NBA MVP Voting Process Explained: How Players Earn the Coveted Award

As someone who has followed the NBA for over two decades, I’ve always been fascinated by how the Most Valuable Player award is decided—it’s not just about stats, but about narrative, impact, and timing. The MVP voting process is one of the most debated topics every season, and it’s amazing how a group of sportswriters and broadcasters can shape a player’s legacy with their ballots. I remember watching Derrick Rose’s MVP season back in 2011, and even though LeBron James arguably had better numbers, Rose’s story—carrying the Bulls to the top seed—captured the voters’ imagination. That’s the thing about the MVP: it’s as much about emotion as it is about analytics.

Let’s break down how the voting actually works. The NBA selects around 100 media members from various outlets—big names like ESPN, local beat reporters, and even some international voices—to cast their votes. Each voter submits a ballot with their top five choices, ranked from first to fifth. A first-place vote is worth 10 points, second gets 7, third gets 5, fourth gets 3, and fifth gets just 1. It’s a weighted system designed to emphasize the top picks, but it’s not perfect. I’ve seen cases where a player with fewer first-place votes still wins because of strong second- and third-place support. For example, in 2017, Russell Westbrook edged out James Harden despite Harden having a slightly higher average ranking in some advanced metrics. Westbrook’s historic triple-double average—31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 10.4 assists per game—was just too compelling to ignore, even if his team only finished sixth in the West. That’s where the "valuable" part gets tricky: is it about individual brilliance or team success? Honestly, I lean toward the former, but I know many voters who prioritize winning.

The reference to the Golden Tigresses and their coach’s unwavering faith amid a rocky season reminds me of how narrative plays into MVP races. In the NBA, a player’s story can shift the tide. Think about Stephen Curry in 2016: the Warriors started 24-0, and his unanimous MVP win felt inevitable because of that record-breaking 73-9 season. But when a team struggles, like the UST squad mentioned, it often hurts a player’s case—unless they’re putting up unreal numbers. Take Kevin Durant in 2014: the Thunder had injuries, but his 32 points per game and efficiency made him the clear choice. Voters love resilience, and I’ve noticed that players who elevate mediocre teams often get extra credit. For instance, if a star drags a lottery-bound squad to the playoffs, like LeBron did with the 2018 Cavaliers, it screams "value." But if I’m being real, the criteria aren’t set in stone. Some years, defense gets overlooked; others, it’s all about clutch moments. I once interviewed a voter who told me he prioritizes "game-changing impact"—things that don’t always show up in box scores, like leadership or double-teams that free up teammates.

Stats are the backbone, though. Advanced metrics like Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Win Shares, and Value Over Replacement Player (VORP) have become huge in recent years. Nikola Jokić’s back-to-back MVPs in 2021 and 2022 were fueled by his off-the-charts PER, which hovered around 32.5—one of the highest ever for a center. But as a fan, I think we sometimes get too caught up in numbers. Remember Tim Duncan? He never won a unanimous vote, but his two MVPs were built on consistency and two-way dominance. The human element matters, too; voters have biases. I’ll admit, I’ve rooted for underdogs like Steve Nash in 2005, when he led the Suns’ "Seven Seconds or Less" offense. That season, he averaged 15.5 points and 11.5 assists, and though his stats weren’t gaudy, his influence was undeniable. Contrast that with Shaquille O’Neal in 2000, whose 29.7 points and 13.6 rebounds per game were just monstrous—you couldn’t ignore his sheer force.

Timing and momentum are everything. The MVP is voted on right after the regular season, so late surges can make or break a campaign. In 2019, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks finished strong with 60 wins, sealing his win over James Harden, who had a historic scoring run but faded slightly in March. Personally, I think the timing is fair—it rewards season-long excellence—but it does mean that injuries or a slow start can doom a player. Look at Joel Embiid: he’s been in the conversation for years, but it took until 2023 for him to finally clinch it, partly because he stayed healthy and the 76ers secured a top seed. If I were a voter, I’d emphasize durability; missing more than 10-15 games should be a red flag, unless the player’s impact is just transcendent.

In the end, the MVP award is a blend of art and science. It’s not just about who has the best stats or the most wins, but who captures the season’s story. From my perspective, that’s what makes it so compelling—and so contentious. As the NBA evolves, with new stats and global media voices, the process will keep changing, but one thing remains: earning that trophy requires a perfect storm of performance, narrative, and a little bit of luck. Whether you’re a fan debating over beers or a analyst crunching numbers, the MVP will always spark passion, and that’s why we love this game.