There are a number of awards given to NBA Teams as well as NBA Players during the NBA season these are shown below.
| Name of Award | Reason for Award |
| Larry O’Brien Trophy | NBA Champions |
| Bob Cousy Trophy | Eastern Conference Finals Winner |
| Oscar Robertson Trophy | Western Conference Finals Winner |
| Nat “Sweatwater” Clifton Trophy | Atlantic Division Winner |
| Wayne Embry Trophy | Central Division Winner |
| Earl Lloyd Trophy | South East Division Winner |
| Willis Reed Trophy | South West Division Winner |
| Sam Jones Trophy | North East Division Winner |
| Chuck Cooper Trophy | Pacific Division Winner |
| Kobe Bryant MVP | NBA All Star MVP |
| Magic Johnson Award | Western Conference Finals MVP |
| Larry Bird Award | Eastern Conference Finals MVP |
| Jerry West Award | Clutch Award |
| Bill Russell Award | NBA Final MVP |
| Michael Jordan Award | Regular Season MVP |
| Hakeem Olajuwon Award | Defensive Player of the Year award |
| Wilt Chamberlain Award | Rookie of the Year Award |
| John Havlicek Award | Sixth Man of the Year Award |
| George Mikan Award | Most Improved Player of the Year Award |
| Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award | Social Justice Award |
| Joe Dummars Award | Sportsmanship Award |
| Twyman Stokes Award | Team Mate of the year Award |
| Red Auerbach Trophy | Coach of the Year |
| J. Walter Kennedy Trophy | Citizenship Award |
| Executive of the Year Trophy | Executive of the Year (yet to be named) |
| NBA Lifetime Achievement Award |
We have a put together this handy video that list all the NBA awards and how the NBA Awards got their names.
NBA Team Awards
There are nine NBA Team awards and unfortunately, a team cannot win them all. This is because six of the awards go to the winners of each NBA Division. There is an award for the winner of the Eastern Conference and the winner of the Western Conference. Lastly, there is the ultimate prize to be won which is the NBA Championship itself. Below is a list of all the NBA team trophies that could be won.
| Year Award Created | Name of Award | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Larry O’Brien Trophy | The Larry O’Brien Trophy replaced the Walter A Brown Championship Trophy in 1977 and was named the Larry O’Brien trophy in 1984. The Larry O’Brien Trophy is given to the NBA team which wins the NBA Finals. |
| 2001 | Bob Cousy Trophy | This trophy has been given to the Eastern Conference Winners since 2001. This trophy was renamed the Bob Cousy Trophy in 2022. |
| 2001 | Oscar Robertson Trophy | This trophy has been given to the Western Conference Winners since 2001. This trophy was renamed after Oscar Robertson in 2022. |
| 2022 | Nat “Sweatwater” Clifton Trophy | This trophy is given to the winner of the Atlantic Division. This trophy is named after Nat Clifton. |
| 2022 | Wanye Embry Trophy | This trophy is given to winner the of the Central Divisions. This trophy is named after Wayne Embry. |
| 2022 | Earl Lloyd Trophy | The Trophy is given to the winners of the Southeast Division. The trophy is named after Earl Lloyd. |
| 2022 | Willis Reed Trophy | The Trophy is given to the winners of the Southwest Division. The trophy is named after Willis Reed. |
| 2022 | Sam Jones Trophy | The Trophy is given to the winners of the Northeast Division and is named after Sam Jones. |
| 2022 | Chuck Cooper Trophy | The trophy is given to the winners of the Pacific Division and is named after Chuck Cooper. |
Larry O’Brien Trophy
Larry O’Brien was commissioner of the NBA from 1975 to 1984. On his retirement in 1984, the NBA Championship Trophy was renamed as the Larry O’Brien Trophy.
The Trophy is sterling silver with a 24 Karat overlay and is hand made by Tiffany & Co. The trophy has 16lbs of Sterling Silver in it and the trophy stands two feet tall. The ball on the trophy is regulation size.
When the trophy was redesigned in 1977 the NBA made a significant change. Prior to 1977 a single trophy was handed back and awarded to next seasons winners. From 1977 onwards the trophy was retained by the Champions and a new one forged for each season.
Winners of the Larry O’Brien Trophy
The below list is all the winners of the Larry O’Brien Trophy since its inception as the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 1984. Although teams from 1977 – 1983 received the trophy, it was still named The Walter A. Brown Championship Trophy.
| Year | Larry O’Brien Trophy Winner |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Boston Celtics |
| 1985 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1986 | Boston Celtics |
| 1987 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1988 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1989 | Detroit Pistons |
| 1990 | Detroit Pistons |
| 1991 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1992 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1993 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1994 | Houston Rockets |
| 1995 | Houston Rockets |
| 1996 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1997 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1998 | Chicago Bulls |
| 1999 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2000 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2001 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2002 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2003 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2004 | Detroit Pistons |
| 2005 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2006 | Miami Heat |
| 2007 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2008 | Boston Celtics |
| 2009 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2010 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2011 | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2012 | Miami Heat |
| 2013 | Miami Heat |
| 2014 | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2015 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2016 | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2017 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2018 | Golden State Warriors |
| 2019 | Toronto Raptors |
| 2020 | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2021 | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors |
Bob Cousy Trophy – Eastern Conference Winners
Bob Cousy Trophy History
From the leagues inception in 1947 up until 2001 there was no physical trophy awarded to the winners of the NBA’s Eastern Conference.
When the change was made in 2001 the first winners were the Philadelphia 76ers, who, led by Allen Iverson lost in the NBA Finals to the Shaq & Kobe Lakers.
In 2022 a huge NBA wide trophy rebrand saw the trophy named the Bob Cousy trophy after the legendary Celtics Point Guard.
| Year | Bob Cousy Trophy Winner |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Boston Celtics |
Oscar Robertson Trophy – Western Conference Winners
Oscar Robertson Trophy History
From the leagues inception in 1947 up until 2001 there was no physical trophy awarded to the winners of the NBA’s Western Conference.
When the change was made in 2001 the first winners were the LA Lakers, who, Shaq & Kobe, crushed Allen Iverson’s 76ers in the NBA Finals 4-1.
