- No player in history has managed to win every single individual accolade
- Veteran stars are running out of time to fill out their trophy cabinet
- Even LeBron James is missing an important individual achievement that he might not win
In the electrifying world of professional basketball, the NBA boasts a plethora of basketball stars who have accomplished accolades from team achievements to individual awards. Yet, amidst the glittering array of accolades that adorn these modern-day heroes, there exists a conspicuous gap—a missing piece in their trophy cabinets.
- Honorable Mention
- Kyrie Irving – Scoring Title
- 15. James Harden – Finals MVP
- 14. Damian Lillard – Finals MVP
- 13. Kawhi Leonard – MVP Award
- 12. Jimmy Butler – Finals MVP
- 11. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Scoring Title
- 10. Anthony Davis – Defensive Player Of The Year
- 9. Devin Booker – Scoring Title
- 8. Kevin Durant – Defensive Player Of The Year
- 7. LeBron James – Defensive Player Of The Year
- 6. Stephen Curry – Assist Title
- 5. Jayson Tatum – MVP Award
- 4. Luka Doncic – MVP Award
- 3. Joel Embiid – Finals MVP
- 2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Scoring Title
- 1. Nikola Jokic – Assist Title
While the NBA recognizes and celebrates its superstars in various ways, every top player in the game is missing one award that he has not yet won. Even the greatest player ever, Michael Jordan, never won every single award there is to be won including an assist title, rebounding title, and blocks title among others.
This article delves into the intriguing void, exploring the concept of an award that could reshape the way we perceive and honor NBA superstars, offering a fresh perspective on their incredible contributions to the sport, and addressing the question on the lips of basketball enthusiasts across the globe: What is the individual award every NBA superstar is missing right now?
Honorable Mention
Kyrie Irving – Scoring Title
Kyrie Irving, the enigmatic scoring maestro of the NBA, has long been regarded as one of the most electrifying and unpredictable talents in the league. With a dazzling array of offensive moves and a knack for delivering in the clutch, Irving has wowed fans and confounded defenders with his ability to score from virtually anywhere on the court. Yet, despite his undeniable scoring prowess, one achievement has remained tantalizingly out of reach for the Dallas Mavericks’ star guard—the NBA scoring title.
The Scoring Title is an individual accolade awarded to the player who finishes the regular season with the highest points-per-game average. It is a coveted honor, historically associated with some of the greatest scorers in the history of the game, from Michael Jordan to Wilt Chamberlain. However, Kyrie Irving has yet to secure this particular accolade in his illustrious career.
The point guard has a career average of 23.4 points per game and has had five seasons of at least 25 points per game over his 12-year career. Irving’s career-high performances came in 2021-22 (27.4) and 2019-20 (27.4) as a member of the Brooklyn Nets. It seems Irving is getting better offensively and hopefully, he can go for the scoring title as that is the most achievable award for him at this point.
15. James Harden – Finals MVP
The NBA Finals MVP award stands as a crowning achievement, a testament to a player’s ability to shine when the spotlight burns brightest. The award is elusive to one of the best offensive players of his generation, James Harden. He’s achieved three scoring titles, 10 All-Star selections, and the 2018 MVP trophy. Yet, amid his impressive list of achievements, there’s one prestigious honor that has remained tantalizingly out of reach—the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award.
Harden has encountered exceptionally tough competition during his prime, often going head-to-head with legendary players like Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry whose transcendent performances in the Finals have made it difficult for others to secure the honor. Secondly, Harden’s team dynamics have played a role, particularly during his early years with the Oklahoma City Thunder when he was part of a star-studded lineup alongside Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, limiting his opportunity to be the primary focal point.
Moreover, there has been criticism of his defensive contributions, a facet often considered for the Finals MVP award. His playoff performances have been inconsistent at times, with moments of brilliance offset by occasional struggles. Finally, team success, namely winning an NBA championship, has eluded him thus far, which is a crucial factor in winning the Finals MVP.
His best chance to win his first championship and Finals MVP came in 2018 with the Houston Rockets when they reached the Western Conference finals with a 3-2 series lead before losing the final two games. Since then, Harden has not returned to the Conference Finals and that has hurt his legacy.
