2001-02 All-NBA First Team

EDDIE BITAR FADEAWAY WORLD

Jason Kidd, Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal

The 2002 season was the start of Kobe Bryant’s reign as the best player in the decade alongside
Shaquille O’Neal. Jason Kidd was the point guard who made the First Team, posting 14.7 PPG, 7.3
RPG, and 9.9 APG as a member of the New Jersey Nets. Kidd was sensational in his first season,
leading the Nets to an East-leading 52-30 record. Similarly, Kobe Bryant was spectacular by
posting 25.2 PPG, 5.5 RPG, and 5.5 APG for the Lakers, who obviously won the NBA title at the
end of the year.

Tracy McGrady, due to his unbelievable scoring prowess, made the All-NBA First Team for the
first time after averaging 25.6 PPG, 7.9 RPG, and 5.3 APG as a member of the Orlando Magic. T-
Mac was slowly becoming one of the top guards in the NBA, challenging Kobe Bryant in that
regard. At the power forward spot was none other than Tim Duncan, who led the San Antonio
Spurs to a very solid 58-24 record, which was second in the Western Conference. Duncan also
captured the MVP award during the year.