In 2022 a huge NBA wide trophy rebrand saw the trophy named the Oscar Robinson trophy after the legendary Bucks Triple Double Monster.
| Year | Oscar Robertson Trophy Winner |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Golden State Warriors |
Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton Trophy – Atlantic Division
The winner of the Atlantic Division receives the Nat “Sweetwater” Clifton Trophy. It takes it’s name from Nat Clifton, the first African American to sign an NBA Contract. He also helped the New York Knicks, who are in the Atlantic Division, to their first finals appearance. The inaugural winners of the new trophy in 2022 were the Boston Celtics.
| Year | Nat Sweetwater Clifton Trophy |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Boston Celts |
Wayne Embry Trophy – Central Division Winners
The Wayne Embry Trophy is given to the winners of the Central Division. Wayne Embry was the first African American to be named an NBA General Manager. Embry was General Manager for the Milwaukee Bucks, who play in the central division. The inaugural winners of the new trophy in 2022 were the Milwaukee Bucks’
| Year | Wayne Embry Trophy |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Milwaukee Bucks |
Earl Lloyd Trophy – South East Division
Earl Lloyd was the first African American to play an NBA game. He played for the Syracuse Nationals, who were in the South East Division. The Nationals franchise eventually became the Philadelphia 76ers. From 2022 the winners of the South East Division will receive the Earl Lloyd Trophy. The inaugural winners of the new trophy in 2022 were the Miami Heat.
| Year | Earl Lloyd Trophy |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Miami Heat |
Willis Reed Trophy – Southwest Division Winner
The NBA’s Southwest Division championship trophy is awarded to the first-placed team in the Southwest Division. Named after player, coach, and general manager Willis Reed. Reed played his entire career with the Knicks, winning two championships. A seven-time NBA All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Reed was Rookie of the Year in 1965 and was named to the league’s 50th and 75th Anniversary teams. The inaugural winners of the new trophy in 2022 were the Memphis Grizzlies.
| Year | Willis Reed |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Memphis Grizzlies |
Sam Jones Trophy – North East Division Winner
Sam Jones, a graduate of North Carolina Central University, has won more championships than any HBCU graduate who has played in the NBA. He won 10 championships as a member of the Boston Celtics from 1957-69 and was a five-time All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection and a member of the league’s 25th, 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. Jones was nicknamed “The Shooter” for his ability to hit clutch shots in championship runs. He stood up for the rights of African-Americans in the league and in the country during a pivotal time in the 1960s. The inaugural winners of the new trophy in 2022 were the Utah Jazz.
| Year | Sam Jones Trophy |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Utah Jazz |
Chuck Cooper Trophy –
The first African-American player to be drafted in the NBA, Cooper was selected with the 14th overall pick in the 1950 NBA Draft. A veteran of the Navy, he played six seasons in the league with the Boston Celtics, Atlanta Hawks and Detroit Pistons. The inaugural winners of the new trophy in 2022 were the Phoenix Suns.
| Year | Chuck Coooper Trophy |
|---|---|
| 2022 | Phoenix Suns |
The Maurice Podoloff Trophy
In December 2022 the NBA announced a massive rebrand of their end of season awards and trophies.
Part of this rebrand saw the MVP Trophy, previously called the Maurice Podoloff Trophy, changed to be the Michael Jordan MVP trophy (much more fittting i’m sure you’ll agree). At the same time the NBA created an entirely new trophy. The new Maurice Podoloff Trophy will be awarded to the team with the overall best record each NBA season.
Maurice Podoloff is integral to NBA history as he was the President (Commissioner) that over saw the very foundation of the NBA itself.
Historical back ground information provided by NBA.com
Individual NBA Awards
Every season in the NBA a host of awards are given out to the most deserving players in various categories. In total the NBA awards 13 trophies to individual players each season.
The 13 NBA individual Player trophies are listed below;
- The Michael Jordan Trophy – Most Valuable Player (MVP)
- The Jerry West Trophy – Clutch Player of the Year (New Award!)
- The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy – Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
- The Wilt Chamberlain Trophy – Rookie of the Year (ROY)
- The John Havlicek Trophy – Sixth Man of the Year
- The George Mikan Trophy – Most Improved Player of the Year
- The Bill Russell Trophy – NBA Finals MVP
- The Larry Bird Trophy – Eastern Conference Finals MVP
- The Earvin “Magic” Johnson Trophy – Western Conference Finals MVP
- The Kobe Bryant Trophy – NBA All-star Game MVP
- The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award
- The Joe Dumars Trophy – NBA Sportsmanship Award
- The Twyman–Stokes Trophy – Teammate of the Year Award
There are also 4 individual awards not given to active NBA players each year. These are;
- Red Auerbach Trophy – Coach of the Year
- J. Walter Kennedy Trophy – Citizenship Award
- Executive of the Year Trophy – Executive of the Year (yet to be named)
Let’s take a deeper look at each NBA individual awards history, notable past winners and reason for it having the name it does. Let’s start with the GOAT of all awards…
The Michael Jordan Trophy – Most Valuable Player (MVP)
This has always been considered the GOAT of NBA awards and now it’s named after the NBA’s GOAT, his Airness and 5 time MVP, Michael Jordan. In December 2022 the NBA announced a host of award re-brandings and unveiled new trophies with the Michael Jordan MVP trophy being the flagship
The Michael Jordan Most Valuable Player award goes to the player considered to be the most valuable to their team in the regular season. This award is voted on by the media and is highly contested and highly regarded. Outside of championships won, when a great player’s overall greatness is assessed, it’s often MVP’s that form the next talking point.
The NBAs MVP award has been given out since the 1955-56 season when it was first won by Bob Petit of the St Louis Hawks. The last winner before the trophy was renamed for Jordan was Nicola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets who sealed back to back MVPs in 2021 and 2022.
Since 1981, the award has been decided by a selected portion of the Basketball media, often leading to much disagreement about the correct winner being awarded the trophy. Prior to 1981 it was voted on by the players themselves, often leading to bias and bitter voting practices.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar has won the most NBA MVP awards, with 6 spanning 1971-1980.
A list of NBA MVP Winners
| NBA Season | NBA MVP Winner | NBA TEAM |
|---|---|---|
| 1955–56 | Bob Pettit | St. Louis Hawks |
| 1956–57 | Bob Cousy | Boston Celtics |
| 1957–58 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 1958–59 | Bob Pettit | St. Louis Hawks |
| 1959–60 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia Warriors |
| 1960–61 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 1961–62 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 1962–63 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 1963–64 | Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1964–65 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 1965–66 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1966–67 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1967–68 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1968–69 | Wes Unseld | Baltimore Bullets |
| 1969–70 | Willis Reed | New York Knicks |
| 1970–71 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1971–72 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1972–73 | Dave Cowens | Boston Celtics |
| 1973–74 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1974–75 | Bob McAdoo | Buffalo Braves |
| 1975–76 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1976–77 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1977–78 | Bill Walton | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1978–79 | Moses Malone | Houston Rockets |
| 1979–80 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1980–81 | Julius Erving* | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1981–82 | Moses Malone | Houston Rockets |
| 1982–83 | Moses Malone | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1983–84 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1984–85 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1985–86 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1986–87 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1987–88 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1988–89 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1989–90 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1990–91 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1991–92 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1992–93 | Charles Barkley | Phoenix Suns |
| 1993–94 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets |
| 1994–95 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1995–96 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1996–97 | Karl Malone | Utah Jazz |
| 1997–98 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1998–99 | Karl Malone | Utah Jazz |
| 1999–00 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2000–01 | Allen Iverson | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2001–02 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2002–03 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2003–04 | Kevin Garnett | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2004–05 | Steve Nash | Phoenix Suns |
| 2005–06 | Steve Nash | Phoenix Suns |
| 2006–07 | Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2007–08 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2008–09 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2009–10 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2010–11 | Derrick Rose | Chicago Bulls |
| 2011–12 | LeBron James | Miami Heat |
| 2012–13 | LeBron James | Miami Heat |
| 2013–14 | Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2014–15 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
| 2015–16 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
| 2016–17 | Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2017–18 | James Harden | Houston Rockets |
| 2018–19 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2019–20 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2020–21 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets |
| 2021–22 | Nikola Jokić | Denver Nuggets |
The Jerry West Trophy – Clutch Player of the Year
The Jerry West trophy for Clutch player of the year will be awarded for the first time in 2023
The Jerry West trophy for Clutch Player of the year is awarded to the NBA player that comes through for their teammates in the clutch. Named for NBA guard Jerry West who had the moniker “Mr Clutch” during his playing days. The award was introduced in 2022, it will be awarded for the first time at the end of the 2022-23 NBA Regular season.