14. Damian Lillard – Finals MVP
Damian Lillard is another player who is missing an NBA championship and thus, a Finals MVP award. Lillard has been a beacon of consistency and excellence in the NBA as his deep three-pointers and fearless demeanor have made him a fan favorite and one of the most respected players in the league. So far, Dame has made seven All-Star Teams, seven All-NBA Teams, and a Rookie of the Year trophy.
The point guard is missing accolades such as the scoring title and assist titles, but the point guard won’t be judged on his regular-season accolades any longer. As far as everyone is concerned, Lillard is one of the best regular-season performers of his era. Therefore, the key awards missing are an NBA title and Finals MVP trophy.
One key factor is the intense competition that Lillard has faced in the NBA, particularly in the Western Conference, where superstar-laden teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have been formidable adversaries. Additionally, team success, often a prerequisite for winning the award, has eluded Lillard thus far, despite his heroic efforts with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard’s best teammates over his career include a list of LaMarcus Aldridge, C.J. McCollum, Jerami Grant, Jusuf Nurkic, Norman Powell, and Hassan Whiteside. While these players are clearly very talented, not one of them is remotely close to being a superstar and that might explain why the point guard has requested a trade out of Portland with the Miami Heat the very likely destination.
13. Kawhi Leonard – MVP Award
Kawhi Leonard, often regarded as one of the NBA’s most enigmatic and dominant players, has left an indelible mark on the league with his two-way prowess, remarkable defensive skills, and clutch performances. His resume includes two NBA titles, two Finals MVPs, and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. However, he is sorely missing a regular-season MVP award.
While Kawhi Leonard has consistently been among the league’s elite, several factors have contributed to his absence from the list of MVP recipients. One of the primary reasons is competition. Leonard has competed in an era stacked with transcendent talents, including LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who have often captured the spotlight with their remarkable statistics and team success. This stiff competition has made it challenging for Leonard to secure the MVP despite his outstanding contributions.
Additionally, Leonard’s meticulous load management and focus on peak performance during the playoffs have sometimes limited his regular-season appearances and statistical output, which are factors often considered by MVP voters. His priority on championship success may have cost him individual recognition, but it has undoubtedly led to postseason glory, as evidenced by his two NBA Finals MVP awards earned with the San Antonio Spurs and the Toronto Raptors.
Leonard has made only five All-Star Teams which shows how lightly he has taken the regular season over his career, but if he wants to truly be mentioned among the 20 greatest players to have ever played, he needs an MVP trophy. So far, small forwards LeBron James, Larry Bird, Kevin Durant, Elgin Baylor, Julius Erving, and Scottie Pippen have all been mentioned ahead of Leonard but with an MVP, he would be right behind Kevin Durant in the rankings.
12. Jimmy Butler – Finals MVP
Throughout his career, Jimmy Butler has achieved numerous milestones. He’s been selected as an All-Star six times, demonstrating his ability to compete with the league’s best. His reputation as a tenacious defender has earned him five spots on the NBA All-Defensive Team, highlighting his two-way prowess. Most importantly, the player has developed a reputation for being an elite superstar performer in the postseason far more than a regular-season star.
However, he has never achieved the award that he desperately needs: the Finals MVP award. Under his leadership, the Miami Heat reached the NBA Finals twice over his career. During the 2020 NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Jimmy Butler delivered a historic performance that will be etched in basketball lore.
In Game 3, he recorded a triple-double with 40 points, 13 assists, and 11 rebounds, leading the Heat to a crucial victory. Throughout the series, he displayed an unwavering commitment to his team’s success, averaging 26.2 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 9.8 assists per game.
Despite his exceptional contributions, Jimmy Butler did not receive the Finals MVP award in 2020 since Miami did not win the series and LeBron James was just as dominant on the other end. In 2022, Butler led Miami to the Finals again against the Denver Nuggets. However, Butler failed to win the Finals MVP trophy while averaging 21.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game and losing the series.
Due to the fact that Butler’s legacy will be solely defined by whether he wins a title or not, the player is sorely missing the Finals MVP trophy to solidify his case as one of the greatest postseason players ever.
11. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – Scoring Title
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, hailing from Canada, made his entry into the NBA in 2018 when he was drafted No. 11 overall by the Charlotte Hornets and subsequently traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Since then, he’s embarked on a remarkable journey with the Oklahoma City Thunder where he is currently a top-15 star in the NBA.
While Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has consistently improved his scoring output year after year, he has yet to secure the coveted NBA Scoring Title. This individual accolade, often claimed by legendary players like Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and James Harden, has eluded the young Canadian guard. However, this absence should not overshadow the remarkable strides he has made in his scoring ability.
In 2023, Gilgeous-Alexander averaged 31.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists per game while shooting 51.0% from the field, 34.5% from three, and 90.5% from the stripe. So far, this was by far the guard’s greatest offensive season. Averaging at least 30 points per game as a 24-year-old is never easy but he got it done.
Since the young man has plenty to achieve left in his career with the up-and-coming Thunder team featuring Josh Giddey and Chet Holmgren, Gilgeous-Alexander first needs the scoring title to solidify his place as one of the most talented players of his generation. Once he achieves this accolade, he will be under pressure to achieve greater accolades.
10. Anthony Davis – Defensive Player Of The Year
Considering his supreme talent, Anthony Davis might have underwhelmed in terms of the individual awards he has so far. He has eight All-Star and four All-NBA Team appearances, but he has not achieved a host of accolades including the MVP award, scoring title, and most importantly for him – the Defensive Player of the Year award.
Davis has been known as a versatile big man known for his shot-blocking, rim-protecting, and overall defensive dominance. No doubt, the current Lakers superstar has established himself as one of the most formidable defenders in the NBA. Standing at 6’10” with an impressive wingspan, Davis possesses the physical attributes to disrupt opponents both inside and out.
The former No. 1 overall pick has won three blocks titles and made four All-Defensive Team selections, but he does not have a Defensive Player of the Year trophy. Considering his natural physical talent and his basketball IQ, there is no way a player such as Rudy Gobert can hold three Defensive Player of the Year trophies and Davis does not have one.
Davis’s unique combination of shot-blocking, rim protection, versatility, and overall impact on his team’s defense makes him a deserving candidate for this prestigious accolade going forward, and he needs this to solidify his place as one of the greatest defenders ever.
9. Devin Booker – Scoring Title
Sure, Devin Booker could use an MVP award to boost his resume greatly. However, playing on a team with Kevin Durant and formerly, Chris Paul, has hurt his chances because he is sharing votes with All-Stars. That means the shooting guard needs one trophy to thrust him into the conversation of the game’s greatest scorers: the scoring title.
Booker’s shooting stroke is a thing of beauty. He possesses one of the smoothest jump shots in the league, capable of draining threes from well beyond the arc. His scoring efficiency is impressive, making him a constant threat to opponents whether he’s spotting up or creating his own shot off the dribble. So far in his career, Booker is averaging 23.9 points per game and has a 70-point game on his resume.
This past year, in 2023, Booker averaged a career-high 27.8 points per game and did it at very solid efficiency (49.4% FG, 35.1% 3-PT FG, and 85.5% FT). He is getting closer to averaging at least 30 points per game and once he breaks that clip, he will be in a great spot to win a scoring title for his resume’s sake.
The Phoenix Suns guard is currently not mentioned among the greatest scorers ever despite having a 70-point game on his resume, and perhaps not having a scoring title is hurting his legacy in that regard. The likes of James Harden, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid are all considered better offensive players and the constant is the scoring title.
8. Kevin Durant – Defensive Player Of The Year
Kevin Durant will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer. He has achieved almost everything in the NBA from four scoring titles and an MVP award to two NBA titles and two Finals MVP awards. That is an extraordinary list of achievements that must be respected, even if his team success has come mainly with the Golden State Warriors.
Even if Durant needs a championship to boost his legacy so he proves he can win outside of Golden State, he is also missing a vital trophy in his vast cabinet: the Defensive Player of the Year award. Durant is not normally considered an elite defender but he has no excuse to not be. The man is 6’10” with a wingspan over 7 feet and has the athleticism to stay with guards and forwards in the league.
