Steve A. Anderson: MJ avg 33.8 and 8 why didn’t he win MVP I thought it was based on stats? When Larry Bird was the 4th leading scorer 4th leading rebounder 4th in assists for mvp candidates how come he won MVP. It must have been the stats right?

The NBA MVP Conundrum: Beyond the Stats

The NBA MVP (Most Valuable Player) award is one of the most prestigious honors in basketball, recognizing the best player each season. However, the criteria for winning the MVP often spark debates, as it appears that statistics alone don’t always determine the recipient. This raises questions about the true factors behind MVP selections, particularly when looking at legendary players like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.

Michael Jordan: The 1988-89 Season

Michael Jordan is widely regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time. During the 1988-89 NBA season, he put up staggering numbers, averaging 32.5 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists per game. Despite these eye-popping stats, he did not win the MVP award that year. Instead, the MVP went to Magic Johnson, who averaged 22.5 points, 12.8 assists, and 7.9 rebounds per game while leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 57-25 record.

Larry Bird: The 1985-86 Season

Larry Bird, another NBA legend, won the MVP award for the 1985-86 season, his third consecutive MVP. That year, Bird averaged 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists per game. He wasn’t the leader in scoring, rebounding, or assists, but his overall impact on the game and his leadership of the Boston Celtics to a league-best 67-15 record were crucial factors in his MVP win.

The MVP Criteria

The MVP award is voted on by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters, and their decisions often go beyond just raw statistics. Several factors come into play:

1. Team Success: Players on winning teams are more likely to be considered for MVP. Both Magic Johnson and Larry Bird led their teams to outstanding records, which played a significant role in their MVP selections.

2. Leadership and Impact:  MVP voters often consider a player’s leadership and overall impact on their team’s success. Bird was known for his leadership and clutch performances, while Johnson’s playmaking and leadership were pivotal for the Lakers.

3. Narrative and Storyline:  Sometimes, the storyline of a player’s season can influence MVP voting. Bird winning his third consecutive MVP created a compelling narrative, while Johnson’s leadership of the “Showtime” Lakers was also a strong narrative.

4. Versatility and All-Around Performance:  While scoring is important, MVP voters also value a player’s all-around game. Bird’s ability to contribute in multiple facets of the game—scoring, rebounding, and assisting—made him a strong MVP candidate.

The Bottom Line

While statistics are a crucial part of the MVP discussion, they are not the sole determining factor. Team success, leadership, impact, narrative, and overall performance all play significant roles in the decision-making process. Michael Jordan’s incredible 1988-89 season and Larry Bird’s MVP-winning 1985-86 season exemplify how the MVP award goes beyond just numbers, celebrating the players who make the most substantial impact on their teams and the league as a whole.