In the world of the NBA, the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award is one of the highest honors a player can achieve. Over the years, legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, and Michael Jordan have claimed multiple MVP titles, showcasing their dominance on the court. However, what if the MVP award was limited to a single win per player, akin to how the Nobel Prize in Literature is awarded? This intriguing thought experiment leads us to explore which players would have claimed the MVP title if only one award per career was permitted.
The Concept of a One-Time MVP Award
The MVP award has been a staple of the NBA since its inception in the 1955-56 season. Players who have earned this accolade multiple times often find themselves in debates about their greatness. However, if the award were restricted to a single win, it would significantly alter the narrative surrounding many players and their legacies. We took a deep dive into the historical MVP voting results to determine which players would have emerged victorious under this hypothetical scenario.
Historical MVP Winners
Let’s take a look at the MVP winners from each season, highlighting those who would have claimed the title if only one MVP award was allowed per player:
– 1955-56: Bob Pettit
– The first-ever MVP winner, Pettit led the league in scoring and was a dominant force for the St. Louis Hawks.
– 1956-57: Bob Cousy
– A pioneer of the point guard position, Cousy was known for his exceptional playmaking abilities and leadership.
– 1957-58: Bill Russell
– Russell’s defensive prowess and rebounding skills made him a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics dynasty.
– 1958-59: Elgin Baylor
– Baylor was a scoring machine and a versatile forward, known for his acrobatic shots and athleticism.
– 1959-60: Wilt Chamberlain
– Chamberlain’s scoring and rebounding records are legendary, and he remains a dominant figure in NBA history.
– 1960-61: Oscar Robertson
– The “Big O” was the first player to average a triple-double over a season, showcasing his all-around game.
– 1961-62: Jerry West
– West was not only a great scorer but also an exceptional defender, earning him a spot among the game’s greats.
– 1962-63: Bill Russell (again)
– Russell’s impact on the game was undeniable, leading the Celtics to multiple championships.
– 1963-64: Oscar Robertson (again)
– Robertson’s skill set was ahead of its time, and he was a key player in the evolution of the point guard position.
– 1964-65: Sam Jones
– Jones was a clutch performer for the Celtics, contributing to their success during the 1960s.
– 1965-66: Jerry Lucas
– Lucas was a versatile forward who excelled in scoring and rebounding.
– 1966-67: Wilt Chamberlain (again)
– Chamberlain continued to dominate the league, earning another MVP title.
– 1967-68: Lenny Wilkens
– Wilkens was a skilled player and later became a successful coach.
– 1968-69: Wes Unseld
– Unseld was known for his rebounding and passing skills, helping to revolutionize the center position.
– 1969-70: Willis Reed
– Reed’s leadership and scoring ability were pivotal for the New York Knicks.
– 1970-71: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
– The all-time leading scorer in NBA history, Kareem’s skyhook shot was nearly unstoppable.
– 1971-72: John Havlicek
– Havlicek’s relentless energy and scoring ability made him an essential part of the Celtics’ success.
– 1972-73: Dave Cowens
– Cowens was a versatile big man known for his hustle and all-around game.
– 1973-74: Bob McAdoo
– McAdoo was a dominant scorer and rebounder during his time.
– 1974-75: Elvin Hayes
– Hayes was a prolific scorer and a force on the boards.
– 1975-76: Rick Barry
– Barry was known for his unique shooting style and scoring ability.
– 1976-77: Bill Walton
– Walton’s passing and defensive skills made him a unique center in NBA history.
– 1977-78: George Gervin
– Gervin’s scoring ability was unmatched, earning him the nickname “The Iceman.”
– 1978-79: Moses Malone
– Malone’s rebounding and scoring prowess made him one of the best big men in the league.
– 1979-80: Julius Erving
– Dr. J was known for his acrobatic dunks and flair on the court.
– 1980-81: Larry Bird
– Bird was a fierce competitor and one of the greatest players in NBA history.
– 1981-82: Robert Parish
– Parish was a key player for the Celtics during their championship runs.
– 1982-83: Magic Johnson
– Magic’s passing and leadership transformed the point guard position.
– 1983-84: Larry Bird (again)
– Bird’s rivalry with Magic Johnson defined the NBA during the 1980s.
– 1984-85: Terry Cummings
– Cummings was a versatile scorer and rebounder.
– 1985-86: Dominique Wilkins
– Wilkins was known for his incredible athleticism and scoring ability.
