This Tuesday the NBA announced important changes regarding its different prizes, both for the regular season and for the playoffs.
The winner of the MVP, that is, the Most Valuable Player of the regular season, will be the first recipient of the Michael Jordan Trophy. The Chicago Bulls star, considered by many to be the greatest player of all time, has won the award five times during his career.
The Michael Jordan Trophy is one of six newly designed trophies: the Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy will be awarded to Defensive Player of the Year, the Wilt Chamberlain Trophy for Rookie of the Year, the John Havlicek Trophy for Sixth Man of the Year and the George Mikan Trophy for Most Improved Player.
In addition, the North American league confirmed the creation of a new Clutch Player of the Year award, that is, the player who stands out the most in the decisive moments of close matches.
This award was named after Los Angeles Lakers legend Jerry West, the only player to win the Finals MVP award as part of the losing team (1969).
“Our new collection of trophies honors some of the greatest players in NBA history. As we recognize the best players in the league each season, we also honor the legends who embody these prestigious awards,” Adam said. Silver, Commissioner of the NBA.
The announcement comes shortly after the league revealed a new trophy for the 2022-23 season that will be awarded to the team that finishes with the best regular season record.
The Maurice Podoloff Trophy – named after the NBA’s first commissioner – will be awarded for the first time this season. The MVP trophy had previously carried Podoloff’s name until last year, when Nikola Jokic took it.