The NBA MVP award is one of the most prestigious individual honors in all of sports. Every year, a handful of elite players compete for the title of Most Valuable Player, and while many winners have been universally praised, there are some who sparked controversy, debates, and even outright disbelief.
Whether it’s due to snubbed candidates, questionable performances, or unexpected selections, the MVP award has had its fair share of disputed winners. Here’s a look at 15 of the most controversial MVP selections in NBA history:
15. Giannis Antetokounmpo (2018-19)
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 2019 MVP win was debated, especially given the historic season put together by James Harden. Harden led the NBA in scoring and had a record-breaking offensive season, but Giannis was incredibly efficient, led the Milwaukee Bucks to the best record in the league, and had a strong case for the MVP.
14. Larry Bird (1984-85)
Larry Bird’s 1985 MVP win was contested by Magic Johnson, who had a similar statistical season and led his Los Angeles Lakers to a better record. Bird’s impact on the Boston Celtics was undeniable, but Magic’s playmaking and leadership of the Lakers were just as remarkable, making this win a tough one to digest for some.
13. Karl Malone (1996-97)
Karl Malone’s MVP win in 1997 is still one of the most disputed in NBA history. Despite his excellent numbers, many felt that Michael Jordan, who was statistically better and led the Chicago Bulls to a superior record, deserved the award. Some also argue that Malone’s success was aided by a strong supporting cast, including John Stockton.
12. Nikola Jokić (2020-21)
Nikola Jokić’s MVP win in 2021 was controversial due to the strong performances of other candidates, particularly Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. Jokić, however, put up historic numbers for a center and led the Denver Nuggets to the third-best record in the West. While some felt the award was deserved, others argue that the MVP should have gone to a player on a higher-seeded team.
11. Russell Westbrook (2016-17)
Russell Westbrook’s 2017 MVP win remains one of the most debated in NBA history. Westbrook had an incredible season, averaging a triple-double with 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game. However, many argue that James Harden, who led the Houston Rockets to a far superior record and had a more complete and efficient season, should have won the award.
10. Hakeem Olajuwon (1992-93)
Hakeem Olajuwon’s 1993 MVP win over Charles Barkley, who led his Phoenix Suns to the best record in the NBA, remains a point of contention. Olajuwon had an incredible individual season, but the MVP is often thought to be a reflection of both individual and team success, and Barkley seemed to have a stronger case.
9. LeBron James (2011-12)
While LeBron James’ 2012 MVP season was outstanding, finishing with an average of 27.1 points and 6.3 rebounds, some still argue that Kevin Durant deserved the award more. Durant led the league in scoring, and the Oklahoma City Thunder finished with a better record than LeBron’s Miami Heat.
8. Steve Nash (2004-05)
Steve Nash’s first MVP win in 2005 over Shaquille O’Neal remains a hotly debated topic. Nash was a fantastic playmaker and the engine behind the Phoenix Suns’ fast-paced offense, but many believe that O’Neal’s dominance in the paint and leadership of the Miami Heat, who had a better overall record, warranted the MVP award.
7. Allen Iverson (2000-01)
Allen Iverson’s 2000-01 MVP win is often questioned due to his team’s overall lack of success. Iverson carried the Philadelphia 76ers with an average of 31.1 points per game, but his team finished with only the third-best record in the Eastern Conference. Many argue that Shaquille O’Neal, who was dominant both offensively and defensively, deserved the MVP award that year.
6. James Harden (2018)
James Harden’s MVP win in 2018 also sparked debate, as some felt LeBron James was the true MVP that season. While Harden’s Houston Rockets had the best record in the NBA, LeBron James continued to put up extraordinary numbers for the Cleveland Cavaliers and led them to the fourth seed in the East. Many critics believe LeBron’s overall impact on the game that season outweighed Harden’s individual statistics.
5. Wilt Chamberlain (1966-1967)
Wilt Chamberlain was an offensive juggernaut throughout his career, but his 1966-1967 MVP win was controversial for a few reasons. Bill Russell had led the Boston Celtics to another championship, and many felt his impact on the defensive side of the ball and his leadership on a championship-caliber team should have earned him the MVP. Chamberlain’s individual statistics were so astronomical that the MVP voters overlooked the fact that his teams often underachieved in the postseason
4. Kobe Bryant (2007-08)
Kobe Bryant’s 2007-08 MVP season has been the subject of much debate. While Kobe had an excellent year, the award was given to him in large part due to a narrative-driven storyline that centered around his desire to win without Shaquille O’Neal. However, many believe that the MVP should have gone to Chris Paul, who was outstanding for the New Orleans Hornets and led them to the second-best record in the West.
3. Derrick Rose (2010-11)
Derrick Rose’s 2010-11 MVP campaign is one of the more divisive seasons in recent memory. While Rose had an outstanding season, averaging 25 points and 7.7 assists, many argue that LeBron James, who was statistically superior in almost every category, deserved the award. Rose’s Chicago Bulls finished with the best regular-season record, but the decision still drew criticism.
Read More: The 19 Best MVP Seasons in the History of the NBA
2. Charles Barkley (1993-94)
Charles Barkley’s 1993-94 MVP selection over Michael Jordan remains controversial. Barkley was excellent that season, averaging 25.6 points and 12.2 rebounds per game, leading the Phoenix Suns to the best record in the league. However, many feel that Jordan, who returned from retirement and nearly averaged 30 points per game while leading the Chicago Bulls, should have won the award.
Read More: The NBA’s Current Highest-Paid Players
1. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (1976-77)
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s MVP win in 1976-77 is often seen as one of the most debatable selections in NBA history. Despite averaging 27.7 points and 16.9 rebounds per game, the Milwaukee Bucks finished with just the fourth-best record in the league. Meanwhile, Rick Barry of the Golden State Warriors put together a dominant season and led his team to the best record in the Western Conference, yet he didn’t even receive a single MVP vote.
Read More: 20 Reasons Why LeBron James is the Undisputed GOAT