– 1986-87: Michael Jordan
– Jordan’s scoring and competitive nature set him apart from the rest.
– 1987-88: Michael Jordan (again)
– Jordan continued to dominate, earning his second MVP title.
– 1988-89: Magic Johnson (again)
– Magic’s leadership and playmaking were key to the Lakers’ success.
– 1989-90: Magic Johnson (again)
– Johnson’s ability to elevate his teammates made him a perennial MVP candidate.
– 1990-91: Michael Jordan (again)
– Jordan’s scoring ability and defensive prowess solidified his legacy.
– 1991-92: Michael Jordan (again)
– Jordan continued to dominate, earning another MVP title.
– 1992-93: Charles Barkley
– Barkley’s all-around game made him a force on the court.
– 1993-94: Hakeem Olajuwon
– Olajuwon’s footwork and shot-blocking abilities were unmatched.
– 1994-95: Shaquille O’Neal
– Shaq’s size and strength made him one of the most dominant players ever.
– 1995-96: Michael Jordan (again)
– Jordan’s return to the NBA was marked by another MVP season.
– 1996-97: Karl Malone
– Malone’s scoring and rebounding made him a perennial MVP candidate.
– 1997-98: Michael Jordan (again)
– Jordan’s final MVP season capped off his legendary career.
– 1998-99: Alonzo Mourning
– Mourning’s defensive skills and scoring ability were key for the Heat.
– 1999-00: Shaquille O’Neal (again)
– Shaq continued to dominate the league, earning another MVP title.
– 2000-01: Allen Iverson
– Iverson’s scoring and toughness made him a fan favorite.
– 2001-02: Tim Duncan
– Duncan’s fundamental skills and leadership were crucial for the Spurs.
– 2002-03: Kobe Bryant
– Bryant’s scoring ability and work ethic made him a superstar.
– 2003-04: Kevin Garnett
– Garnett’s versatility and defensive skills set him apart.
– 2004-05: Steve Nash
– Nash revolutionized the point guard position with his passing and shooting.
– 2005-06: Steve Nash (again)
– Nash continued to excel, earning another MVP title.
– 2006-07: Dirk Nowitzki
– Nowitzki’s shooting ability and versatility made him a unique player.
– 2007-08: Kobe Bryant (again)
– Bryant’s competitive nature and scoring ability earned him another MVP title.
– 2008-09: LeBron James
– LeBron’s all-around game and versatility made him a dominant force.
– 2009-10: LeBron James (again)
– LeBron continued to excel, earning another MVP title.
– 2010-11: Derrick Rose
– Rose’s explosive athleticism and leadership made him a fan favorite.
– 2011-12: LeBron James (again)
– LeBron’s dominance continued, earning him another MVP title.
– 2012-13: LeBron James (again)
– LeBron’s all-around game and scoring ability set him apart.
– 2013-14: Kevin Durant
– Durant’s scoring ability made him one of the most feared players in the league.
– 2014-15: Stephen Curry
– Curry’s shooting ability revolutionized the game.
– 2015-16: Stephen Curry (again)
– Curry continued to dominate, earning another MVP title.
– 2016-17: Russell Westbrook
– Westbrook’s triple-double average made him a standout player.
– 2017-18: James Harden
– Harden’s scoring ability and playmaking made him a top player.
– 2018-19: Giannis Antetokounmpo
– Giannis’ all-around game and versatility earned him the MVP title.
– 2019-20: Giannis Antetokounmpo (again)
– Giannis continued to excel, earning another MVP title.
– 2020-21: Nikola Jokic
– Jokic’s passing ability and scoring made him a unique center.
– 2021-22: Joel Embiid
– Embiid’s scoring and rebounding made him a dominant force.
– 2022-23: Jayson Tatum
– Tatum’s scoring ability and leadership were key for the Celtics.
– 2023-24: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
– Gilgeous-Alexander’s breakout season showcased his scoring ability.
– 2024-25: Donovan Mitchell
– Mitchell’s scoring and playmaking made him a standout player.
Conclusion
Imagining a world where NBA players could only win the MVP award once adds a fascinating layer to the discussion of greatness in the league. Each of these players has left an indelible mark on the game, and their singular MVP titles would serve as a testament to their unique contributions. While the current system allows for multiple winners, this hypothetical scenario invites fans to reflect on the legacies of these basketball legends and the impact they had on the sport.