When did the NBA start awarding Finals MVP?

The NBA Finals MVP award began in 1969, with Jerry West of the Los Angeles Lakers becoming the first winner.

How is the NBA Finals MVP decided?

The Finals MVP is voted by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters after the series, based on overall impact and performance.

Has a player from the losing team ever won Finals MVP?

Yes, Jerry West in 1969 is the only player to win Finals MVP while on the losing team.

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International Trajectory: A Serbian Center’s NBA Conquest

FMVP Club

NBA

18 views07/28/2026, 10:09 ET

Jokić extends the European-center path to the NBA, from a second-round pick to three-time MVP — a benchmark for international players at the top.

Nikola Jokić's career is a benchmark story of international players conquering the NBA. In an ever-globalizing league, this Serbian center went from 41st pick to three-time MVP, redefining the ceiling of "international star."

Jokić's success extends the European-center tradition: sound fundamentals, high IQ, team-first play. Before him, Nowitzki, Gasol and Mutombo proved European bigs could thrive; Jokić went further — not a "scoring four" but a center maximizing orchestration, pioneering the "point center" school.

His path also links to Serbian basketball. From home leagues to Mega to Denver, every step carries Europe's imprint; he repays it by honoring the national team, taking Serbia to 2024 Olympic bronze. This "two-way achievement" makes him the pride of Serbia and the Balkans.

Jokić's international arc also broke the "non-US centers have limited ceilings" stereotype. He proved: with elite IQ and passing, even without explosive athleticism or a low pick, you can win MVP and FMVP in the NBA. For a man from Sombor, the path itself is globalization-era basketball's finest footnote. The Joker's arc crosses borders.