The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy – Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY)
The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for Defensive Player of the Year was introduced for the 2022-23 season
When it comes to defensive players that also played at an elite MVP level, Hakeem is one of the first names on the list. Winning 2 defensive player of the year titles, 1 MVP and two Finals MVPs to go alongside his 2 NBA Championships, his is a worthy name to be attached to such a prestigious award. In an era where more and more specialist players are seeing both offense and defense being pushed to new limits, it’s nice to look back to a man that could do it all at an elite level.
The Defensive Player of the year trophy has been awarded since 1983 when Sidney Moncrief won it while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Moncrief would go on to repeat the feat the following year.
Like the majority of NBA individual awards the defensive player of the year award is voted on by a select panel of the basketball media.
The players with the most NBA Defensive Player of the year awards are Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo who each won 4 awards. Behind them are Dwight Howard and Rudy Gobert with 3 awards each. Gobert is a strong candidate to gain his 4th DPOY award, joining the top tier.
The final winner of the award before it was rebranded with Hakeem’s name was Marcus Smart of the Boston Celtics, breaking a 26 year streak of it being won by forwards or centers. Gary Payton was the last Guard to win the award in 1996.
List of NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award Winners
| Season | NBA DPOY Winner | Team |
| 1983 | Sidney Moncrief | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1984 | Sidney Moncrief | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1985 | Mark Eaton | Utah Jazz |
| 1986 | Alvin Robertson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1987 | Michael Cooper | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1988 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1989 | Mark Eaton | Utah Jazz |
| 1990 | Dennis Rodman | Detroit Pistons |
| 1991 | Dennis Rodman | Detroit Pistons |
| 1992 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1993 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets |
| 1994 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets |
| 1995 | Dikembe Mutombo | Denver Nuggets |
| 1996 | Gary Payton | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1997 | Dikembe Mutombo | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1998 | Dikembe Mutombo | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1999 | Alonzo Mourning | Miami Heat |
| 2000 | Alonzo Mourning | Miami Heat |
| 2001 | Dikembe Mutombo | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2002 | Ben Wallace | Detroit Pistons |
| 2003 | Ben Wallace | Detroit Pistons |
| 2004 | Metta World Peace | Indiana Pacers |
| 2005 | Ben Wallace | Detroit Pistons |
| 2006 | Ben Wallace | Detroit Pistons |
| 2007 | Marcus Camby | Denver Nuggets |
| 2008 | Kevin Garnett | Boston Celtics |
| 2009 | Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic |
| 2010 | Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic |
| 2011 | Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic |
| 2012 | Tyson Chandler | New York Knicks |
| 2013 | Marc Gasol | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2014 | Joakim Noah | Chicago Bulls |
| 2015 | Kawhi Leonard | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2016 | Kawhi Leonard | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2017 | Draymond Green | Golden State Warriors |
| 2018 | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz |
| 2019 | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz |
| 2020 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2021 | Rudy Gobert | Utah Jazz |
| 2022 | Marcus Smart | Boston Celtics |
The Wilt Chamberlain Trophy – Rookie of the Year (ROY)
The Wilt Chamberlain Trophy for Rookie of the year was introduced for the 2022-23 season
Wilt Chamberlain was perhaps the most individually dominant player within any era. He achieved many feats that may never be surpassed. He averaged 50 points a game for an entire season, he scored 100 points in a single game and perhaps most impressively in 1960 he won NBA MVP and Rookie of the Year in the same season. That’s right, Wilt Chamberlain was so good, he won NBA MVP as a Rookie. He is the only NBA player to ever do so.
(In 1980 Magic Johnson came close when he won NBA Finals MVP in his Rookie year, although he missed out on Rookie of the Year to his arch nemesis Larry Bird.)
It is only fitting therefore that the Rookie of the Year Trophy should be named after the Warriors and Lakers big man. The NBA made this a reality in December 2022 when they announced a wide award rebranding and trophy update. The Wilt Chamberlain Rookie of the Year Trophy will be awarded for the first time for the 2023 NBA Regular season.
The Rookie of the year trophy has been awarded since 1953 when William Melchionni of the Fort Wayne Pistons won the award. The final winner of Rookie of the Year before the award was rebranded for Wilt Chamberlain was Scottie Barnes of the Toronto Raptors.
A good indicator of who will win Rookie of the Year is who is winning the Rookie of the Month awards. Back in 2003-04 Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony won every single Western Conference Rookie of the month award. Despite this incredible feat he failed to secure Rookie of the Year. Why? The Beast from the East. Lebron James.
List of NBA Rookie of the Year Winners
| Season | Rookie of the Year Winner | Team |
| 1953 | William Melchionni | Fort Wayne Pistons |
| 1954 | Raymond Felix | Baltimore Bullets |
| 1955 | Bob Pettit | Milwaukee Hawks |
| 1956 | Maurice Stokes | Rochester Royals |
| 1957 | Thomas Heinsohn | Boston Celtics |
| 1958 | Woody Sauldsberry | Philadelphia Warriors |
| 1959 | Elgin Baylor | Minneapolis Lakers |
| 1960 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia Warriors |
| 1961 | Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1962 | Walt Bellamy | Chicago Packers |
| 1963 | Terry Dischinger | Chicago Zephyrs |
| 1964 | Jerry Lucas | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1965 | Willis Reed | New York Knicks |
| 1966 | Rick Barry | San Francisco Warriors |
| 1967 | David Bing | Detroit Pistons |
| 1968 | Earl Monroe | Baltimore Bullets |
| 1969 | Westley Unseld | Baltimore Bullets |
| 1970 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1971 | David Cowens | Boston Celtics |
| 1971 | Geoff Petrie | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1972 | Sidney Wicks | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1973 | Bob McAdoo | Buffalo Braves |
| 1974 | Ernie Digregorio | Buffalo Braves |
| 1975 | Jamaal Wilkes | Golden State Warriors |
| 1976 | Alvan Adams | Phoenix Suns |
| 1977 | Adrian Dantley | Buffalo Braves |
| 1978 | Walt Davis | Phoenix Suns |
| 1979 | Phil Ford | Kansas City Kings |
| 1980 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1981 | Darrell Griffith | Utah Jazz |
| 1982 | Buck Williams | New Jersey Nets |
| 1983 | Terry Cummings | San Diego Clippers |
| 1984 | Ralph Sampson | Houston Rockets |
| 1985 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1986 | Patrick Ewing | New York Knicks |
| 1987 | Chuck Person | Indiana Pacers |
| 1988 | Mark Jackson | New York Knicks |
| 1989 | Mitch Richmond | Golden State Warriors |
| 1990 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1991 | Derrick Coleman | New Jersey Nets |
| 1992 | Larry Johnson | Charlotte Hornets |
| 1993 | Shaquille O’Neal | Orlando Magic |
| 1994 | Chris Webber | Golden State Warriors |
| 1995 | Grant Hill | Detroit Pistons |
| 1995 | Jason Kidd | Dallas Mavericks |
| 1996 | Damon Stoudamire | Toronto Raptors |
| 1997 | Allen Iverson | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1998 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1999 | Vince Carter | Toronto Raptors |
| 2000 | Elton Brand | Chicago Bulls |
| 2000 | Steve Francis | Houston Rockets |
| 2001 | Mike Miller | Orlando Magic |
| 2002 | Pau Gasol | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2003 | Amar’e Stoudemire | Phoenix Suns |
| 2004 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2005 | Emeka Okafor | Charlotte Bobcats |
| 2006 | Chris Paul | NO/Oklahoma City Hornets |
| 2007 | Brandon Roy | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2008 | Kevin Durant | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 2009 | Derrick Rose | Chicago Bulls |
| 2010 | Tyreke Evans | Sacramento Kings |
| 2011 | Blake Griffin | LA Clippers |
| 2012 | Kyrie Irving | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2013 | Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2014 | Michael Carter-Williams | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2015 | Andrew Wiggins | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2016 | Karl-Anthony Towns | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2017 | Malcolm Brogdon | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2018 | Ben Simmons | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2019 | Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2020 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2021 | LaMelo Ball | Charlotte Hornets |
| 2022 | Scottie Barnes | Toronto Raptors |
The John Havlicek Trophy – Sixth Man of the Year
The John Havlicek Trophy for Sixth Man was introduced for the 2022-23 season
John Havlicek played almost 1,500 games for the Boston Celtics between his Rookie Season 1962 and his retirement in 1978. Many of these games saw him coming off the bench to support his Celtics teammates on their quest for multiple NBA Championships. He sacrificed despite his prodigious talent and it paid off. Havlicek won 8 titles with the Boston Celtics playing alongside Bill Russell.
