The 21st century of NBA basketball has given us a bit of everything. Historic performances, records never thought to be broken… broken, the NBA bubble, and more. We saw the evolution of the game from being a primarily interior game to expanding to the perimeter.

A lot has changed throughout the past 2 decades of the 21st century and some legendary moments were made as well. Whether it was the 3pt shot by Ray Allen, Kobe’s 81 pt game, Malice at the Palace, or LeBron’s block in Game 7… each of these legendary moments created legends.

We’ve decided here at SidelineCue to poll some of our writers together to determine the All-NBA teams of the 21st century so far.

Thanks to Benton, Joey, Sebastian, Harris, Chandra, and Angel for participating.

Format: Player Name (Votes received)

FIRST TEAM.

PG: Stephen Curry (35)

SG: Kobe Bryant (35)

SF: LeBron James (30)

PF: Tim Duncan (33)

C: Shaquille O’Neal (35)

Man, where do we start. Stephen Curry was revolutionary in the way he changed the game. Curry started the evolution of the game from being a mainly interior game to the perimeter. He made 3s cool and kids went from saying “Kobe” when they shoot the basketball to “Curry”. He went from being just a 3pt shooter out of Davidson to one of the greatest PGs the game has ever seen.

Next up, Kobe Bryant… wow. The closest replica we’ve seen to Michael Jordan. Kobe inspired so many, not just with how he played, but his mentality and work ethic. Enough to win 5 rings in his career and have the second highest scoring game in NBA history with 81.

Up next… arguably the greatest player of all time, LeBron James. His story of coming into the NBA with all the expectations on his shoulder and exceeding every single one… just wow. If there was an award for the MVP for each decade, LeBron would get it. His ability to carry teams on his back, with stars, no stars, whatever.

Many laugh at his Finals record (4-6), but don’t realize… he went to the Finals 10 times in his career. There was a 8 year period where he went to the Finals every single year, just pure dominance. Not only that, he broke the all-time scoring record that many thought was untouchable. He’s not even generational, he’s once in ever.

Next, Tim Duncan, the face of the San Antonio Spurs franchise and the biggest reason why the Spurs are regarded as one of the best franchises in the league. Tim Duncan led the Spurs to 5 rings with his ability to be consistently great and compete at the highest level. He won’t give you the flashiest highlights, but just beat you with hook shots, post ups, elite defense, and consistency.

Last of all, Shaquille O’Neal. The most dominant interior presence we’ve ever seen in the league. Shaq was unstoppable in the paint with his sheer strength and size in the paint. O’Neal was a nightmare for whichever poor center or big man that had to guard the giant. Shaq was dominant enough to win 4 rings with Kobe and Dwyane Wade.

SECOND TEAM.

PG: Steve Nash (10)

SG: Dwyane Wade (19)

SF: Kevin Durant (23)

PF: Dirk Nowitzki (*11)

C: Nikola Jokic (17)

The second team features a whole lot of offensive stardom. Steve Nash is one of the greatest passers of the ball we’ve ever seen. He ranks top 5 in league history and was great enough to win MVP of the league in the 04-05 season and also 05-06.

Dwyane Wade, arguably the greatest shooting guard ever (other than Jordan & Kobe obviously) comes in the second team as well. His ability to not only be dominant offensively, but also be a pest defensively, making 3 All-Defensive team appearances makes him so great.

Kevin Durant, probably the most unstoppable player the league has ever seen with his pure skill and size. A 7 foot player that can shoot from anywhere, drive inside, make plays for others, and also be an elite defender, sheesh. Kevin Durant did what many frowned at him for, joining the Warriors and winning 2 rings doing so. The one thing that was missing from his resume.

Dirk Nowitzki, the one that started popularizing the shift in big men to be more than interior presences. Dirk’s fadeaway was one of a kind and iconic. He wasn’t the most athletic player at his size, but he was just extremely skilled with a very deep bag.

Dirk’s championship run in 2011 was arguably one of the toughest and most impressive we’ve ever seen. He beat Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James in the Finals to get what was his.. a championship ring.

Last of all in the 2nd team, shouldn’t be a surprise, but might be for some… Nikola Jokic. His offensive ability to pass the ball, be dominant presence in the interior, and consistently perform while being the focal point of his team, just insane.

He’s on track to win his first ring (the Nuggets are up 3-1 as of right now vs Heat in Finals) and could go down as arguably a top 5 center the league has ever seen when it’s all said and done.

THIRD TEAM.

PG: Chris Paul (9)

SG: James Harden (8)

SF: Kawhi Leonard (9)

PF: Giannis Antetokounmpo (*11)

C: Dwight Howard (8)

Many make fun of CP3 due to lack of winning a ring, but no one can argue his ability as a true point guard and feel for the game. One of the highest IQs we’ve ever seen from the point guard position, Chris Paul is top 3 in assists and still moving up the boards. If CP3 could stay healthy in the playoffs, who knows how many rings he would’ve had by now. Whether it was with Lob City, Houston, or Phoenix… CP3 has been extremely impactful on whatever team he’s on.

Man… James Harden. Probably one of the most talented perimeter players we’ve ever seen. His bag is endless, with his iconic step back three and consistent ankle breakers. James Harden had one of the most dominant stretches we’ve ever seen. He averaged 40 PPG for a 3-month span… read that again. 40 PPG IN a 3 MONTH SPAN. Harden’s peak will go down as one of the best we’ve seen from an individual player.

Kawhi Leonard, another player with health concerns, but when he’s been on the court, consistently one of the most elite two-way players we’ve ever seen. He’ll give you an easy 25+ points while locking down the team’s best offensive player. He was critical in the Spurs 2014 ring and led the Raptors to their first ever ring in 2019.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, another extremely dominant presence that can “run and dunk” like no other. You can say whatever you want about Giannis’ “bag” or shooting, but what he can do is drive past you and dunk on your favorite player with ease. Not only that, his ability to also be a lockdown defender, be a 5x All-Defensive player, DPOY in 2019-20, and also 2x MVP only helps his case.

Giannis winning his first ever ring in 2021 was one of my favorite we’ve seen in this decade. A player that chose to stay with the team that drafted him and get a ring, you don’t see that often nowadays.

Last, Dwight Howard, a defensive beast at his peak and one of the most elite forgotten superstars we’ve ever seen. Many forget how good Dwight Howard was on the defensive end, being a 5x All-Defensive player and winning 3 Defensive Player of the Year awards. He’s one of the more athletic centers we’ve seen and it showed with his defensive dominance.

Others receiving votes:

PG: Westbrook (8), Allen Iverson (1), Damian Lillard (1)

SG: Klay Thompson (1)

SF: Paul Pierce (1)

PF: Kevin Garnett (5), LeBron James (5), Pau Gasol (1)