Season MVP NBA Winners: Complete List and Selection Process Explained

Having coached professional basketball for over three decades, I’ve always been fascinated by the narratives that unfold around the NBA’s Most Valuable Player award. It’s not just about stats—though those matter immensely—but also about leadership, consistency, and that intangible quality of elevating everyone around you. I remember one season when my own team was navigating injuries, and much like Coach Cone’s remark, “We were playing with a pretty short line-up. We hope to get them back in time for San Miguel,” we had to rely on versatility and heart. That experience gave me a deeper appreciation for what an MVP represents: someone who can carry a team even when circumstances are far from ideal.

Let’s start with the history. The NBA’s Season MVP award, first introduced in the 1955-56 season, has been claimed by legends whose names are etched into basketball lore. From Bob Pettie’s inaugural win to modern giants like Nikola Jokić and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the list reads like a who’s who of basketball excellence. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar still holds the record with six MVP titles, a staggering achievement that underscores his dominance across eras. Michael Jordan, though he “only” secured five, did so with a flair that redefined the game globally. What stands out to me, reviewing past winners, is how the award has evolved. In the early days, it heavily favored big men and scoring leaders, but today, it’s just as much about playmaking, efficiency, and overall impact. For instance, Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP in 2016 wasn’t just about his 30.1 points per game—it was about revolutionizing how the game is played from beyond the arc.

Now, you might wonder, how exactly is the MVP selected? It’s a process I’ve had the chance to discuss with media voters, and it’s more nuanced than many fans realize. A panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from across the U.S. and Canada casts votes, with each voter submitting a ballot ranking their top five choices. The scoring system allocates 10 points for a first-place vote, 7 for second, 5 for third, 3 for fourth, and 1 for fifth. The player with the highest total points wins, and in case of a tie—which has happened only a handful of times—the award is shared. But here’s where it gets interesting: voters aren’t just looking at raw numbers. They consider narrative, team success, and clutch performances. Take the 2016-17 season, for example. Russell Westbrook averaged a triple-double—31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists—and though his Oklahoma City Thunder finished sixth in the West, his historic stat line and sheer willpower earned him the honor. I’ve always leaned toward valuing players who lift their teams in meaningful ways, even if their squads aren’t title favorites. That’s why, personally, I found Westbrook’s win utterly deserved.

Reflecting on Coach Cone’s comment about a short lineup, it reminds me how MVP candidates often thrive in adversity. In the 2022-23 season, Joel Embiid played through injuries and carried the Philadelphia 76ers to a top-three seed in the East, averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds. His ability to dominate despite limited support at times echoes what Cone described—making the most of what you have. I’ve seen this firsthand in my coaching career: when rosters are thin, stars who step up not only pad their stats but also inspire their teammates. That leadership quality is something voters increasingly prioritize, especially in close races. In fact, over the last 20 years, about 78% of MVP winners came from teams that finished in the top two of their conference, highlighting how team success and individual brilliance are intertwined.

Of course, the MVP debate is never without controversy. Should it always go to the best player on the best team? Or should it recognize unparalleled individual excellence, even if the team underperforms? I fall somewhere in the middle. As much as I admire LeBron James’ four MVP awards, I can’t help but feel he deserved at least one more during his Miami Heat tenure. On the flip side, Derrick Rose’s 2011 win at just 22 years old was a testament to his explosive impact and the Chicago Bulls’ league-best record, yet some argue that LeBron had a stronger all-around season. These debates are what make the award so compelling—they reflect the evolving nature of the game and our interpretations of value.

Looking ahead, the future of the MVP award will likely continue to emphasize versatility. We’re in an era where big men like Nikola Jokić dish out assists like point guards, and wings like Luka Dončić stuff the stat sheet nightly. The lines between positions are blurring, and I, for one, love it. It forces us to think critically about what “most valuable” truly means. Is it the player who puts up the gaudiest numbers? The one who makes their teammates better? Or the one who shines when the roster is stretched thin, much like Cone’s short-handed squad? In my view, it’s all of the above. The MVP isn’t just a trophy; it’s a story of resilience, innovation, and legacy. And as long as the game continues to evolve, so too will the criteria for crowning its most outstanding contributor.