In December 2022 the NBA announced that the Sixth Man of the year award would be renamed the John Havlicek Sixth Man of the Year award to honor his legacy and sacrifice.
The NBA Sixthman of the Year trophy has been awarded since 1983 when it was won by Bobby Jones of the 76ers. John Havlicek retired before the award was created so never won it himself.
The last winner of the NBA Sixthman of the year award before it was rebranded as the John Havlicek Sixthman of the year award was Tyler Herro of the Miami Heat.
| YEAR | PLAYER | TEAM |
| 1983 | Bobby Jones | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1984 | Kevin McHale | Boston Celtics |
| 1985 | Kevin McHale | Boston Celtics |
| 1986 | Bill Walton | Boston Celtics |
| 1987 | Ricky Pierce | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1988 | Roy Tarpley | Dallas Mavericks |
| 1989 | Eddie Johnson | Phoenix Suns |
| 1990 | Ricky Pierce | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1991 | Detlef Schrempf | Indiana Pacers |
| 1992 | Detlef Schrempf | Indiana Pacers |
| 1993 | Clifford Robinson | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1994 | Dell Curry | Charlotte Hornets |
| 1995 | Anthony Mason | New York Knicks |
| 1996 | Toni Kukoc | Chicago Bulls |
| 1997 | John Starks | New York Knicks |
| 1998 | Danny Manning | Phoenix Suns |
| 1999 | Darrel Armstrong | Orlando Magic |
| 2000 | Rodney Rogers | Phoenix Suns |
| 2001 | Aaron McKie | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2002 | Corliss Williamson | Detroit Pistons |
| 2003 | Bobby Jackson | Sacramento Kings |
| 2004 | Antawn Jamison | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2005 | Ben Gordon | Chicago Bulls |
| 2006 | Mike Miller | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2007 | Leandro Barbosa | Phoenix Suns |
| 2008 | Manu Ginobili | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2009 | Jason Terry | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2010 | Jamal Crawford | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2011 | Lamar Odom | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2012 | James Harden | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2013 | JR Smith | New York Knicks |
| 2014 | Jamal Crawford | LA Clippers |
| 2015 | Lou Williams | Toronto Raptors |
| 2016 | Jamal Crawford | LA Clippers |
| 2017 | Eric Gordon | Houston Rockets |
| 2018 | Lou Williams | LA Clippers |
| 2019 | Lou Williams | LA Clippers |
| 2020 | Montrezl Harrell | LA Clippers |
| 2021 | Jordan Clarkson | Utah Jazz |
| 2022 | Tyler Herro | Miami Heat |
The George Mikan Trophy – Most Improved Player of the Year
The George Mikan Trophy for Most Improved NBA player was introduced for the 2022-23 season
George Mikan dominated the NBA between his Rookie Season in 1948 and his retirement in 1956. He won 4 NBA titles in the early years of the NBA and was so dominant that the league continuously had to change the rules to account for his size, skill and athleticism. Nicknamed Mr Basketball he was a player ahead of his time. Undoubtedly one of the all time greats, he played before most of the NBA’s individual awards were established.
Mikan was dominant the day he came into the newly formed NBA until the day he left. Despite having to continuously re-invent his game to account for rule changes designed to make it more difficult for him specifically. Perhaps this is why the most improved player award has been named for him. A pioneer of the game, worthy of an award to be named for him no matter what it is.
The NBAs Most Improved Player Award has been given since 1986 when it was won by Alvin Robertson of the San Antonio Spurs. No player has ever won the award twice, despite it theoretically being allowed.
The NBA’s most improved player award has been given for a wide range of reasons, but always because a player has made a significant jump from their recent best. When Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies won it in 2022 there was a lot of debate due to his already high levels of performance the previous season. It is unusual for a player to get it by going from great to getting MVP buzz like Morant did. Usually the award is reserved for players with a lower reputation busting through and becoming a key part of that season’s NBA story through their on court play.
List of NBA Most Improved Player Winners
| Season | NBA Most Improved Player Winner | Team |
| 1986 | Alvin Robertson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1987 | Dale Ellis | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1988 | Kevin Duckworth | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1989 | Kevin Johnson | Phoenix Suns |
| 1990 | Rony Seikaly | Miami Heat |
| 1991 | Scott Skiles | Orlando Magic |
| 1992 | Pervis Ellison | Washington Bullets |
| 1993 | Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf | Denver Nuggets |
| 1994 | Don Maclean | Washington Bullets |
| 1995 | Dana Barros | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1996 | Gheorghe Muresan | Washington Bullets |
| 1997 | Isaac Austin | Miami Heat |
| 1998 | Alan Henderson | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1999 | Darrel Armstrong | Orlando Magic |
| 2000 | Jalen Rose | Indiana Pacers |
| 2001 | Tracy McGrady | Orlando Magic |
| 2002 | Jermaine O’Neal | Indiana Pacers |
| 2003 | Gilbert Arenas | Golden State Warriors |
| 2004 | Zach Randolph | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2005 | Bobby Simmons | LA Clippers |
| 2006 | Boris Diaw | Phoenix Suns |
| 2007 | Monta Ellis | Golden State Warriors |
| 2008 | Hedo Turkoglu | Orlando Magic |
| 2009 | Danny Granger | Indiana Pacers |
| 2010 | Aaron Brooks | Houston Rockets |
| 2011 | Kevin Love | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2012 | Ryan Anderson | Orlando Magic |
| 2013 | Paul George | Indiana Pacers |
| 2014 | Goran Dragic | Phoenix Suns |
| 2015 | Jimmy Butler | Chicago Bulls |
| 2016 | CJ McCollum | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2017 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2018 | Victor Oladipo | Indiana Pacers |
| 2019 | Pascal Siakam | Toronto Raptors |
| 2020 | Brandon Ingram | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2021 | Julius Randle | New York Knicks |
| 2022 | Ja Morant | Memphis Grizzlies |
The Bill Russell Trophy – NBA Finals MVP
The Bill Russell Trophy for NBA FInals MVP was re-designed for the 2021-22 season.
