The three NBA legends currently competing in the NBA are LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant, and each will end up as first-ballot Hall of Famers. However, it has been incredibly long since either one won an MVP trophy. With a combined seven MVPs between them, here is the last time the stars won the award.
LeBron James’ MVP Awards: 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
Stephen Curry MVP Awards: 2015, 2016
Kevin Durant’s MVP Awards: 2014
Seeing that the last time a single MVP award was given to any of these players was in 2016, let’s dive deeper into their Hall of Fame legacies when it comes to the most important regular season award.
LeBron James Hasn’t Won An MVP Award Since 2013 (11 Years Ago)
With four MVP awards to his name, LeBron James has consistently showcased his exceptional skills, leadership, and impact on the court. He captured his first MVP award during the 2008-09 season while playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 28.4 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game, leading the team to a franchise-best 66-16 record.
The following season, he secured his second consecutive MVP award with even more impressive numbers, averaging 29.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.6 assists per game, although the Cavaliers faced playoff disappointment by losing to the Boston Celtics in the second round.
A year after joining the Miami Heat in 2010, LeBron continued his MVP-caliber play, earning his third MVP award in the 2011-12 season with averages of 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, leading the Heat to a 46-20 record during the lockout-shortened season and capturing his first NBA championship.
He secured his fourth and most recent MVP award during the 2012-13 season, averaging 26.8 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game, guiding the Heat to a league-best 66-16 record and earning Finals MVP honors for leading his team to another NBA championship.
Despite not winning an MVP award since 2013, LeBron has finished second in the MVP voting four times in his career (2006, 2014, 2018, 2020), highlighting his sustained excellence and impact on the game. As he approaches 40 years old, only Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (5), and Bill Russell (5) can claim to be better regular-season performers. It might even be possible that LeBron deserved to win the 2011 MVP award if not for Derrick Rose (25.0 PPG, 7.7 APG) leading the Bulls to the best record in the East and became the youngest ever to capture the achievement.
Stephen Curry Hasn’t Won An MVP Award Since 2016 (8 Years Ago)
Meanwhile, with two MVP awards to his name, Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game with his incredible shooting range. He captured his first MVP award during the 2014-15 season, averaging 23.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 7.7 assists per game while leading the Golden State Warriors to a league-best 67-15 record.
Curry’s electrifying play and record-breaking three-point shooting propelled the Warriors to their first NBA championship since 1975, solidifying his status as a transcendent superstar. He followed up his MVP campaign with another stellar season in 2015-16, averaging 30.1 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game while guiding the Warriors to a historic 73-9 record, surpassing the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls’ previous record of 72-10. The point guard became the first-ever unanimous MVP.
Despite his exceptional regular-season performances, Curry hasn’t won an MVP award since 2016. While injuries and team dynamics have played a role in this, Curry’s impact on the game and his ability to change the course of a game with his shooting and playmaking remain undeniable. Looking over his career, Curry deserved his MVP award wins, although some might still argue for James Harden in 2015 (27.4 PPG, 7.0 APG).
Kevin Durant Hasn’t Won An MVP Award Since 2014 (10 Years Ago)
Kevin Durant, often considered one of the most prolific scorers and versatile forwards in NBA history, has an impressive MVP resume that spans several seasons. He captured his first and only MVP award during the 2013-14 season while playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Durant averaged an impressive 32.0 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game, leading the Thunder to a 59-23 record and securing the league’s scoring title for the fourth time in his career.
Despite his exceptional regular-season performance, Durant hasn’t won an MVP award since 2014. Injuries and team dynamics, including his decision to join the Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, and Phoenix Suns, have influenced his MVP candidacy in recent years. However, Durant’s scoring prowess, versatility, and ability to dominate games in clutch situations remain unparalleled and there is no doubt the superstar deserves his award in 2014.
Can Any Of Those 3 Stars Win An MVP Award In The Future?
At 39 years old, LeBron James is undoubtedly one of the greatest players in NBA history, with four MVP awards to his name. However, his age and potential decline in performance make it challenging for him to compete for another MVP title. Even if he remains a superstar player next season, the likelihood of him playing a minimum of 65 games necessary to qualify for the award is slim.
Additionally, with emerging talents and a possible decline in his numbers, it’s improbable for LeBron to capture another MVP. While his legacy as a regular-season performer is firmly established since he ranks third all-time in MVP award wins behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (6), Michael Jordan (5), and Bill Russell (5). it’s intriguing to note that his last MVP award came in 2013, marking an 11-year gap.
Stephen Curry, currently 36 years old, faces an uphill battle in his quest for another MVP award. With the Golden State Warriors currently ranking 10th in the Western Conference, Curry’s chances this season are virtually non-existent. Given that he will be 37 by the end of next season, his opportunities are dwindling. To be a serious contender, Curry would likely need to lead the Warriors to at least a top-three seed in the West.
However, with a potential focus on playoffs over the regular season, coupled with potential instances of load management, Curry’s MVP aspirations seem increasingly unlikely. Furthermore, the Warriors’ status as a declining team could further hinder his chances in the coming years. It is hard to say but the Warriors might be a dying dynasty.
Kevin Durant, set to turn 36 this year, faces stiff competition from dominant stars such as Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and possibly Anthony Edwards in the MVP race. While Durant remains an elite player, his age and the rising talents around him make it challenging for him to secure another MVP award.
Additionally, Durant’s supporting cast, including Devin Booker and Bradley Beal on the Phoenix Suns, could potentially dilute his MVP voting shares. Barring a miraculous resurgence or significant changes in the landscape of the NBA, Durant is likely to retire as a one-time MVP award winner.
Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We really appreciate your support.
