2004-05 All-NBA First Team

EDDIE BITAR FADEAWAY WORLD

Steve Nash, Allen Iverson, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, Shaquille O’Neal

No Kobe Bryant in the 2005 First Team, which opened up the space for Steve Nash or Allen
Iverson. Nash was the architect for the talented Phoenix Suns, that could score with anyone, and
Nash eventually won the MVP award at the end of the year. The Canadian star posted 15.5 PPG
and 11.5 APG while leading Phoenix to a 62-20 record, which topped the West. Allen Iverson was
back in the First Team, averaging 30.7 PPG and 7.9 APG while once again carrying the 76ers all
year long.

Dirk Nowitzki would also start his reign in the First Team as a member of the Dallas Mavericks,
posting 26.1 PPG, 9.7 RPG, and 1.5 BPG while showcasing his exciting offensive skill set. Armed
with a one-legged fadeaway and one of the sweetest jumpers in NBA history, Dirk was one of the
best players all year long. Guess who was at the other forward spot? Tim Duncan once again
made the First Team by guiding the San Antonio Spurs to a 59-23 record, which was good for
second in the West.

Shaquille O’Neal started at center for the First Team yet again, averaging 22.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.7
APG, and 2.3 BPG for the Miami Heat in his first season with the franchise. The big man’s
numbers were down, but his size and impact were there as Miami started building a
championship team with youngster Dwyane Wade starting to come into his own. The Heat
finished with a 59-23 record, which topped the East, and many felt Shaq deserved the league
MVP over Steve Nash.