As we said when we ranked the teams of the decade, the Basketball Gods have really spoiled us in the 2010s.
Not only did we get incredible teams last decade, but they were also led by some of the most incredible players in NBA history that we’ve ever seen.
From Derrick Rose in 2010 to Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2019 and everyone in between, it felt like there was always some sort of historical precedent set by the MVP each year.
We’ve each MVP season right here. This one wasn’t easy — some of you are going to be extremely #MadOnline about it. But here we are.
Let’s dig in.
10. Derrick Rose (2010-11)
LeBron James or Dwight Howard probably could’ve won this MVP, but you won’t ever catch me saying Derrick Rose didn’t deserve it. He was the best player and top scorer on a 62 win team. I understand it. Rose was a fine choice. By the way, he’s still the youngest MVP ever at 22 years old.
9. James Harden (2017-18)
This MVP felt like a reward to James Harden for missing out on the award from the season before because he didn’t average a triple double. He averaged a league high 30.4 points per game that season, fueling his efficiency with his commitment to Moreyball. He became the first player to ever average 10 free throws and 10 three point attempts in a single year.
8. Giannis Antetokounmpo (2018-19)
This MVP trophy was heavily debated throughout the season up until Antetokounmpo actually won it. Harden went bonkers in that season, averaging a league leading 36 points per game. But, ultimately, Antetokounmpo was just as deserving plus his team was better. He led the Bucks to a 60 win season behind his career high 27.7 points and 12.5 rebounds per game. Good show by Harden, though.
7. LeBron James (2011-12)
This was the third MVP of James’ career, making him the first player since Michael Jordan to win at least three in his career. He led the league in plus-minus at +7.6 and posted career highs in both field goal percentage (53%) and three point shooting (36%). Not going to lie to y’all. Game 6 in Boston moved James up a couple spots here.
6. Stephen Curry (2014-15)
This was we realized Stephen Curry was special. He became the first player in league history to take 8.1 threes per game and hit at least 44% of them — they weren’t easy looks, either. Right now the only other player ever to do that is Wizards GOAT Davis Bertans — seriously. So, basically, Bertans for MVP. Who’s with me? No one? Ok.
5. Russell Westbrook (2016-17)
The further we move away from Westbrook’s MVP season, the more we critique it. The Thunder spoon-fed him triple doubles, he didn’t have to box out, blah blah blah. Those things are mostly true. My response: So what? He was still the first player to average a triple double in 56 years. He also hit a game winner that literally put his team in the playoffs. He was more than deserving of the award that season.
4. LeBron James (2009-10)
Because this was the season before James left for Miami, it’s not often held up as one of his best. But believe me — it definitely was. James became the first non-Michael Jordan, non-Oscar Robertson player to total at least 2,250 points, 550 rebounds and 650 assists in a single season. It was the first time it had happened since 1989. He also became the first non-Wilt, non-Jordan player to post a PER of at least 31 twice in their career that season.
3. Kevin Durant (2013-14)
Listen to how unbelievably great this season was. Only two names in the league’s history have averaged 32 points per game, shot 50% from the field and at least 35% from deep. They are Kevin Durant from 2014 and Michael Jordan in 1990. What else do you need to know?
2. Stephen Curry (2015-16)
Only one player in NBA history has ever joined the 45-50-90 club while averaging 30 points per game. Guess who. Stephen Curry’s 2015-16 season is the definition of a one of one. I don’t know if we’ll ever see this again. The sheer volume of Curry’s 3-point greatness might make this the best offensive season we’ve ever seen in our lives.
1. LeBron James (2012-13)
Just like Curry’s season, this one is a one-of-one. LeBron James is the only player in league history to shoot 55% from the field while averaging 26 points, eight rebounds and six assists per game. In an era where records are being shattered left and right by the best talent in the world, no player has been able to accomplish this feat yet. James still stands alone. That’s impressive.