Former NBA champion and current NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins has come out to explain why Kawhi Leonard is the best player to have never won an MVP trophy. While his claim is more than solid, there might be some other stars who have never received that have never received the most valuable regular season award and probably deserve their recognition. We have named the 10 NBA stars currently competing in the league who have never won an MVP award and it is quite surprising that some of them haven’t.
Disclaimer: We rank players based on their resume and not on their current form.
1. Kawhi Leonard
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 2nd, 2016 MVP Race (634 Points, Stephen Curry won with 1,310 Points)
Kawhi Leonard has established himself as one of the most elite two-way players in NBA history. One of the greatest perimeter defenders of his generation, Leonard has two NBA Finals MVP awards (2014, 2019) and is widely recognized for his postseason heroics. Despite never winning the regular season MVP, Leonard was a key figure in the Toronto Raptors’ 2019 championship run and has had six seasons where he finished top 10 in ranking. His best MVP finish came in 2016, where he finished 2nd behind Stephen Curry in one of the greatest seasons by any player as he won unanimous MVP.
Leonard’s ability to dominate both ends of the floor sets him apart. In the 2023-24 season, Leonard continues to be a vital force for the Los Angeles Clippers. Known for his ‘load management’ to preserve his health for the playoffs, Kawhi’s efficiency remains elite in the postseason over his career, averaging 21.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game. No doubt, based on his resume to date, Kendrick Perkins is correct in claiming the superstar is the greatest to not have won an MVP award.
2. Luka Doncic
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 3rd, 2024 MVP Race (566 Points, Nikola Jokic won with 926 Points)
Luka Doncic has quickly become one of the most talented and versatile players in the NBA since being drafted in 2018. Doncic’s remarkable combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ has seen him rise to MVP contention almost immediately, finishing 3rd in MVP voting in the 2024 season. Averaging 33.9 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game that season, Doncic continued to dazzle with his all-around brilliance, leading the Dallas Mavericks to another playoff berth.
Despite his youth, Luka has already been named to five All-NBA First Teams and already has an NBA Finals appearance to his name. His ability to take over games with his scoring, rebounding, and playmaking makes him a perennial MVP candidate, and it seems only a matter of time before he adds the MVP trophy to his growing collection of accolades.
3. Anthony Davis
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 3rd, 2018 MVP Race (445 Points, James Harden won with 965 Points)
Anthony Davis has been one of the premier big men in the NBA for the past decade. Known for his elite shot-blocking and defensive versatility, Davis has also developed a formidable offensive game, making him one of the most complete players in the league. His best MVP finish came in 2018 when he finished 3rd, thanks to his averages of 28.1 points, 11.1 rebounds, and a league-leading 2.6 blocks per game while leading the New Orleans Pelicans to a surprise playoff run.
In recent years, Davis has continued to shine with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing a crucial role in their 2020 championship run. In the 2023-24 season, Davis has remained a dominant defensive presence, averaging a career-high 12.6 rebounds to go along with 2.3 blocks per game. Though injuries have impacted his consistency, Davis is always in the conversation for being one of the best two-way players in the league since he has nine All-Star selections along with having led the NBA in blocks three times.
4. Kyrie Irving
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: N/A
Kyrie Irving is one of the most skilled ball-handlers and clutch performers in NBA history. Known for his incredible scoring ability and dazzling handles, Irving hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history during the 2016 Finals, helping the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first-ever championship. Despite his remarkable talent, Irving has never finished in any place in MVP voting, largely due to injuries and off-court controversies that have interrupted several seasons.
In the 2023-24 season, Irving continues to provide elite scoring and playmaking for the Dallas Mavericks alongside Luka Doncic. Averaging 25.6 points and 5.2 assists per game, Irving remains one of the league’s most dynamic offensive players. His ability to take over games in clutch moments still makes him one of the most feared scorers, even if his career hasn’t yielded an MVP award.
5. Chris Paul
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 2nd, 2008 MVP Race (894 Points, Kobe Bryant won with 1,100 Points)
Chris Paul, the “Point God,” has enjoyed one of the most successful careers for a point guard, yet the MVP trophy has eluded him. Paul’s best chance came in 2008 when he finished 2nd behind Kobe Bryant. His combination of elite passing, leadership, and basketball IQ has made him one of the best point guards in NBA history. With 12 All-Star appearances and leading the league in assists five times, Paul’s career speaks for itself.