For many NBA players NBA Finals MVP will be the award they seek the most. Being the regular season MVP is pretty good. But really, at that point you haven’t really won anything yet. Any player good enough to win Regular Season MVP should consider themselves good enough to win the title, if they’re good enough to win the title, being awarded Finals MVP and being recognised as the most valuable player on a team that won it all… well that is why we get up each morning.
In 2009 the NBA announced that the NBA Finals MVP would be named after the 11 time champion who never won Finals MVP. The late, great Bill Russell won the NBA title the first year it was awarded. However he was not awarded Finals MVP as that award famously went to the Lakers Jerry West, who remains the only player to ever receive the award on the losing team. Russell retired at the end of that season and would never have the chance to win the NBA Finals MVP award that is now named after him.
Michael Jordan played in six NBA Finals, won six titles and claimed six Finals MVPs. This remains the most of all time. Lebron James comes in second with 4 NBA Finals MVPs from 10 trips to the NBA Finals.
List of NBA Finals MVP Winners
| Season | NBA Finals MVP | Team |
| 1969 | Jerry West | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1970 | Willis Reed | New York Knicks |
| 1971 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 1972 | Wilt Chamberlain | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1973 | Willis Reed | New York Knicks |
| 1974 | John Havlicek | Boston Celtics |
| 1975 | Rick Barry | Golden State Warriors |
| 1976 | Joe White | Boston Celtics |
| 1977 | Bill Walton | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1978 | Westley Unseld | Washington Bullets |
| 1979 | Dennis Johnson | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1980 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1981 | Cedric Maxwell | Boston Celtics |
| 1982 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1983 | Moses Malone | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1984 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1985 | Kareem Abdul-Jabbar | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1986 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1987 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1988 | James Worthy | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1989 | Joe Dumars | Detroit Pistons |
| 1990 | Isiah Thomas | Detroit Pistons |
| 1991 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1992 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1993 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1994 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets |
| 1995 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets |
| 1996 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1997 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1998 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1999 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2000 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2001 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2002 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2003 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2004 | Chauncey Billups | Detroit Pistons |
| 2005 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2006 | Dwyane Wade | Miami Heat |
| 2007 | Tony Parker | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2008 | Paul Pierce | Boston Celtics |
| 2009 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2010 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2011 | Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2012 | LeBron James | Miami Heat |
| 2013 | LeBron James | Miami Heat |
| 2014 | Kawhi Leonard | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2015 | Andre Iguodala | Golden State Warriors |
| 2016 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2017 | Kevin Durant | Golden State Warriors |
| 2018 | Kevin Durant | Golden State Warriors |
| 2019 | Kawhi Leonard | Toronto Raptors |
| 2020 | LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2021 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2022 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
The Larry Bird Trophy – Eastern Conference Finals MVP
The Larry Bird Trophy for Eastern Conference Finals MVP was introduced for the 2021-22 season.
Introduced alongside the twinned trophy for the Western Conference, it is fitting that it should be named for Celtics legend Larry Bird. The Western Trophy is named after his career rival, symbolizing the competition that will always exist between East and West as the winners of these two trophies take their sides up against each other in the NBA Finals.
The Larry Bird Eastern Conference Finals MVP is a new award that had never been given before the 2021-22 season. It was fittingly won by Celtics current superstar Jason Tatum who is looking to emulate Bird’s success as a career Celtic.
The Earvin “Magic” Johnson Trophy – Western Conference Finals MVP
The Magic Johnson Trophy for Western Conference Finals MVP was introduced for the 2021-22 season.
Introduced alongside the twinned trophy for the Eastern Conference, it is fitting that it should be named for Lakers lifer Irving “Magic” Johnson. The Eastern Trophy is named after his career rival, symbolizing the competition that will always exist between East and West as the winners of these two trophies take their sides up against each other in the NBA Finals.
The Magic Johnson Western Conference Finals MVP is a new award that had never been given before the 2021-22 season. It was won by Steph Curry who, like Johnson, has managed to ignite a fire in basketball fans around the globe, propelling the NBA into a new era of success.
The Kobe Bryant Trophy – NBA All-star Game MVP
The Kobe BryantTrophy for NBA All Star Game MVP was renamed for the 2020 NBA All Star Game
Following the tragic passing of all time NBA legend Kobe Bryant in January 2020 the NBA renamed the All Star MVP award in his memory. Kobe won the NBA All-star MVP 4 times, tied for joint most with Bob Petitt.
List of NBA All-star Game MVP Winners
| Season | NBA All Star MVP | Team |
| 1951 | Charles Macauley | Boston Celtics |
| 1952 | Paul Arizin | Philadelphia Warriors |
| 1953 | George Mikan | Minneapolis Lakers |
| 1954 | Bob Cousy | Boston Celtics |
| 1955 | Bill Sharman | Boston Celtics |
| 1956 | Bob Pettit | St. Louis Hawks |
| 1957 | Bob Cousy | Boston Celtics |
| 1958 | Bob Pettit | St. Louis Hawks |
| 1959 | Elgin Baylor | Minneapolis Lakers |
| 1960 | Wilt Chamberlain | Philadelphia Warriors |
| 1961 | Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1962 | Bob Pettit | St. Louis Hawks |
| 1963 | Bill Russell | Boston Celtics |
| 1964 | Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1965 | Jerry Lucas | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1966 | Adrian Smith | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1967 | Rick Barry | San Francisco Warriors |
| 1968 | Harold Greer | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1969 | Oscar Robertson | Cincinnati Royals |
| 1970 | Willis Reed | New York Knicks |
| 1971 | Lenny Wilkens | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1972 | Jerry West | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1973 | David Cowens | Boston Celtics |
| 1974 | Bob Lanier | Detroit Pistons |
| 1975 | Walter Frazier | New York Knicks |
| 1976 | David Bing | Washington Bullets |
| 1977 | Julius Erving | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1978 | Edward Smith | Buffalo Braves |
| 1979 | David Thompson | Denver Nuggets |
| 1980 | George Gervin | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1981 | Nathaniel Archibald | Boston Celtics |
| 1982 | Larry Bird | Boston Celtics |
| 1983 | Julius Erving | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1984 | Isiah Thomas | Detroit Pistons |
| 1985 | Ralph Sampson | Houston Rockets |
| 1986 | Isiah Thomas | Detroit Pistons |
| 1987 | Tom Chambers | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1988 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1989 | Karl Malone | Utah Jazz |
| 1990 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1991 | Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1992 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1993 | Karl Malone | Utah Jazz |
| 1993 | John Stockton | Utah Jazz |
| 1994 | Scottie Pippen | Chicago Bulls |
| 1995 | Mitch Richmond | Sacramento Kings |
| 1996 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1997 | Glen Rice | Charlotte Hornets |
| 1998 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 2000 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2000 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2001 | Allen Iverson | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2002 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2003 | Kevin Garnett | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2004 | Shaquille O’Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2005 | Allen Iverson | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2006 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2007 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2008 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2009 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2009 | Shaquille O’Neal | Phoenix Suns |
| 2010 | Dwyane Wade | Miami Heat |
| 2011 | Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2012 | Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2013 | Chris Paul | LA Clippers |
| 2014 | Kyrie Irving | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2015 | Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2016 | Russell Westbrook | Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 2017 | Anthony Davis | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2018 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2019 | Kevin Durant | Golden State Warriors |
| 2020 | Kawhi Leonard | LA Clippers |
| 2021 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2022 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award
The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion Award has been given out since 2021
The annual The Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Social Justice Champion award recognizes a current NBA player for pursuing social justice and upholding the NBA’s values of equality, respect and inclusion.
