The most valuable player of an NBA season continues to be honored with a trophy. From now on, however, it is named after Michael Jordan and has been redesigned.
In 1998, Michael Jordan received the old MVP trophy, now named after him, from the hands of NBA icon Bill Russell (left).
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The NBA redesigned and renamed its awards. The trophy that will be presented to the most valuable player of a season is now called the “Michael Jordan Trophy” and is thus named after the former superstar of the Chicago Bulls, who led his team to a total of six title wins in the 1990s.
Previously, the trophy was named after former NBA President Maurice Podoloff, whose name now bears an award that will be given to the best team after the regular season. Retrospectively and for the first time, the Serbian center Nikola Jokic from the Denver Nuggets gets the Jordan Trophy from last season’s MVP.
Chamberlain, Havlicek and Olajuwon
And it continues with new names: The rookie of the year now receives the “Wilt Chamberlain Trophy”, the best sixth man the “John Havlicek Trophy”, the best defensive player the “Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy” and the most improved player (“Most Improved Player”) the “George Mikan Trophy”. The award for the “Clutch Player of the Year” was introduced completely new. This will be presented with the “Jerry West Trophy”.
Now named after “Air” Jordan, the MVP trophy features a gold player holding a crystal in his outstretched arm instead of a ball. Furthermore, the numbers 23 and 6 for Jordan’s jersey number and the number of his title wins are immortalized. Basketball legend Jordan (59) was named MVP a total of five times.
“Our new trophy case celebrates some of the greatest and most influential players in NBA history,” said League Commissioner Adam Silver. “As we honor the league’s top players each season, we also pay tribute to the legends who embody these prestigious awards.”
The NBA and its trophies, here is a selection.
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The trophies at a glance
MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the Season: Michael Jordan Trophy
Defensive Player of the Year: Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy
Rookie of the Year: Wilt Chamberlain Trophy
Best Sixth Man: John Havlicek Trophy
Most Improved Player: George Mikan Trophy
Difference Player of the Year: Jerry West Trophy (neu)
