The Evolution of The NBA MVP

Which MVP stats stood out in each era?

In this post, I examined how NBA MVP winners have evolved over time by analyzing their statistics across different decades. I calculated the average stats for MVPs in different decades to show the main factors that determined an MVP and how those have changed.

1960s-1970s:

What really stood out in the 1960s-1970s was the MVP's rebounding average. During these years, MVP winners averaged almost 18 rebounds per game, which is much higher than in any other era.

During the 1960s and 70s, there were still players like Kareem and Wilt Chamberlain who had high scoring averages of over 30 PPG. However, I considered rebounding to be the defining trait of MVPs in this era, because while later MVPs have matched their scoring, none have reached the same level of rebounding.

1980s:

The stat that stood out for MVPs in the 1980s was an increase in assists compared to previous years. From 1983-1990, MVPs averaged almost 9 assists per game, which is a significant increase compared to the 1970s. Their scoring was still pretty high, so this shows how, during this time, MVPs were more well-rounded players.

1990s:

In the 1990s, while scoring slightly increased, the defense for MVPs also appeared to improve. In the 1980s, 5 MVPs had an all-defensive team selection, while in the 1990s, 8 MVPs made an all-defensive team. The 1990s also had more MVPs who stood out as being great defenders, like Michael Jordan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and David Robinson.

1990s/2010s:

Just looking at the raw numbers, MVPs in the 2010s scored the most points per game. However, because the pace of play has changed so much over time, I adjusted for the number of possessions per game to make the comparison across decades more fair. After doing this, the 1990s actually stand out as the era when MVPs were the most dominant scorers for their time.

2020s:

In the few years of the 2020s so far, MVPs have been very well-rounded players, averaging a high number of points, rebounds, and assists. 

Also, compared to previous years, their efficiency stands out. In the 2020s, MVPs have an average field goal percentage of 56%, while in the 2010s, it was around 48%, mostly because a lot of the recent MVPs have been centers.

That's all for now, folks ✌️