NBA Youngest MVP Winners: The NBA MVP award has been one of the most sought-after individual honours in sports since its establishment in the 1950s. A player must be exceptional in practically every facet of the game to be named the greatest of the season.
It’s crucial to remember that scoring alone does not determine the MVP. The award also takes into account a number of other factors, including team leadership and individual highlights during the season. Although team rankings are occasionally important, certain players have won awards despite their teams’ mediocre performances.
Numerous awardees went on to become some of the greatest players in NBA history. It goes without saying that a player must perform very well the whole season in order to even be nominated for this honour. While many NBA players require time to adjust, develop, and enhance their skills, some players find it relatively easy to fit in.
Many of these guys entered the NBA right out of high school. Conversely, there are athletes who enrolled in college but did not finish their coursework, choosing to enter the NBA draft instead.
Now, let us examine the ten NBA MVP winners that are the youngest.
The Top 5 NBA Youngest MVP Winners
1. Derrick Rose-22 years
Derrick Rose created NBA MVP history by being the youngest recipient of the award at the age of 22. Derrick Rose did not complete his collegiate career since the Chicago Bulls selected him in the first round of the draft, unlike the majority of NBA players.
In his rookie campaign, Rose guided the Tigers to an outstanding 38-2 record. This record was more than sufficient to qualify for the NCAA tournament.
Despite a serious bout of tendinitis that plagued his first season, Rose overcame it. In the end, Rose turned things around in March of the subsequent year and took home another Rookie of the Month title.
Derrick Rose suffered an ankle injury early in his second season as well. In the end, Rose would regain her full health and be named an all-star. Rose became the second player to receive a selection in this manner, following Michael Jordan in 1998.
Derrick Rose created history in the 2010–11 season when he became the second player to record 2000+ points and 600 assists in a single campaign. Following this outstanding season, Derrick Rose was voted the league MVP.
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2. Wes Unseld-22 years
Wes Unseld was a formidable opponent during his NBA career and one of the finest defensive players the league has ever seen. Wes Unseld averaged 35 points and 23.6 rebounds per game as a freshman in college. Unseld topped the Missouri Valley league in rebounds for three years in a row.
Wes Unseld drew the attention of some of the biggest clubs in the ABA and the more prosperous NBA thanks to his outstanding collegiate career. In the end, Unseld would decline the Kentucky Colonels rather than accept the Baltimore Bullets.
After finishing the previous season, Unseld continued where he had left off in the NBA, leading the Bullets to their first conference victory. Unseld concluded the season with 18.2 boards, earning him the title of Rookie of the Year. His victory as the league MVP that year also made history.
Unseld and Wilt Chamberlain were the only two players to win both the rookie and MVP trophies in the same year when they did so.
3. Moses Malone-23 years
The Chairman of the Board’s toughness, aggression, and timeless play on the court made him different from your average centre. Malone was unmatched in his ability to rebound. He thus led in rebounds on nine different occasions for the NBA and ABA.
Malone continued to adjust to each of his new clubs even though, early in his career, he was constantly swapping teams. Consequently, he became the captain of any squad that managed to get him. With the Houston Rockets during his first campaign, Malone set a league record for the most offensive rebounds. Malone finished with 437 offensive rebounds, setting a record he would subsequently shatter two years later.
Malone experienced a breakthrough season in 1978–1979, averaging an astounding 24.8 points and 17.6 rebounds per game. It was this breakthrough effort that earned him the NBA League MVP title for the first time.
4. Bob McAdoo-23 years
In addition to being a five-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion, Bob McAdoo was one of the most well-liked players of the showtime era. Despite the fact that he played for several NBA teams, his remarkable tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers is what many NBA fans will remember about him.
Several NBA organisations expressed interest in Bob McAdoo following his very successful collegiate career. Following a protracted negotiation, McAdoo signed a contract as the second overall draft pick, with the Buffalo Braves.
McAdoo won the First of the Year award after having a very strong first season. The next season, McAdoo continued where he left off, winning his first-ever scoring title. McAdoo was one of the youngest MVP winners in history when he was awarded the league’s MVP for the 1974–1975 season.
In his MVP-winning year, McAdoo recorded a scorching 34.5 PPG, 14.1 RPG, and 2 BPG average.
5. Kareem Abdul Jabbar-23 years
Kareem Abdul Jabbar, one of the most decorated NBA players of all time, is not only a legendary character but also a major contributor to the NBA’s current state. Kareem Abdul Jabbar won 15 All-NBA team accolades and six NBA MVP trophies during his stellar NBA career.
Incredibly, he also won six NBA Championships. Kareem Abdul Jabbar was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks as the first overall choice following an extremely successful collegiate career. On the basketball court, Kareem Abdul Jabbar had a great first season with the Milwaukee Bucks.
The Milwaukee Bucks finished an incredible second in the Eastern Division thanks to his great play. Jabbar had a breakthrough game, but he only took home one trophy—the NBA Rookie of the Year. Nevertheless, Jabbar would once more take up where he left off in his second season with the Bucks.
Oscar Robinson’s arrival made everything appear better for the Bucks. The Bucks were able to establish the season record for most wins with 66, including 20 victories in a row, during that year. Jabbar’s significant contribution earned him the title of league MVP for the year. Jabbar would go on to win five more matches before being sent off.
The Top 5 NBA Youngest MVP Winners. Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
