the crowd during the first quarter in game one of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 30, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) smiles before game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) smiles before game one of the second round of the NBA Playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Kawhi’s Rare Air

At 24 years old, Kawhi Leonard has already positioned himself to make a run at all-time status. One could debate how ready he is for that pursuit, but he’s already built the foundation for an outstanding resume.

You can add an an All-NBA First Team selection to that magnificent collection of accolades.

Leonard was already an NBA champion with a Finals MVP award, two Defensive Player of the Year honors, and an All-Star Game appearance. That combination of achievements was unique unto itself, but the latest development pushes him over the edge.

Leonard now joins Hakeem Olajuwon as the only players in NBA history to make the All-NBA First Team, win Finals MVP, and earn two Defensive Player of the Year awards.

How’s that for a resume builder?

Michael Jordan is the only other player in NBA history to win Finals MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and make an All-NBA First Team. The fact that Leonard and Olajuwon are alone in any territory is a testament to how rare this accomplishment truly is.

Leonard is still in the very early stages of building his Hall of Fame resume, but this is one hell of a place to start.

Next: $24 Million

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