Kevin Durant’s defensive excellence is not limited to individual statistics even though he averages 1.1 steals and 1.1 blocks per game. His presence elevates his team’s overall defense. His ability to switch on pick-and-roll plays, protect the rim, and contest shots in isolation situations is instrumental in making his team one of the top defensive units in the league.
It is unlikely that a nearly 35-year-old star will earn this award although he might be willing to focus more on defense than ever before thanks to the presence of Devin Booker and Bradley Beal by his side. Even if Durant does not have a Defensive Player of the Year award to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer, it is still a trophy he does not have.
7. LeBron James – Defensive Player Of The Year
When discussing LeBron James, the conversation typically revolves around his offensive prowess, basketball IQ, and leadership. However, one aspect of LeBron’s game that often goes underappreciated is his defensive excellence, especially during his prime. When looking at the GOAT debate, James needs a Defensive Player of the Year trophy.
In his prime, LeBron’s unique combination of size, speed, and basketball IQ allowed him to guard multiple positions on the floor. Throughout his career, he has seamlessly transitioned from defending point guards to power forwards, adapting to his team’s needs. The closest James got to winning the Defensive Player of the Year trophy came in 2013 when he finished runner-up to Marc Gasol.
Gasol grabbed 30 first-place votes, and James was second with 18 and that would be the highest-finish The King would have over his career. James has career averages of 1.5 steals and 0.8 blocks per game and while those are elite numbers, the player was never in the mix for the ultimate defensive prize. When looking at Michael Jordan’s career, James is sorely missing the award.
At nearly 39 years old, James will likely not be close to winning the Defensive Player of the Year award and that could be a massive factor when discussing Jordan’s incredible resume. Still, James is one of the greatest players ever and has won every other trophy including the Finals MVP, MVP, scoring title, and assist title.
6. Stephen Curry – Assist Title
Stephen Curry is universally recognized as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history and his two scoring titles prove that. However, his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates often goes underappreciated because the point guard averages 6.5 assists per game over his career.
Curry possesses exceptional court vision, which allows him to see passing lanes and opportunities that many others might miss. His ability to make split-second decisions on where and when to deliver the ball is a testament to his basketball IQ. His best season in this regard came in 2013-14 when he posted an incredible 8.5 assists per game. His only other time averaging at least 7.0 assists per game came in 2014-15 when he posted 7.7.
While the point guard has won multiple other awards such as the Finals MVP award, regular-season MVP, and scoring title, he might need an assist title to prove he is on the same level as the great Magic Johnson when it comes to floor leadership. The sharpshooter is easily a score-first player, and not winning a scoring title won’t hurt his legacy as a first-ballot Hall of Famer.
Still, the assist title is still missing on the resume of one of the greatest point guards ever and that could be a criticism he faces whenever the GOAT debate is brought up and floor generals are regarded.
5. Jayson Tatum – MVP Award
Jayson Tatum’s journey in the NBA has been characterized by consistent growth and development since he was drafted No. 3 overall by the Boston Celtics in 2017. He has emerged as one of the league’s brightest young talents, and his case for the MVP award is gaining momentum, especially last season.
Tatum averaged 30.1 points, 8.8 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game on 46.6% from the field, 35.0% from three, and 85.4% from the free-throw line. No doubt, the player could be in the mix for the scoring title next year. Tatum’s scoring ability is among the league’s elite. He possesses a versatile scoring arsenal, including a deadly three-point shot, mid-range game, and the ability to finish at the rim with finesse.
While a scoring title is missing from the 25-year-old’s resume, the MVP trophy is a far more powerful accolade that is immediately achievable for the superstar forward. Based on the fact that he is a top-five player in the world right now, Tatum will be judged on whether he can win the MVP award or not.
The Boston Celtics will likely earn a top-two seed in the Eastern Conference this upcoming season and if that happens, the player will be in the mix for the MVP trophy. With four All-Star appearances, three All-NBA appearances, and an All-Star Game MVP award, Tatum has had an excellent career so far but he needs an MVP trophy to solidify the case that he is one of the best players to ever play for the esteemed Celtics franchise.
4. Luka Doncic – MVP Award
Luka Doncic’s journey to NBA stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks as the No. 3 overall pick in 2018 and then traded to the Dallas Mavericks, he has quickly established himself as one of the brightest young talents in the league. With four All-Star and four All-NBA appearances over his first five years in the league, Luka is one of the faces of the league right now.
