The History of the NBA MVP Award
The NBA Most Valuable Player award, first given in 1956, is the highest individual honor in professional basketball. Voted on by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, the MVP recognizes the player who made the most significant impact on their team's success during the regular season.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record with six MVP awards, followed by Michael Jordan and Bill Russell with five each. LeBron James has won four, as have Wilt Chamberlain. The award's history reflects the evolution of basketball itself — from the big-man dominance of the 1960s through the guard-driven offenses of the modern era.
Each decade has its defining MVP. The 1960s belonged to Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain, who combined for nine of the decade's ten MVPs. The 1980s saw the Magic-Bird rivalry define the award. The 1990s were dominated by Michael Jordan, while the 2000s saw a diverse group of winners including Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, and LeBron James.
MVP Voting Criteria
While there are no official criteria, MVP voters traditionally weigh individual statistical performance, team success (wins), and the player's overall value to their team. Players on top-seeded teams historically have an advantage, though exceptional individual seasons on lower-seeded teams occasionally win (like Russell Westbrook's triple-double season in 2017).
The Decade GOAT Concept
Our "Decade GOAT" designation goes to the MVP winner with the highest career PPG who was active during that decade. This often, but not always, corresponds to the player who won the most MVPs in that era. For example, while Bill Russell won the most MVPs in the 1960s, Wilt Chamberlain had the higher career PPG.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who has won the most NBA MVP awards?
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record with 6 MVP awards (1971, 1972, 1974, 1976, 1977, 1980). Michael Jordan and Bill Russell are tied for second with 5 each.
How are MVP winners grouped by decade?
Players are assigned to decades based on their active years. A player who was active from 1985-2003 would appear in the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s decades. This reflects their impact across multiple eras.
What is the 'Decade GOAT'?
The Decade GOAT is the MVP winner with the highest career PPG who was active during that decade. It identifies the most dominant scorer among each decade's MVP class.
Has any player won MVP in consecutive decades?
Several players have won MVPs spanning multiple decades. LeBron James won MVPs in both the 2000s and 2010s. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won in both the 1970s and 1980s. Michael Jordan won in the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s.
Does this include ABA MVP winners?
This analysis focuses on NBA MVP winners only. ABA MVPs (1968-1976) are not included, though some ABA MVPs like Julius Erving also won the NBA MVP after the merger.