Discover the Complete List of NBA MVP Winners Each Year Since 1956

Looking back at the history of the NBA Most Valuable Player award, I’ve always found it fascinating how this single honor captures not just individual brilliance but entire eras of basketball. Since its inception in 1956, the MVP award has told the story of the league’s evolution—from dominant big men to versatile guards, and from slow-paced battles to today’s fast-paced, three-point-heavy game. As a longtime basketball analyst, I’ve spent years poring over stats, rewatching classic games, and even debating with fellow fans about who truly deserved the award in certain controversial seasons. Let’s dive into the complete list of NBA MVP winners, year by year, and explore what each selection reveals about the state of the league at that time.

It all started with Bob Pettit of the St. Louis Hawks, who took home the very first Maurice Podoloff Trophy. Pettit was an absolute force—a power forward who averaged over 25 points and 16 rebounds that season. I’ve always admired his relentless style; he set the tone for what an MVP should embody. The following years saw legends like Bill Russell and Wilt Chamberlain trade the honor back and forth. Russell, with his unmatched defensive prowess and leadership, won it five times, while Chamberlain’s statistical dominance—like averaging 50.4 points per game in 1961–62—made him a perennial contender. Those two defined an era where big men ruled the paint, and team success often hinged on their nightly performances. Moving into the late ’60s and ’70s, we saw a shift with players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, who snagged a record six MVP awards. His skyhook was virtually unguardable, and his longevity still amazes me. I’d argue that Kareem’s 1971 season with the Bucks, where he led them to a championship, remains one of the most complete MVP campaigns ever.

The ’80s brought us the iconic rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who combined for six MVP awards in that decade alone. Magic’s flashy passing and Bird’s clutch shooting not only elevated their teams but saved the league during a period of declining ratings. I still get chills thinking about Bird’s 1984–85 season, where he posted 28.7 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game—numbers that feel almost mythical today. Then came Michael Jordan in the ’90s, a player I consider the greatest of all time. Jordan’s five MVP awards don’t even fully capture his impact; his competitive fire and global appeal transformed the NBA. Interestingly, though, he didn’t win every year—players like Charles Barkley in 1993 and Karl Malone in 1997 snuck in, which I’ve always thought sparked healthy debate. Malone’s win, for instance, was controversial given Jordan’s all-around dominance, but it highlighted how voter fatigue can play a role.

Entering the 2000s, the award became more international with Dirk Nowitzki and Steve Nash claiming honors. Nash’s back-to-back wins in 2005 and 2006 were a personal favorite of mine; his Suns teams played an exhilarating style of basketball that prioritized speed and spacing. Fast-forward to the modern era, and LeBron James has firmly stamped his name in MVP lore with four awards, though I believe he could’ve easily won more if not for stiff competition. Stephen Curry’s unanimous MVP in 2016 was a game-changer—literally. His three-point revolution reshaped how teams approach offense, and watching him that season felt like witnessing basketball history. More recently, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Nikola Jokic have brought a global flair and unique skill sets, with Jokic’s back-to-back wins highlighting the value of a center who can orchestrate an offense.

Reflecting on this journey, it’s clear that the MVP award isn’t just about stats—it’s about narrative, impact, and timing. From Pettit to Jokic, each winner represents a chapter in NBA history, and as a fan, I’ve loved every bit of the debate and drama that comes with it. Whether you’re a stats nerd or a casual viewer, this list offers a window into the soul of basketball.