NBA team of the week

In a huge week of NBA action, there have been many standout performers. Here’s your dream team of the week:

PG - De’Aaron Fox

De’Aaron Fox in action for the Sacramento Kings (Image: Getty Images)

The NBA has many talents in the point guard position this season, but the standout this week was the Sacramento Kings’ De’Aaron Fox. This season, 2017’s fifth overall draft pick has elevated his game to be one of the best point guards in the league. This week, the Kings won their last two in-season tournament group matches to advance to the last eight of the inaugural competition. Fox starred in wins at the home of the Western Conference leaders, the Minnesota Timberwolves and a must-win game at home to Stephen Curry’s Golden State Warriors. The Kings lost to the LA Clippers in their other game in the week, but Fox’s contribution across the three matches gave him a well-deserved spot in this team. Across the three matches, he averaged: 35 points, 7 rebounds, 7.3 assists and 1 steal. Fox shot 49% from the field, 35% from three-point range and 70% from three-throws.

SG - Franz Wagner

Orlando Magic star Franz Wagner in action for his country, Germany (Image: Getty Images)

Standing at 6ft 10in and 220lbs, Franz Wagner more commonly occupies the small-forward position but to fit all the deserving players in, he would be listed in a position he has played previously. Wagner has been part of the surprise of the season thus far, the Orlando Magic. The Magic sit second in the Eastern Conference and have won eight games on the bounce. This has come as a massive surprise as over the last three seasons, they have placed 14th, 15th and 13th. Due to their low regular season finishes, they have been able to pick up some great players from their draft picks, like last season’s number one overall pick, Paolo Banchero, who went on to win the Rookie of the Year award last season, but in this team of the week, we are highlighting their 2021 number eight overall pick, Franz Wagner. The German international was the star of the show this week as the Magic won all three of their matches (the only unbeaten team this week). Across the three matches, Wagner averaged 27 points, seven rebounds, 3.7 assists, 0.7 steals and 0.7 blocks. He shot 65% from the field, 47% from three-point range and 73% from the three-throws.

C - Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic on the ball for the Nuggets (Image: Getty Images)

Nikola Jokic in an NBA team of the week has become a bit of a formality for the Serbian. Since being drafted by the current champions, the Denver Nuggets back in 2014, he has gone on to win back-to-back MVPs and some think he should have won last year’s, to make it the first-ever MVP three-piece, but he didn’t go without any individual accolades last season, as he picked up the Finals MVP award. This week, he helped the Nuggets to two wins, as he was rested for their win against the Clippers. Across the week, the triple-double regular averaged: 36 points, 13.3 rebounds, 10.7 assists and 1.7 steals. He shot 54% from the field, 40% from three-point range and 79% from three-throws.

SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis Antetokounmpo on the ball for the Milwaukee Bucks (Image: Getty Images)

Speaking of MVPs and Finals MVPs here’s another man who’s won both, Giannis Antetokounmpo. After a sluggish start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks seem to be gaining momentum after a solid week. The Bucks had won all three of their matches this week before their unexpected loss to the Bulls on Thursday. In the off-season, the Bucks picked up superstar point guard, Damian Lillard to create a duo which many people see as favourites to win it all this season. Both Lillard and Antetokounmpo had solid weeks, but the “Greek Freak” had the better of the two. Across the four matches, he averaged 31 points, 12.3 rebounds, 4.8 assists, 2.3 steals and 2.5 blocks. The 2021 NBA Champions shot 60% from the field, 25% from three-point range and 72% from three-throws.

PF - Joel Embiid

MVP Joel Embiid starring for the 76ers (Image: Getty Images)

The current MVP, Joel Embiid played in two of the Philadelphia 76ers’ three matches this week. They won the two he was playing and lost the one he was rested for. It’s no fluke the Cameroonian-born Sixer won MVP last season, as this is the sort of impact he has on his team. With James Harden being traded to the Clippers, this allows Sixers coach Nick Nurse to get the best out of Embiid as he doesn’t need to worry about a system which accommodates Harden’s demanding style of play. In the space left by Harden, Tyrese Maxey has stepped up and is unfortunate not to be in this team, as he averaged 30 points this week, but with the MVP putting up these numbers it’s hard to argue against him being in the team: 32.5 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists, 1 steal and 1.3 blocks. Embiid shot 52% from the field, 23% from three-point range and 88% from the three-throw line.

6th Man of the Week - Cole Anthony

The Orlando Magic man stood out in this week’s games (Image: Getty Images)

Rookie of the Week - Chet Holmgren