Looking at the 6 newly-named trophies for NBA regular season individual awards including Michael Jordan Trophy, Wilt Chamberlain trophy, and more
The NBA has revealed new trophies for the regular-season individual awards. The best player in the league will receive a Michael Jordan trophy, while the best defender will receive a trophy named after Hakeem Olajuwon.
Overall, this is a step in the right direction. Not only has the league honored some of its best players of all time, but the new trophies look incredible and have many interesting details.
This article will reveal all of the new trophies and who they were named after.
Next NBA MVP will receive Michael Jordan trophy
The Michael Jordan trophy will be given to the most valuable player in the league. Considering that the Chicago Bulls legend has won five MVP awards during his impressive career, it's not surprising that the league picked him.
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Jordan is tied for second place with Bill Russell. However, he's widely considered the greatest player of all time, which puts him above Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and his six MVP awards.
Defensive Player of the Year award renamed to Hakeem Olajuwon trophy
The best defensive player in the NBA during the 2022-23 season will receive the Hakeem Olajuwon trophy. The Houston Rockets legend won this award twice during his glorious career.
During 18 years in the NBA, Olajuwon led the league in blocks multiple times. Despite his size, the 7-footer was able to record many steals as well, averaging 1.7 of them throughout his career.
Wilt Chamberlain and Rookie of the Year award
Wilt Chamberlain's entire career was impressive. The big man set some records that will probably never be broken, and due to this, he deserves a special place in the history books.
Chamberlain's rookie season was almost unbelievable, which is why the Rookie of the Year award was named after him. In his first season in the league, the big man averaged 37.6 points and 27 rebounds.
Sixth Man of Year will get John Havlicek trophy
The Sixth Man of the Year award was named after John Havlicek, even though he never won it. The Boston Celtics legend retired in 1978, five seasons after the league decided to honor the best bench player.
By the time he became a starter, the 6-5 swingman had already helped the Celtics win six championships. He averaged 19.3 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.5 assists off the bench.
George Mikan's name will be on Most Improved Player award
Like John Havlicek, George Mikan never won an award that was named after him. However, the Minneapolis Lakers center was a fantastic player and is considered the first NBA superstar of all time.
Throughout his seven-year professional career, the 6-10 big man averaged 23.1 points and 13.4 rebounds. Thanks to his impressive skills, Mikan helped the LA Lakers win three championships.
Clutch of the Year award is named after Jerry West
The prestigious basketball league has also decided to honor the best clutch player of the season. This player will receive the Jerry West trophy, named after the LA Lakers guard.
New names and trophies for NBA’s major individual awards:
- MVP: The Michael Jordan Trophy
- DPOY: Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy
- ROY: Wilt Chamberlain Trophy
- Sixth Man of Year: John Havlicek Trophy
- Most Improved: George Mikan Trophy
- New Clutch Player of Year: Jerry West Trophy
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West was well known for making big-time shots and game winners, which is why he earned the "Mr. Clutch" nickname. He was so good that he is still the only player in the league's history to win the Finals MVP award while on a losing team.