Thefullnameoftheregular-seasonMVPis"MostValuablePlayer."Jameswrotethosewordsinto
MostpeoplerememberAbdul-Jabbarbytheskyhookfirst,thenbythesixMVPs.Fewpausetoaskho
JuliusErvingismostoftenrememberedbyanicknamefirst:"Dr.J."Thenameitselfisafootnot
ThenameKarlMalonehasneverneededaprefix.WhentheNBAofficiallyplacedtheMostValuable
Inthespringof1975,thewholecityofBuffalowastalkingaboutonename—BobMcAdoo.Hewasonl
OnJune26,2017,inNewYork,whenAdamSilverspokethename"RussellWestbrook,"asmallcityi
IfNBAhistorianswereaskedtonamethemostunderratedgrindersinleaguehistory,WesUnseld
ThenameMosesMaloneisforeverprintedbeside"threeMVPtrophies."In1979,1982,and1983he
James Worthy was known for rising to big moments, earning the nickname "Big Game James." He was the Lakers' fast-break finisher and one of the most reliable playoff scorers.
Traded to Toronto in 2018-19, Kawhi Leonard beat the injury-hit Warriors 4-2 for the franchise’s first title and was named Finals MVP.
Maxwell’s nickname "Cornbread" came from a college anecdote. After retiring he stayed with the Celtics as a broadcaster and community figure, becoming part of Boston’s culture.
Born Lew Alcindor, Kareem won three NCAA titles at UCLA, was the 1969 top pick, later changed his name and joined the Lakers. A 20-year career brought six championships.