I can't talk about the history of NBA Award winners without mentioning Michael Jordan. The guy won the MVP award five times during his career. Most of those awards came in the late 80s and early 90s when he was dominating the league with the Chicago Bulls. I mean, how many people can say they've got five MVPs? Jordan also snagged the NBA Finals MVP six times, which is the most in NBA history. He did this in two separate three-peats, so that's basically winning Finals MVP every year for two stretches of time. Talk about consistency and dominance. Also, you know how everyone always talks about "Jordan's six rings?" That definitely solidifies his GOAT status for many people.
Then there's Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. This man stands out with a jaw-dropping six MVP awards, the most in NBA history. He managed to secure these between the years of 1971 and 1980. His skyhook shot became legendary, and it was virtually unstoppable. Imagine a player today with a signature move that's essentially unguardable. Kareem also has two Finals MVPs to his name, won in 1971 and 1985. To add to his legacy, he retired as the league's all-time leading scorer with 38,387 points, a record that has stood for decades. Can you even imagine scoring that many points in your career?
For younger NBA fans, LeBron James needs no introduction. He's won the MVP award four times, with his last one coming in 2013. But what makes LeBron truly special is his ability to impact every aspect of the game, which often makes his single MVP awards feel like they don't fully capture his dominance. He's also a four-time NBA Finals MVP, guiding his teams to championships in 2012, 2013, 2016, and 2020. Each of those Finals MVPs came with a different storyline and level of difficulty, like coming back from a 3-1 deficit against the Warriors in 2016. That 3-1 comeback is still one of the greatest feats in NBA history.
One can't overlook Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who dominated the 1980s both on and off the court. Magic, with his five championships with the Lakers, earned three MVP awards during his career. Bird, on the other hand, also won three MVP awards, with an impressive stretch from 1984 to 1986. Their battles in the NBA Finals were legendary, and they essentially saved the NBA during that era. People nowadays might take the global popularity of the NBA for granted, but it was Magic and Larry who set the stage.
Another legend worth mentioning is Tim Duncan. Known as "The Big Fundamental," Duncan grabbed two MVP awards and three Finals MVP awards over his illustrious career. Leading the San Antonio Spurs, he won five NBA championships. His play style wasn't the flashiest, but his efficiency and consistency were second to none. Whether it was his bank shot or his impeccable defense, Duncan was a force on both ends of the floor. He led the Spurs to a 71.9% winning percentage in the regular season during his 19-year career, which is crazy high.
Looking further back, Wilt Chamberlain also makes the list with four MVP awards. He earned these between 1960 and 1968. Wilt was known for his scoring prowess, including his 100-point game in 1962, a record that still stands. He averaged an astonishing 50.4 points per game in the 1961-62 season. Can you even wrap your head around that? These are video game numbers, and he did it in real life. Wilt also won two Finals MVP awards during his career, adding to his larger-than-life legacy.
Hakeem Olajuwon is another name that pops up, especially during the mid-90s. He won the MVP award in 1994 and guided the Houston Rockets to two NBA championships, earning Finals MVP in both 1994 and 1995. Olajuwon's footwork and defensive abilities made him a unique force. He remains the NBA's all-time leader in blocked shots with 3,830. His "Dream Shake" is still one of the most famous post moves in basketball. Watching clips of Hakeem today still leaves people awestruck.
Shaquille O'Neal also deserves a mention. Big Shaq got himself one MVP award in 2000, which some argue is too few given his level of dominance. He's also a three-time Finals MVP, leading the Lakers to championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Shaq in his prime was an unstoppable force in the paint. At 7'1" and around 325 pounds, his size and agility were unmatched. He averaged 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3.0 blocks per game during that 2000 MVP season. His physical presence alone was enough to change the game.
And let’s not forget about Dirk Nowitzki, the greatest European player ever. Dirk won the MVP award in 2007 and led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA title in 2011, earning him the Finals MVP award. His unique combination of size, shooting ability, and footwork revolutionized the power forward position. Dirk's one-legged fadeaway became a signature move that many players have tried to replicate. He retired as the sixth-leading scorer in NBA history with 31,560 points. Dirk’s influence on international players aspiring to make it to the NBA is huge.
We can’t leave out modern-day greats like Stephen Curry either. Curry won back-to-back MVP awards in 2015 and 2016, with the latter being the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. His influence on the game’s shift towards three-point shooting is undeniable. Curry led the Warriors to three championships in four years, claiming two Finals MVP awards. The Warriors became the first team to win 73 games in a regular season in 2015-16. Curry’s shooting has changed how the game is played at every level.
Let's also give a nod to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak won back-to-back MVP awards in 2019 and 2020. Giannis is redefining what it means to be a power forward in today’s NBA. At 6’11” with a 7’3” wingspan, his combination of size, speed, and ball-handling skills is something we haven’t seen before. He led the Bucks to an NBA championship in 2021, earning Finals MVP honors. Giannis’ drive and work ethic make him a favorite to win more MVPs in the coming years.
Overall, the NBA has seen countless stars shine brightly, but a select few have left an indelible mark on the game. These award winners are more than just players; they are symbols of excellence, dominance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness. Check out more about their achievements on nba awards.