The NBA has transformed into a global phenomenon, with superstars capturing the hearts of fans and media alike. Since the league began publicly disclosing media members’ MVP votes in 2015, the voting landscape has become more transparent, leading to fewer outlier ballots. However, significant discrepancies still exist among media personalities regarding their support for various players. In this article, we delve into the media votes for the biggest NBA superstars over the past decade, highlighting who the most supportive voters are for each player.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
The “Greek Freak,” known for his incredible athleticism and versatility, has garnered significant media support throughout his career. Below are the top media members who have consistently backed Giannis in MVP voting:
1. Vince Goodwill – 52 points
2. Kevin O’Connor – 51 points
3. Chris Broussard – 50 points
4. Howard Beck – 49 points
4. Brian Windhorst – 49 points
6. John Schuhmann – 48 points
7. Sam Amick – 47 points
8. Kurt Helin – 46 points
9. Jeff Zillgitt – 45 points
10. Steve Aschburner – 43 points
10. Jared Greenberg – 43 points
10. Matt Winer – 43 points
Giannis’s blend of skill and charisma has undoubtedly earned him a loyal following among media members.
Stephen Curry
As one of the most influential players in NBA history, Stephen Curry revolutionized the game with his shooting ability. Here’s a look at the media members who have shown the most support for Curry:
1. Howard Beck – 34 points
2. Gary Washburn – 32 points
3. Ramona Shelburne – 30 points
4. Frank Isola – 27 points
4. Jeff McDonald – 27 points
6. Bill Simmons – 26 points
6. Keith Pompey – 26 points
6. Michael Wilbon – 26 points
9. Jeff Zillgitt – 24 points
10. Matt Winer – 23 points
10. Ric Bucher – 23 points
Curry’s impact on the game and his engaging personality have made him a favorite among sports journalists.
Anthony Davis
The dynamic big man, Anthony Davis, has also received considerable media support, particularly during his peak seasons:
1. Marc Berman – 13 points
2. Brian Windhorst – 11 points
2. Keith Pompey – 11 points
2. Kevin Arnovitz – 11 points
5. Bill Simmons – 10 points
5. Frank Isola – 10 points
7. Doris Burke – 8 points
7. Jeff McDonald – 8 points
7. Jeff Zillgitt – 8 points
7. Ramona Shelburne – 8 points
Davis’s defensive prowess and scoring ability have made him a well-regarded player in media circles.
Luka Doncic
The young Slovenian star Luka Doncic has quickly become a media darling with his exceptional playmaking and scoring:
1. Greg Anthony – 17 points
2. Chris Broussard – 16 points
3. Joe Vardon – 15 points
4. Antoni Daimiel – 14 points
4. Ric Bucher – 14 points
4. Shaun Powell – 14 points
4. Kevin O’Connor – 14 points
4. Anthony Chiang – 14 points
4. Chris Mannix – 14 points
10. Yoko Miyaji – 12 points
Doncic’s ability to perform at a high level at such a young age has captivated both fans and media alike.
Kevin Durant
As a two-time NBA champion and one of the league’s most prolific scorers, Kevin Durant has consistently received significant media backing:
1. Anthony Slater – 7 points
2. Ric Bucher – 6 points
3. Howard Beck – 4 points
4. Keith Pompey – 3 points
4. Jeff Zillgitt – 3 points
6. Brian Windhorst – 2 points
6. Sam Amick – 2 points
Durant’s scoring ability and versatility have made him a focal point in NBA discussions.
Joel Embiid
The Philadelphia 76ers’ center, Joel Embiid, has become a prominent figure in MVP conversations, earning the support of numerous media members:
1. Keith Pompey – 32 points
2. Greg Anthony – 31 points
3. Brian Windhorst – 27 points
3. Cassidy Hubbarth – 27 points
3. Mark Jackson – 27 points
3. Steve Aschburner – 27 points
7. Gary Washburn – 26 points
7. Ramona Shelburne – 26 points
9. Ric Bucher – 25 points
10. Bill Simmons – 24 points
10. Chris Mannix – 24 points
Embiid’s dominant presence in the paint and his personality have made him a favorite among analysts.
James Harden
Harden’s unique style of play has led him to be one of the most polarizing yet supported figures in the league:
1. Matt Winer – 42 points
2. Howard Beck – 39 points
2. Michael Wilbon – 39 points
4. Ric Bucher – 37 points
4. Ramona Shelburne – 37 points
6. Gary Washburn – 36 points
7. Chris Broussard – 35 points
8. Bill Simmons – 34 points
8. Brian Windhorst – 34 points
8. Jeff McDonald – 34 points
8. Kevin Arnovitz – 34 points
12. Jeff Zillgitt – 33 points
13. Frank Isola – 31 points
14. Keith Pompey – 29 points
Harden’s ability to score and create plays has made him a focal point of media attention.
LeBron James
The NBA’s enduring superstar, LeBron James, continues to receive overwhelming support from the media:
1. Jeff Zillgitt – 34 points
2. Ramona Shelburne – 32 points
3. Gary Washburn – 31 points
4. Ric Bucher – 30 points
5. Brian Windhorst – 29 points
5. Chris Broussard – 29 points
7. Keith Pompey – 28 points
8. Matt Winer – 27 points
9. Frank Isola – 25 points
9. Howard Beck – 25 points
9. Jeff McDonald – 25 points
12. Michael Wilbon – 23 points
13. Bill Simmons – 20 points
LeBron’s legacy and impact on the game ensure he remains a favorite among media members.
Nikola Jokic
The reigning MVP, Nikola Jokic, has gained significant media support due to his unique skill set and playmaking ability:
1. Bill Simmons – 55 points
2. Matt Winer – 50 points
2. Jeff McDonald – 50 points
2. Jared Greenberg – 50 points
2. Justin Termine – 50 points
6. Steve Aschburner – 49 points
6. Dennis Scott – 49 points
6. John Schuhmann – 49 points
9. Anthony Chiang – 48 points
9. Frank Isola – 48 points
11. Jeff Zillgitt – 47 points
11. Joe Vardon – 47 points
11. Kevin O’Connor – 47 points
11. Steve Smith – 47 points
Jokic’s ability to impact the game in multiple ways has made him a standout player in media discussions.
Conclusion
The relationship between NBA superstars and media members is complex, with varying levels of support that can influence public perception and voting outcomes. The players mentioned above have not only showcased their talents on the court but have also built strong connections with the media, leading to substantial backing in MVP discussions. As the league continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how these dynamics shift and which new stars emerge as media favorites in the years to come.