There have been two winners of the Social Justice Champion Award. In 2021, its first edition, the award was given to Carmelo Anthony for his work with the Social Change Fund. In July 2020, Anthony partnered with Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade to create the Social Change Fund. Its aim is to address social and economic justice issues facing black communities.
The following year the award went to Reggie Bullock. Bullock was selected from a group of five finalists for his dedication to pursuing social justice, specifically within the LGBTQ+ community. As the winner he was able to direct $100,000 worth of funding to a charitable organization of his choice. The other 4 finalists each had the opportunity to do the same with $25,000.
The finalist panel and eventual winner are chosen by Kareem himself alongside a select committee.
The Joe Dumars Trophy – NBA Sportsmanship Award
The Joe Dumars Trophy for NBA Sportsmanship is awarded to a current NBA player who “exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court with ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity.” It has been awarded since 1996 when Joe Dumars himself won it.
Every one of the 30 NBA teams nominates one of its players to compete for this award each season. Then one player from each NBA division is selected by a panel as the divisional Sportsmanship Award winners, 6 in total.
At the end of the regular season the award is voted on by the players. Eleven points are given for each first-place vote, nine for second-place vote, seven points for third, five points for fourth, three points for fifth and one point for each sixth place vote received. The player with the highest point total wins the award.
Grant Hill and Mike Conley have won the Joe Dumars Sportsmanship Award the most times, both won the award 3 times.
List of NBA Sportsmanship Award Winners
| Season | Sportsmanship Award Winner | Team |
| 1995–96 | Joe Dumars | Detroit Pistons |
| 1996–97 | Terrell Brandon | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1997–98 | Avery Johnson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1998–99 | Hersey Hawkins | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1999–00 | Eric Snow | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2000–01 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2001–02 | Steve Smith | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2002–03 | Ray Allen | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 2003–04 | P. J. Brown | New Orleans Hornets |
| 2004–05 | Grant Hill | Orlando Magic |
| 2005–06 | Elton Brand | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2006–07 | Luol Deng | Chicago Bulls |
| 2007–08 | Grant Hill | Phoenix Suns |
| 2008–09 | Chauncey Billups | Denver Nuggets |
| 2009–10 | Grant Hill | Phoenix Suns |
| 2010–11 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors |
| 2011–12 | Jason Kidd | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2012–13 | Jason Kidd | New York Knicks |
| 2013–14 | Mike Conley | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2014–15 | Kyle Korver | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2015–16 | Mike Conley | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2016–17 | Kemba Walker | Charlotte Hornets |
| 2017–18 | Kemba Walker | Charlotte Hornets |
| 2018–19 | Mike Conley | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2019–20 | Vince Carter | Atlanta Hawks |
| 2020–21 | Jrue Holiday | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2021–22 | Patty Mills | Brooklyn Nets |
The Twyman–Stokes Trophy – Teammate of the Year Award
The Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award has been given every year since 2013
The NBA Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award recognizes the league’s ideal teammate who exemplifies selfless play and commitment and dedication to his team.
The award is named after Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes. Teammates on the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals between 1955 and 1958. Stokes’ career was cut short after he suffered a head injury from a fall during a game. Stokes was paralyzed due to post-traumatic encephalopathy, a brain injury that damages the motor-control center. Twyman then became Stokes’ legal guardian and advocate until Stokes died in 1970. One of the most incredible examples of a great teammate in the history of sports, the award worthily named after them.
Every year, 12 players, six from each conference, are nominated by a panel of NBA executives. NBA players then cast votes for the award, with ten points given for each first-place vote, seven for a second-place vote, five points for third, three points for fourth, and one point for each fifth-place vote received.
The player with the highest point total, regardless of the number of first-place votes, wins the award. The NBA presents the winner with the Twyman–Stokes Trophy and gives a $25,000 donation to a charity of the recipient’s choice.
| Season | NBA Teammate Award Winner | Team |
| 2012–13 | Chauncey Billups | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2013–14 | Shane Battier | Miami Heat |
| 2014–15 | Tim Duncan | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2015–16 | Vince Carter | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2016–17 | Dirk Nowitzki | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2017–18 | Jamal Crawford | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2018–19 | Mike Conley Jr. | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2019–20 | Jrue Holiday | New Orleans Pelicans |
| 2020–21 | Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2021–22 | Jrue Holiday | Milwaukee Bucks |
Red Auerbach Trophy – Coach of the Year
The Red Auerbach Trophy, rebanded in 2022 show’s the great Celtics coach with cigar in hand
The NBA Coach of the year award, it is probably the most significant trophy the NBA gives out that doesn’t go to a player. Strictly based on a coach’s regular season performance it doesn’t always end up in the hands of the title winning coach.
The Award carries the name of the great Celtics coach Red Auerbach who coached the Celtics to 9 NBA titles between 1956 and 1966. He would later add 7 more as GM of the great Boston based Franchise. Red would only win the NBA Coach of the year award once, in 1965.
The NBA Coach of the year award has been presented every year since 1963 when Harry Gallatin of the St Louis Hawks won the inaugural NBA coach of the year award.
Don Nelson, Pat Riley and Greg Popovich have won the award the most times, each claiming 3 NBA Coach of the year titles.