As he continues to compete in the NBA at 39 years old, Paul has had one of the best careers ever for a point guard. Despite no longer being in his prime, Paul’s 9.2 points and 6.8 assists per game highlight his ability to contribute meaningfully on a contending team. Known for his leadership, Paul continues to guide younger teammates while being a floor general, extending his legendary career even further.
6. Jayson Tatum
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 4th, 2023 MVP Race (280 Points, Joel Embiid won with 915 Points)
Jayson Tatum has emerged as one of the brightest stars in the NBA, with his versatile scoring and defensive abilities. Tatum has been the face of the Boston Celtics’ success in recent years and finished 4th in MVP voting in 2023. His scoring, rebounding, and improved playmaking were key reasons behind the Celtics’ success, as Tatum averaged 30.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in the 2022-23 season.
In the 2023-24 season, Tatum has continued his ascent as one of the league’s best players, averaging 26.9 points per game and eventually making his second Finals appearance to win his first NBA championship. Known for his ability to score from all three levels and his defensive prowess, Tatum has all the tools to contend for MVP in the future. At only 26 years old, he has plenty of time to add more accolades (including NBA championships) to his resume.
7. Paul George
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 3rd, 2019 MVP Race (356 Points, Giannis Antetokounmpo won with 941 Points)
Paul George, one of the league’s best two-way players, had his closest MVP finish in 2019 when he finished 3rd, thanks to his outstanding season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. George averaged 28.0 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.1 assists that season while also leading the league in steals (2.2). His ability to impact both ends of the court has consistently made him a top-tier NBA player.
Now a member of the Philadelphia 76ers after an up-and-down stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, George continues to be a key piece in their championship aspirations. In the 2023-24 season, George has averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game, contributing both offensively and defensively. Despite injuries interrupting parts of his career, George remains one of the best forwards in the NBA.
8. Jimmy Butler
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 10th, 2023 MVP Race (3 Points, Joel Embiid won with 915 Points)
Jimmy Butler has built a reputation as one of the toughest and most determined players in the league. Known for his incredible work ethic and leadership, Butler has become the face of the Miami Heat. Despite never being in serious MVP contention, Butler’s performances in the playoffs have elevated his status, particularly after leading the Heat to the NBA Finals in both 2020 and 2023. His best MVP finish came in 2023, where he finished 10th.
In the 2023-24 season, Butler continues to be the driving force for Miami, averaging 20.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. His all-around impact, clutch performances, and defensive intensity make him one of the most respected stars in the NBA, even if regular-season accolades have been harder to come by.
9. Damian Lillard
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 4th, 2018 MVP Race (207 Points, James Harden won with 965 Points)
Damian Lillard has consistently been one of the top scorers and leaders in the NBA throughout his career, particularly known for his incredible range and clutch shooting. Lillard’s best MVP finish came in 2018, when he finished 4th behind James Harden, thanks to a season where he averaged 26.9 points and led the Portland Trail Blazers to the 3rd seed in the Western Conference.
Now with the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2023-24 season, Lillard continues to impress, averaging 24.3 points and 7.0 assists per game. His ability to take over games, particularly in pressure situations, has earned him the nickname “Dame Time.” Despite his individual brilliance, Lillard has yet to claim the MVP, but he remains one of the league’s best guards with a total of eight All-Star and seven All-NBA Team appearances.
10. Devin Booker
Best Place In MVP Points In Career: 4th, 2022 MVP Race (216 Points, Nikola Jokic won with 875 Points)
Devin Booker has quickly risen to stardom since his breakout performances with the Phoenix Suns. Known for his elite scoring ability, Booker finished 4th in MVP voting in 2022, where he averaged 26.8 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, helping the Suns to the best record in the NBA and eventually make the NBA Finals. His ability to score from anywhere on the court makes him one of the league’s top offensive talents.
In the 2023-24 season, Booker has continued to lead the Suns with impressive performances, averaging 27.1 points and 6.9 assists per game. His offensive versatility and leadership have kept Phoenix in contention, and with a strong supporting cast with Kevin Durant and Bradley Beal, Booker is positioned to make more playoff runs, solidifying his status as one of the league’s top stars with a total of four All-Star and two All-NBA selections.
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