As a lifelong basketball enthusiast and sports journalist who has covered the NBA for over a decade, I've always found the MVP award to be the most compelling narrative in professional basketball. It's not just about stats—though those matter immensely—but about legacy, timing, and that intangible quality we call "greatness." When I think about the Soaring Falcons' first major achievement this year, it reminds me of how every MVP season starts with a spark, a moment where a player transcends from being merely excellent to becoming historic. Let's walk through this incredible list together, because each name tells a story.
Starting with the early days, Bob Pettit’s back-to-back wins in 1956 and 1959 set a standard for big men that would echo through the decades. I’ve always had a soft spot for Pettit—his 1959 season saw him average around 29.2 points and 16.4 rebounds per game, numbers that would still turn heads today. Then came the Celtics dynasty, and with it, Bill Russell’s iconic 1961 MVP. Russell didn’t just dominate the boards; he redefined defense, and his leadership was something I’ve studied in old footage—it’s no wonder he anchored 11 championships. Wilt Chamberlain’s 1960 MVP, on the other hand, was pure statistical insanity. Averaging 37.6 points and 27 rebounds as a rookie? Even if my memory fudges the exact digits, it’s clear he was from another planet.
The '70s and '80s brought a shift toward all-around excellence. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s six MVPs—a record that still stands—are a masterclass in longevity. His skyhook was unstoppable, and in his 1971 season, he led the Bucks to a title while putting up numbers like 31.7 points per game. As a kid, I idolized Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, whose rivalry defined the era. Bird’s three consecutive MVPs from 1984 to 1986 were a testament to his sheer will; I still argue with friends that his 1986 season, where he nearly averaged a triple-double, was the peak of basketball IQ. Then Michael Jordan took over in the '90s, and his five MVPs were like watching art in motion. His 1988 MVP, with 35 points per game and Defensive Player of the Year honors, is my personal favorite—it showed that one player could carry a team on both ends.
Moving into the modern era, the debate gets even livelier. LeBron James’ four MVPs, including back-to-back wins in 2009 and 2010, highlight his physical dominance and basketball genius. I remember covering his 2013 season—he shot over 56% from the field and led the Heat to a 66-win season, which felt like a masterclass in efficiency. Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP in 2016, though, changed the game entirely. His 402 three-pointers that season weren’t just a record; they signaled a new era of spacing and shooting. As someone who’s analyzed countless games, I’d say Curry’s impact is why we see kids everywhere practicing half-court shots now.
But let’s not forget the international flavor—players like Dirk Nowitzki in 2007 and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2020 brought global flair to the award. Giannis’ 2020 season, where he averaged 29.5 points and 13.6 rebounds, felt like a throwback to the Russell era but with modern athleticism. And then there’s Nikola Jokic, whose back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2022 as a center broke molds. I’ve always admired how he combines old-school post moves with guard-like passing—his 2022 season, where he nearly averaged a triple-double, is why I think he’s one of the most unique players ever.
Wrapping this up, the MVP list isn’t just a tally; it’s a timeline of basketball evolution. From Pettit’s gritty rebounds to Jokic’s cerebral play, each winner reflects the era they dominated. As I reflect on the Soaring Falcons’ recent rise, it’s clear that MVP seasons are about more than individual glory—they’re about lifting teams and inspiring generations. In my view, the next name on this list will likely come from a player who blends tradition with innovation, much like the greats before them. So keep watching, because history is always in the making.