List of NBA Coach of the Year Winners
| Season | NBA Coach of the Year Winner | Team | Record |
| 1963 | Harry Gallatin | St. Louis Hawks | 48-32 |
| 1964 | Alexander Hannum | San Francisco Warriors | 48-32 |
| 1965 | Red Auerbach | Boston Celtics | 62-18 |
| 1966 | Adolph Schayes | Philadelphia 76ers | 55-25 |
| 1967 | John Kerr | Chicago Bulls | 33-48 |
| 1968 | Richard Guerin | St. Louis Hawks | 56-26 |
| 1969 | Eugene Shue | Baltimore Bullets | 57-25 |
| 1970 | Red Holzman | New York Knicks | 60-22 |
| 1971 | Dick Motta | Chicago Bulls | 51-31 |
| 1972 | Bill Sharman | Los Angeles Lakers | 69-13 |
| 1973 | Thomas Heinsohn | Boston Celtics | 68-14 |
| 1974 | Ray Scott | Detroit Pistons | 52-30 |
| 1975 | Phil Johnson | Kansas City-Omaha Kings | 44-38 |
| 1976 | Bill Fitch | Cleveland Cavaliers | 49-33 |
| 1977 | Tom Nissalke | Houston Rockets | 49-33 |
| 1978 | Hubie Brown | Atlanta Hawks | 41-41 |
| 1979 | Cotton Fitzsimmons | Kansas City Kings | 48-34 |
| 1980 | Bill Fitch | Boston Celtics | 61-21 |
| 1981 | Jack McKinney | Indiana Pacers | 44-38 |
| 1982 | Eugene Shue | Washington Bullets | 43-39 |
| 1983 | Don Nelson | Milwaukee Bucks | 51-31 |
| 1984 | Frank Layden | Utah Jazz | 45-37 |
| 1985 | Don Nelson | Milwaukee Bucks | 59-23 |
| 1986 | Mike Fratello | Atlanta Hawks | 50-32 |
| 1987 | Mike Schuler | Portland Trail Blazers | 49-23 |
| 1988 | Doug Moe | Denver Nuggets | 54-28 |
| 1989 | Cotton Fitzsimmons | Phoenix Suns | 55-27 |
| 1990 | Pat Riley | Los Angeles Lakers | 63-19 |
| 1991 | Don Chaney | Houston Rockets | 52-30 |
| 1992 | Don Nelson | Golden State Warriors | 55-27 |
| 1993 | Pat Riley | New York Knicks | 60-22 |
| 1994 | Lenny Wilkens | Atlanta Hawks | 57-25 |
| 1995 | Del Harris | Los Angeles Lakers | 42-40 |
| 1996 | Phil Jackson | Chicago Bulls | 72-10 |
| 1997 | Pat Riley | Miami Heat | 61-21 |
| 1998 | Larry Bird | Indiana Pacers | 58-24 |
| 1999 | Mike Dunleavy | Portland Trail Blazers | 35-15 |
| 2000 | Doc Rivers | Orlando Magic | 41-41 |
| 2001 | Larry Brown | Philadelphia 76ers | 56-26 |
| 2002 | Rick Carlisle | Detroit Pistons | 50-32 |
| 2003 | Hubie Brown | Memphis Grizzlies | 28-41 |
| 2003 | Gregg Popovich | San Antonio Spurs | 60-22 |
| 2004 | Hubie Brown | Memphis Grizzlies | 50-32 |
| 2005 | Mike D’Antoni | Phoenix Suns | 62-20 |
| 2006 | Avery Johnson | Dallas Mavericks | 60-22 |
| 2007 | Sam Mitchell | Toronto Raptors | 47-35 |
| 2008 | Byron Scott | New Orleans Hornets | 56-26 |
| 2009 | Mike Brown | Cleveland Cavaliers | 66-16 |
| 2010 | Scott Brooks | Oklahoma City Thunder | 50-32 |
| 2011 | Tom Thibodeau | Chicago Bulls | 62-20 |
| 2012 | Gregg Popovich | San Antonio Spurs | 50-16 |
| 2013 | George Karl | Denver Nuggets | 57-25 |
| 2014 | Gregg Popovich | San Antonio Spurs | 62-20 |
| 2015 | Mike Budenholzer | Atlanta Hawks | 60-22 |
| 2016 | Steve Kerr | Golden State Warriors | 73-9 |
| 2017 | Mike D’Antoni | Houston Rockets | 55-27 |
| 2018 | Dwane Casey | Toronto Raptors | 59-23 |
| 2019 | Mike Budenholzer | Milwaukee Bucks | 60-22 |
| 2020 | Nick Nurse | Toronto Raptors | 53-19 |
| 2021 | Tom Thibodeau | New York Knicks | 41-31 |
| 2022 | Monty Williams | Phoenix Suns | 64-18 |
J. Walter Kennedy Trophy – Citizenship Award
Lebron James won the Citizenship Award while with the Cavs in 2017
The NBA J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award was given annually from 1975 to 2020 to a player, coach, or staff member who showed outstanding service and dedication to the community. Named in honor of James Walter Kennedy, the second commissioner of the NBA. The winner is selected by the Pro Basketball Writers Association. Members of the PBWA nominate players for the award, and then a vote was taken by 150 members. The award is usually given to a person who made a substantial charitable contribution.
The final winner of the trophy was Malcolm Brogden for the 2019-20 season. The award has been replaced by the Kareem Social Justice Champion award.
List of NBA J. Walter Kennedy Trophy for Citizenship Award Winners
| Season | NBA Citizenship Award Winner | Team |
| 1974–75 | Wes Unseld | Washington Bullets |
| 1975–76 | Slick Watts | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1976–77 | Dave Bing | Washington Bullets |
| 1977–78 | Bob Lanier | Detroit Pistons |
| 1978–79 | Calvin Murphy | Houston Rockets |
| 1979–80 | Austin Carr | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1980–81 | Mike Glenn | New York Knicks |
| 1981–82 | Kent Benson | Detroit Pistons |
| 1982–83 | Julius Erving | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1983–84 | Frank Layden | Utah Jazz |
| 1984–85 | Dan Issel | Denver Nuggets |
| 1985–86 | Michael Cooper | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1985–86 | Rory Sparrow | New York Knicks |
| 1986–87 | Isiah Thomas | Detroit Pistons |
| 1987–88 | Alex English | Denver Nuggets |
| 1988–89 | Thurl Bailey | Utah Jazz |
| 1989–90 | Doc Rivers | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1990–91 | Kevin Johnson | Phoenix Suns |
| 1991–92 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1992–93 | Terry Porter | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1993–94 | Joe Dumars | Detroit Pistons |
| 1994–95 | Joe O’Toole | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1995–96 | Chris Dudley | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1996–97 | P. J. Brown | Miami Heat |
| 1997–98 | Steve Smith | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1998–99 | Brian Grant | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1999–00 | Vlade Divac | Sacramento Kings |
| 2000–01 | Dikembe Mutombo | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2001–02 | Alonzo Mourning | Miami Heat |
| 2002–03 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2003–04 | Reggie Miller | Indiana Pacers |
| 2004–05 | Eric Snow | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2005–06 | Kevin Garnett | Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2006–07 | Steve Nash | Phoenix Suns |
| 2007–08 | Chauncey Billups | Detroit Pistons |
| 2008–09 | Dikembe Mutombo | Houston Rockets |
| 2009–10 | Samuel Dalembert | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2010–11 | Ron Artest | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2011–12 | Pau Gasol | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 2012–13 | Kenneth Faried | Denver Nuggets |
| 2013–14 | Luol Deng | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2014–15 | Joakim Noah | Chicago Bulls |
| 2015–16 | Wayne Ellington | Brooklyn Nets |
| 2016–17 | LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 2017–18 | J.J. Barea | Dallas Mavericks |
| 2018–19 | Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 2019–20 | Malcolm Brogdon | Indiana Pacers |
Executive of the Year Trophy – Executive of the Year (yet to be named)
The Executive of the year award is the only one of the 2022 rebrand that doesn’t feature a human figure in the trophy, nor is it named after a specific GM. The NBA have been following a clear policy of only naming these awards after people no longer involved in the NBA in an official capacity. Rumour is that the NBA Executive of the Year award will eventually be named after Miami Heat General Manager Pat Riley when he finally retires.
