NBA MVP award is often expected to be claimed by the league’s top superstars, yet there have been seasons where unexpected players have emerged as contenders. These surprise MVP runs demonstrate the unpredictability of the league, showcasing athletes who, against the odds, produced remarkable performances that captured widespread attention. Whether through breakout seasons or impressive improvements, these players defied expectations and made a significant impact on the game.
Their performances not only shocked fans but also reshaped perceptions of their talent and potential. Here, we highlight five players whose MVP campaigns surprised the entire league and etched their names into NBA history.
Russell Westbrook (2017)
When Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City, many expected the Thunder to fall apart. However, Russell Westbrook defied all expectations by posting a triple-double for the entire 2016-2017 season. He averaged 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game, making history as the second player ever to average a triple-double for an entire season. Despite not being on a title-contending team, Westbrook’s historic individual achievement earned him the MVP award, which was completely unexpected at the time.
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Derrick Rose (2011)
At just 22 years old, Derrick Rose’s MVP win in 2011 was one of the most shocking in NBA history. Rose had shown promise, but few expected him to lead the Chicago Bulls to the best record in the league. He averaged 25 points, 7.7 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game, transforming the Bulls into a championship contender. His youth, paired with the fact that he wasn’t part of a superteam, made his MVP victory one of the biggest surprises in recent NBA history.
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Steve Nash (2005, 2006)
Former Canadian star Steve Nash’s back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006 were unexpected. Nash won the awards despite not being a traditional high scorer. Known for his incredible playmaking, Nash led the Phoenix Suns to the best record in the league during both seasons. In 2005, he averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 assists, and in 2006, he posted 18.8 points and 10.5 assists. While Nash was an elite point guard, his MVP wins were surprising because the award typically favored high-scoring players, making his leadership and efficiency the key to his unexpected success.
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Allen Iverson (2001)
In 2001, Allen Iverson’s MVP win was a major surprise. The Philadelphia 76ers star averaged 31.1 points, 5.5 assists, and 2.8 steals per game. While Iverson was known for his scoring, many didn’t expect him to win MVP. The major reason was that his 76ers were not a dominant team in the way other MVP-winning players’ teams were. His gritty style of play and ability to carry the 76ers to the top of the Eastern Conference were key factors in his unexpected MVP run.
Karl Malone (1997)
One of the most consistent power forwards in NBA history, Karl Malone’s MVP run in 1997 was a major surprise. Malone had been a top player for years, but his 1997 MVP win was still unexpected, as many thought Michael Jordan would win the award that year. Malone led the Utah Jazz to the best record in the Western Conference. He averaged 27.4 points and 9.9 rebounds per game. Despite being a key player for the Jazz, Malone’s MVP win shocked many, as he wasn’t the flashiest or most popular choice.
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