At just 24 years old, Doncic boasts elite playmaking skills that rival those of seasoned veterans. His vision, ball-handling, and ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates are second to none. He’s a true floor general, often leading the Mavericks in assists year after year. At the same time, Doncic is a scoring machine who has averaged at least 27 points per game for four straight years.
Due to his incredible talent and constant comparisons to legendary forward Larry Bird, Doncic is facing heavy expectations including winning the MVP award. The scoring title is one of the trophies Luka will likely win in his career, but the MVP trophy is what fans and media members expect of him going forward. Luckily, the Mavericks star is always in the MVP conversation.
Once he wins that award, we are already looking at a Hall of Famer. There is plenty for Luka to achieve but with only five seasons under his belt, the sky is the limit and time is on the player’s side. The goal for Luka is to return to the Western Conference Finals and also capture the MVP award next season.
3. Joel Embiid – Finals MVP
Joel Embiid’s journey in the NBA has been marked by both physical dominance and an unwavering commitment to improvement. His unique combination of size, skill, and tenacity has transformed him into one of the league’s most dominant forces. After dealing with injuries early on in his career, the Cameroonian has blossomed into a top-five player in the world.
Firstly, Embiid is an elite scorer with an array of offensive weapons at his disposal. His post-up game, mid-range shooting, and ability to finish at the rim make him a constant threat. He can single-handedly take over games with his scoring which is why he has won two scoring titles and averaged at least 30 points per game over the last two seasons.
His defensive impact is equally impressive. His shot-blocking, rim protection, and ability to deter opponents from driving to the basket are instrumental in his team’s success. He is a perennial contender for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award and he will also be judged if he can capture this award as well.
While the Defensive Player of the Year award is one that is missing on the center’s resume, it can be argued that an MVP trophy lessens that blow for now. If the big man is considered one of the top-five players in the world, which he is, an NBA title and Finals MVP award is what Embiid must achieve. Since his rival, Nikola Jokic, won the title, Embiid must keep up and win one of his own.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Scoring Title
It is scary to state that Giannis Antetokounmpo has won almost every individual award that he is realistically capable of winning including the Finals MVP, MVP, and Defensive Player of the Year. The rebounding title is one that The Greek Freak can compete to win over the next few seasons, but he might need a scoring title first.
Giannis is a force to be reckoned with in the paint. His combination of length, strength, and agility allows him to finish at the rim with ease. He is a constant threat to score in transition, on put-backs, and in the post. Over the years, Giannis has worked on expanding his shooting range. He is now a capable mid-range shooter and has become more comfortable taking three-pointers although he is still a liability as a sub-30% shooter.
With a career average of 22.6 points per game and five straight seasons posting at least 27 points per game, Giannis Antetokounmpo is an elite offensive player and he might need a scoring title to start adding more trophies to his resume. So far, Giannis is arguably a top-35 player of all time and he can continue climbing the ranks with a scoring title first and foremost.
1. Nikola Jokic – Assist Title
The race for the NBA assist title is usually dominated by elite point guards, but there’s a unique player who is making a strong case for this prestigious honor—Nikola Jokic. Known primarily as a center, Jokić’s exceptional playmaking skills have revolutionized the center position and put him in contention for the NBA assist title.
The Serbian possesses an otherworldly basketball IQ. His ability to read the game, anticipate plays, and make precise passes sets him apart. He often sees passing lanes and opportunities that others simply do not. Over his career, the center is averaging 6.6 assists per game which ranks first among big men all-time.
Jokic also has the highest assist per game average ever, with his 9.8 assists per game in 2023 ahead of Wilt Chamberlain’s average in 1967-68 (8.6). The center has posted at least 7.0 assists per game for five straight seasons and an assist title would take his legacy completely over the top. Especially since Chamberlain’s 1968 season resulted in an assist title as well.
Jokic has accomplished other important individual accolades including the Finals MVP and MVP award, and since he is not considered to be an elite scorer or defender, an assist title would place him firmly ahead of every other big man as the best floor general we have ever seen. In fact, he might rank among the best floor generals regardless of position.