The NBA Executive of the Year trophy has been given every year since 1973 when it was won by Joe Axelson of the Kansas City Kings. Jerry Colaneglo has won the award the most times, claiming the title of Executive of the Year 4 times during his time in the NBA.
| Season | NBA Executive of the Year Winner | Team |
| 1973 | Joe Axelson | Kansas City Kings |
| 1974 | Eddie Donovan | Buffalo Braves |
| 1975 | Dick Vertlieb | Golden State Warriors |
| 1976 | Jerry Colangelo | Phoenix Suns |
| 1977 | Ray Patterson | Houston Rockets |
| 1978 | Angelo Drossos | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1979 | Bob Ferry | Washington Wizards |
| 1980 | Red Auerbach | Boston Celtics |
| 1981 | Jerry Colangelo | Phoenix Suns |
| 1982 | Bob Ferry | Washington Wizards |
| 1983 | Zollie Volchok | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1984 | Frank Layden | Utah Jazz |
| 1985 | Vince Boryla | Denver Nuggets |
| 1986 | Stan Kasten | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1987 | Stan Kasten | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1988 | Jerry Krause | Chicago Bulls |
| 1989 | Jerry Colangelo | Phoenix Suns |
| 1990 | Bob Bass | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1991 | Bucky Buckwalter | Portland Trail Blazers |
| 1992 | Wayne Embry | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1993 | Jerry Colangelo | Phoenix Suns |
| 1994 | Bob Whitsitt | Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1995 | Jerry West | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1996 | Jerry Krause | Chicago Bulls |
| 1997 | Bob Bass | Charlotte Hornets (1988) |
| 1998 | Wayne Embry | Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1999 | Geoff Petrie | Sacramento Kings |
| 2000 | John Gabriel | Orlando Magic |
| 2001 | Geoff Petrie | Sacramento Kings |
| 2002 | Rod Thorn | Brooklyn Nets |
| 2003 | Joe Dumars | Detroit Pistons |
| 2004 | Jerry West | Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2005 | Bryan Colangelo | Phoenix Suns |
| 2006 | Elgin Baylor | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2007 | Bryan Colangelo | Toronto Raptors |
| 2008 | Danny Ainge | Boston Celtics |
| 2009 | Mark Warkentien | Denver Nuggets |
| 2010 | John Hammond | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2011 | Gar Forman | Chicago Bulls |
| 2011 | Pat Riley | Miami Heat |
| 2012 | Larry Bird | Indiana Pacers |
| 2013 | Masai Ujiri | Denver Nuggets |
| 2014 | R.C. Buford | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2015 | Bob Myers | Golden State Warriors |
| 2016 | R.C. Buford | San Antonio Spurs |
| 2017 | Bob Myers | Golden State Warriors |
| 2018 | Daryl Morey | Houston Rockets |
| 2019 | Jon Horst | Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2020 | Lawrence Frank | Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2021 | James Jones | Phoenix Suns |
| 2022 | Zachary Kleiman | Memphis Grizzlies |
The NBA’s Lifetime Achievement Award
In 2017 the NBA has also awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award given to a retired player who exemplified extraordinary success on and off the court in the NBA.
The NBA Lifetime Achievement Award is deliberately unnamed due to its magnitude. It has not been awarded since 2019. The winners are;
- 2017 – Bill Russell
- 2018 – Oscar Robertson
- 2019 – Magic & Larry
- 2020 – Not awarded
- 2021 – Not awarded
- 2022 – Not awarded
NBA Awards Names
If you want a list of the name of the awards that are handed to teams and individuals we have put them in a list below.
| Name of Award | Reason for Award |
| Larry O’Brien Trophy | NBA Champions |
| Bob Cousy Trophy | Eastern Conference Finals Winner |
| Oscar Robertson Trophy | Western Conference Finals Winner |
| Nat “Sweatwater” Clifton Trophy | Atlantic Division Winner |
| Wayne Embry Trophy | Central Division Winner |
| Earl Lloyd Trophy | South East Division Winner |
| Willis Reed Trophy | South West Division Winner |
| Sam Jones Trophy | North East Division Winner |
| Chuck Cooper Trophy | Pacific Division Winner |
| Maurice Podolof Award | Best Regular Season Record |
| Kobe Bryant MVP | NBA All Star MVP |
| Magic Johnson Award | Western Conference Finals MVP |
| Larry Bird Award | Eastern Conference Finals MVP |
| Jerry West Award | Clutch Award |
| Bill Russell Award | NBA Final MVP |
| Michael Jordan Award | Regular Season MVP |
| Hakeem Olajuwon Award | Defensive Player of the Year award |
| Wilt Chamberlain Award | Rookie of the Year Award |
| John Havlicek Award | Sixth Man of the Year Award |
| George Mikan Award | Most Improved Player of the Year Award |
| Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award | Social Justice Award |
| Joe Dummars Award | Sportsmanship Award |
| Twyman Stokes Award | Team Mate of the year Award |
| Red Auerbach Trophy | Coach of the Year |
| J. Walter Kennedy Trophy | Citizenship Award |
| Executive of the Year Trophy | Executive of the Year (yet to be named) |
| NBA Lifetime Achievement Award |
How many NBA awards are there?
There are 27 NBA Awards in total. Ten of the awards are for Teams with the reminder seventeen awards are for individuals. The awards are shown below.
| NBA Team Award | NBA Individual Award |
| Larry O’Brien Trophy | Kobe Bryant MVP |
| Bob Cousy Trophy | Magic Johnson Award |
| Oscar Robertson Trophy | Larry Bird Award |
| Nat “Sweatwater” Clifton Trophy | Jerry West Award |
| Wayne Embry Trophy | Bill Russell Award |
| Earl Lloyd Trophy | Michael Jordan Award |
| Willis Reed Trophy | Hakeem Olajuwon Award |
| Sam Jones Trophy | Wilt Chamberlain Award |
| Chuck Cooper Trophy | John Havlicek Award |
| Maurice Podoloff trophy | George Mikan Award |
| Kareem Abdul Jabbar Award | |
| Joe Dummars Award | |
| Twyman Stokes Award | |
| Red Auerbach Trophy | |
| J. Walter Kennedy Trophy | |
| Executive of the Year Trophy | |
| NBA Lifetime Achievement Award | |
| Sixth Man of the Year Award | |
| Most Improved Player of the Year Award | |
| Social Justice Award | |
| Sportsmanship Award | |
| Team Mate of the year Award | |
| Coach of the Year | |
| Citizenship Award | |
| Executive of the Year (yet to be named) |
What are the most prestigious awards in the NBA?
In the NBA the most prestigious award us the NBA Regular Season MVP, now known as the Michael Jordan Award. This is given to the player who performs the best for the 82 games of the regular season. This is voted for by members of the media. Although the Regular Season MVP is the most prestigious, it could be argued that the NBA Finals MVP (Bill Russell Award) is the most prestigious, as the NBA player is being voted as the best player of the NBA Finals.