NBA Most Valuable Player LeBron James is the leading vote-getter for the league’s all-defensive team.
Oklahoma City Thunder forward Serge Ibaka, Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul, Memphis Grizzlies guard Tony Allen and Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard join the Heat star on the first team announced Wednesday.
Knicks center Tyson Chandler, despite being named Defensive Player of the Year by NBA media, was not voted onto the all-defensive team, which is selected by the league’s 30 head coaches.
According to research by Moke Hamilton of SheridanHoops.com, this is only the third time that the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has not made the first team (Alvin Robertson in 1985 and Dikembe Mutombo in ’95.)
Ibaka and Allen earned first-team honors for the first time.
James totaled 53 points, including 24 first-team votes. He averaged 1.9 steals and 7.9 rebounds as Miami ranked fourth in the league in opponent scoring.
Forward LeBron James, Miami 24 5 53
Forward Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City 20 7 47
Center Dwight Howard, Orlando 16 9 41
Guard Chris Paul, L.A. Clippers 13 9 35
Guard Tony Allen, Memphis 13 7 33
Forward Kevin Garnett, Boston 8 10 26
Forward Luol Deng, Chicago 6 8 20
Center Tyson Chandler, New York 13 10 36
Guard Rajon Rondo, Boston 9 11 29
Guard Kobe Bryant, L.A. Lakers 7 3 17
(The AP contributed)
