NBA MVP: A Look At Every Season's Top Player

Nov 8, 2025 by Admin 45 views

Hey sports fanatics! Ever wondered who snags the coveted NBA MVP title each year? Well, buckle up, because we're diving deep into the world of basketball's best. We're talking about the Most Valuable Player, the guy who consistently dominates the court, leads their team to victory, and leaves us all in awe. From legendary names to rising stars, the MVP award is a testament to skill, dedication, and sheer basketball brilliance. This article will be a comprehensive list of every NBA MVP, from the very first one all the way to the present day. We will also dive into the criteria and what exactly makes a player MVP-worthy. So, get ready to reminisce about iconic seasons, remember unforgettable performances, and maybe even settle a few friendly debates about who truly deserved the crown! Let's get started. Get ready to have your basketball knowledge put to the test, and maybe even learn a thing or two about the history of the game. Get ready, this is going to be epic!

What Makes an NBA MVP?

So, what does it actually take to become the NBA MVP? It's more than just putting up impressive stats, though those certainly help! The MVP award recognizes the player who has the most significant impact on their team's success during the regular season. This means a blend of individual brilliance and team leadership. Players often display a combination of extraordinary scoring ability, exceptional rebounding or playmaking skills, and the ability to elevate their team's overall performance. But the specific criteria? Well, that's where things get interesting. The NBA doesn't explicitly outline a rigid set of rules. Instead, the selection process is a mix of statistics, team success, and the intangible "value" a player brings to the court.

Firstly, statistics play a huge role. Things like points per game (PPG), rebounds per game (RPG), assists per game (APG), and shooting percentages are all carefully examined. Higher numbers in these categories generally increase a player's chances. However, it's not always about the highest scorer; efficiency matters too. A player who scores efficiently while also contributing in other areas (rebounds, assists, defense) is highly valued. Secondly, team success is critical. Typically, the MVP comes from a team that has a strong regular season record and qualifies for the playoffs. It's rare for a player on a losing team to win the MVP, as the award is all about rewarding players who are also contributing to winning. Thirdly, and perhaps the most subjective part, is impact and "value". This is where the voters (usually a panel of sports writers and broadcasters) consider the player's overall influence on the game. How does this player affect the team's offense and defense? Does he make teammates better? Does he play with passion and leadership? Does he inspire others and bring a positive influence to the team? These are tough questions, but they are all critical to the overall MVP decision. In addition to these points, the voters also consider several aspects, such as the player's availability and durability throughout the season, and sometimes even the narrative surrounding the player.

Every NBA MVP Winner

Alright guys, let's get to the main event! Here's a comprehensive list of every NBA MVP winner, season by season. Get ready to walk down memory lane and reminisce about some of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood. Some names will be familiar, some may be surprises. Let's go!

