Every basketball season, fans and analysts eagerly await the announcement of the NBA MVP. Yet, controversy seems to shadow this coveted award. Take, for instance, the 2005-2006 season when Steve Nash clinched his second consecutive MVP award, while many believed Kobe Bryant should have taken home the trophy. Kobe had an outstanding season, scoring 35.4 points per game—impressive considering he averaged nearly 5 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game, clearly demonstrating his all-around prowess on the court.
An even more glaring example is the 2010-2011 season. Derrick Rose won the MVP with averages of 25 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, but look at LeBron James's stats: he put up 26.7 points, 7 assists, and 7.5 rebounds per game. How, then, did Rose come out on top? Industry insiders often debate the subjective nature of "narrative" in MVP voting, as Rose’s story of leading the Chicago Bulls to the best record played a significant role.
Another instance that raised eyebrows was the 2016-2017 season when Russell Westbrook won the MVP by averaging a triple-double—31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists. While his numbers were historic, James Harden, who finished second in voting, had a remarkable season too. Harden averaged 29.1 points, 11.2 assists, and 8.1 rebounds per game while leading the Houston Rockets to a much better record than Westbrook's Oklahoma City Thunder. The debate here boils down to one question: Does individual achievement outweigh team success?
The most contentious MVP race in recent memory occurred in 2018-2019 when Giannis Antetokounmpo edged out James Harden. Harden averaged a league-leading 36.1 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 7.5 assists per game - numbers that hadn't been seen since Michael Jordan’s era. Giannis, on the other hand, averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists but led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the league. Harden's supporters point out how he carried the Rockets through a plethora of injuries, exemplifying his value to the team.
Every season, experts discuss who the rightful MVP should be. Kevin Durant’s MVP loss in the 2015-2016 season to Stephen Curry sparked heated debates. Durant averaged 28.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. Curry, meanwhile, revolutionized the game with his three-point shooting, averaging 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists while leading the Golden State Warriors to an NBA-record 73 wins. Do wins outweigh individual brilliance? This question defines many MVP debates.
2013-2014 was another controversial season. Kevin Durant finally won his MVP award by putting up 32 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, but LeBron James had equally impressive numbers with 27.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Critics argue that fatigue in voting for LeBron, who had won the previous two MVPs, played a role in Durant's victory. With both players posting astronomical stats, subjective voter bias seemed to come into play.
Going deeper into history, one cannot ignore the 1996-1997 season. Karl Malone won the MVP with 27.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, but Michael Jordan, who posted 29.6 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 4.3 assists while leading the Bulls to 69 wins, finished second. This race boiled down to the narrative that Malone had deserved recognition after years of elite play, despite Jordan being the superior player by most metrics.
A similar sentiment was evident in the 1992-1993 season when Charles Barkley took home the MVP over Michael Jordan. Barkley averaged 25.6 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 5.1 assists per game in his first season with the Phoenix Suns. Jordan, who led the league with 32.6 points per game, with 6.7 rebounds and 5.5 assists, led the Bulls to 57 wins. However, voters seemed to reward Barkley for revitalizing the Suns and leading them to the best record in the league.
In more recent times, the 2019-2020 MVP race ignited fierce debates when Giannis Antetokounmpo won back-to-back MVPs, narrowly beating out LeBron James. Giannis averaged 29.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game, leading the Bucks to the NBA's best regular-season record. LeBron, averaging 25.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and a league-leading 10.2 assists, dramatically improved the Lakers and played a pivotal role in his team's success. Many fans argue that LeBron's age and his narrative of returning the Lakers to prominence made him more deserving.
Over the years, various MVP snubs have fueled endless debates and discussions amongst NBA fans and analysts. While numbers do play a crucial role, factors like the "narrative," team success, and voter fatigue often tip the scales in unexpected directions.
It’s safe to say that the MVP award comes with its own unique brand of controversy each year. Arena Plus' take on these discussions reminds us that while individual brilliance is undeniable, the subjective lens through which we view these athletes plays an equally significant role in crowning the MVP. For more in-depth coverage on NBA discussions, head over to Arena Plus.