1955-1956: Bob Pettit (St. Louis Hawks) - The inaugural MVP! Pettit set the stage for all future winners. Pettit was an exceptionally talented and versatile player and a dominant force in the early days of the NBA.
1956-1957: Bob Cousy (Boston Celtics) - The "Houdini of the Hardwood" was the Celtics' original maestro. Cousy was an exceptional ball-handler and passer, leading the Celtics to their first championship.
1957-1958: Bill Russell (Boston Celtics) - Russell, a defensive powerhouse and champion, began his reign of dominance. Bill Russell defined defensive excellence and became the ultimate winner.
1958-1959: Bob Pettit (St. Louis Hawks) - Pettit's second MVP, solidifying his status as an early NBA icon.
1959-1960: Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia Warriors) - The "Big Dipper" had a scoring explosion, hinting at the statistical dominance to come. Chamberlain was one of the most physically gifted players to ever play basketball.
1960-1961: Bill Russell (Boston Celtics) - Russell's second MVP, continuing the Celtics' dynasty.
1961-1962: Bill Russell (Boston Celtics) - Russell's third MVP, showcasing his consistent excellence.
1962-1963: Bill Russell (Boston Celtics) - Russell's fourth MVP, a true testament to his impact.
1963-1964: Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals) - "The Big O" was the ultimate triple-double threat. Robertson was a master of all aspects of the game, and one of the most complete players in NBA history.
1964-1965: Bill Russell (Boston Celtics) - Russell's fifth MVP, cementing his legacy.
1965-1966: Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia 76ers) - Chamberlain's second MVP, another scoring display.
1966-1967: Wilt Chamberlain (Philadelphia 76ers) - Chamberlain's third MVP, proving his all-around value.
1967-1968: Oscar Robertson (Cincinnati Royals) - Robertson's second MVP, acknowledging his all-around game.
1968-1969: Wes Unseld (Baltimore Bullets) - A power forward who became an MVP, showing that you don't need to score a lot to dominate.
1969-1970: Lew Alcindor (Milwaukee Bucks) - A dominant center, beginning his championship journey.
1970-1971: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks) - The newly named Kareem, continued his dominance.
1971-1972: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks) - Kareem's second MVP, confirming his status as the best in the league.
1972-1973: Dave Cowens (Boston Celtics) - A gritty center, leading the Celtics with his all-around play.
1973-1974: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Milwaukee Bucks) - Kareem's third MVP, showcasing his longevity and skill.
1974-1975: Bob McAdoo (Buffalo Braves) - The scoring machine, and a force of his time.
1975-1976: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers) - Kareem's fourth MVP, moving to Los Angeles and continuing his dominance.
1976-1977: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers) - Kareem's fifth MVP, extending his reign as the league's top player.
1977-1978: Bill Walton (Portland Trail Blazers) - Walton's amazing season was cut short by injury, a preview of his tragic career.
1978-1979: Moses Malone (Houston Rockets) - The rebounding king, dominating the paint.
1979-1980: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (Los Angeles Lakers) - Kareem's sixth MVP, a testament to his continued excellence.
1980-1981: Julius Erving (Philadelphia 76ers) - "Dr. J" brought flair and skill to the 76ers.
1981-1982: Moses Malone (Houston Rockets) - Malone's second MVP, a dominant force in the paint.
1982-1983: Julius Erving (Philadelphia 76ers) - Dr. J, proving he was more than just a highlight reel.
1983-1984: Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) - Bird's first MVP, setting the stage for a legendary rivalry.
1984-1985: Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) - Bird's second MVP, dominating the league with his skills.
1985-1986: Larry Bird (Boston Celtics) - Bird's third MVP, a testament to his consistent brilliance.
1986-1987: Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) - Magic's first MVP, showcasing his playmaking skills and leadership.
1987-1988: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) - Jordan's first MVP, beginning his reign of dominance.
1988-1989: Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) - Magic's second MVP, continuing his impact on the game.
1989-1990: Magic Johnson (Los Angeles Lakers) - Magic's third MVP, a testament to his consistent performance.
1990-1991: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) - Jordan's second MVP, leading the Bulls to a championship.
1991-1992: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) - Jordan's third MVP, further solidifying his place in history.
1992-1993: Charles Barkley (Phoenix Suns) - Barkley's MVP, proving his value to a new team.
1993-1994: Hakeem Olajuwon (Houston Rockets) - Olajuwon's MVP, leading the Rockets to a championship.
1994-1995: David Robinson (San Antonio Spurs) - Robinson's MVP, recognized for his all-around brilliance.
1995-1996: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) - Jordan's fourth MVP, leading the Bulls to a record-breaking season.
1996-1997: Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) - Malone's MVP, after many years of excellence.
1997-1998: Michael Jordan (Chicago Bulls) - Jordan's fifth MVP, winning his last championship with the Bulls.
1998-1999: Karl Malone (Utah Jazz) - Malone's second MVP, after an injury-shortened season.
1999-2000: Shaquille O'Neal (Los Angeles Lakers) - Shaq's first MVP, dominating the league with his power.
2000-2001: Allen Iverson (Philadelphia 76ers) - Iverson's MVP, leading the 76ers to the Finals.
2001-2002: Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) - Duncan's first MVP, starting a dynasty with the Spurs.
2002-2003: Tim Duncan (San Antonio Spurs) - Duncan's second MVP, solidifying his status as a top player.
2003-2004: Kevin Garnett (Minnesota Timberwolves) - Garnett's MVP, leading a young team to the playoffs.
2004-2005: Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns) - Nash's first MVP, revolutionizing the game with his playmaking.
2005-2006: Steve Nash (Phoenix Suns) - Nash's second MVP, continuing to lead the Suns with his playmaking.
2006-2007: Dirk Nowitzki (Dallas Mavericks) - Nowitzki's MVP, a testament to his scoring ability.
2007-2008: Kobe Bryant (Los Angeles Lakers) - Bryant's MVP, rewarding his dedication and skill.
2008-2009: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) - James' first MVP, beginning his reign of dominance.
2009-2010: LeBron James (Cleveland Cavaliers) - James' second MVP, showcasing his all-around talent.
2010-2011: Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls) - Rose's MVP, a testament to his skill and impact on the game.
2011-2012: LeBron James (Miami Heat) - James' third MVP, leading the Heat to a championship.
2012-2013: LeBron James (Miami Heat) - James' fourth MVP, continuing his dominance with the Heat.
2013-2014: Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City Thunder) - Durant's MVP, solidifying his status as a top scorer.
2014-2015: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) - Curry's first MVP, revolutionizing the game with his shooting.
2015-2016: Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) - Curry's second MVP, continuing to lead the Warriors.
2016-2017: Russell Westbrook (Oklahoma City Thunder) - Westbrook's MVP, for a historic triple-double season.
2017-2018: James Harden (Houston Rockets) - Harden's MVP, leading the Rockets with his scoring and playmaking.
2018-2019: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) - Giannis' first MVP, a rising star in the league.
2019-2020: Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) - Giannis' second MVP, further cementing his dominance.
2020-2021: Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) - Jokic's first MVP, showcasing his all-around brilliance.
2021-2022: Nikola Jokic (Denver Nuggets) - Jokic's second MVP, a testament to his exceptional skill and impact.
2022-2023: Joel Embiid (Philadelphia 76ers) - Embiid's MVP, a recognition of his dominant scoring and all-around game.

The Future of the NBA MVP

Alright, so we've looked at the past. But what about the future? Who are the players who could be taking home the NBA MVP trophy in the coming years? The league is overflowing with young talent, and it's exciting to imagine who might join the ranks of legends. Keep an eye on players like Luka Dončić, a gifted playmaker with extraordinary scoring abilities; and Ja Morant, known for his electrifying performances and scoring prowess. Plus, there are always those