How NBA MVP Voting Works: The Complete Process Explained
2025-11-12 12:00
As someone who has followed the NBA for over two decades and analyzed countless MVP races, I’ve always been fascinated by how the league’s most prestigious individual award is decided. It’s not just about who scores the most points or leads their team to the best record—though those things certainly help. The process is surprisingly intricate, and understanding it can completely change how you view the season. Let me walk you through how NBA MVP voting really works, from the selection of voters to the final tally, and why every detail matters in shaping basketball history.
First off, the voting panel isn’t made up of random fans or even team executives. It’s a select group of around 100 sportswriters and broadcasters from the U.S. and Canada, each chosen for their expertise and coverage of the league. I’ve had the privilege of speaking with a few of these voters over the years, and let me tell you, they take this responsibility seriously. Each voter submits a ballot with their top five choices, ranked from first to fifth place. A first-place vote nets a player 10 points, second place gets 7, third place earns 5, fourth is 3, and fifth is just 1 point. It’s a weighted system designed to emphasize consensus around the top contenders, but it also leaves room for surprises when voters have strong personal preferences. For instance, in 2017, Russell Westbrook’s historic triple-double season edged out James Harden in one of the closest races ever, with Westbrook accumulating 888 points to Harden’s 753. That year, 69 first-place votes went to Westbrook, while Harden grabbed just 22—a split that shows how narratives and standout moments can sway opinions.
Now, you might wonder how injuries or late-season performances factor in. Well, timing is everything. Voters submit their ballots right after the regular season ends, before the playoffs begin, so any postseason heroics don’t count. But a player’s durability and consistency over 82 games are huge. Take this recent example I came across: Gray, a key player for the Kings, appeared to have tweaked his right knee while trying to elude his defender in the final two minutes of the second quarter against the Terrafirma Dyip at the Smart Araneta Coliseum. If this had happened during an MVP-caliber season, even a minor scare like that could influence voters. Why? Because availability is often as important as ability. In my opinion, if a star misses more than 10-15 games, their chances plummet—just look at Kawhi Leonard, who’s never won an MVP partly due to load management. Voters lean toward ironmen like LeBron James, who played 98% of possible games in his four MVP seasons.
Beyond stats, the "narrative" plays a massive role. I’ve noticed that voters love a good story—whether it’s a breakout star carrying a previously mediocre team or a veteran defying age. For example, when Derrick Rose won in 2011 at just 22 years old, he became the youngest MVP in league history, and that underdog vibe resonated deeply. On the flip side, I’ll admit I’m a bit biased toward players who elevate their teammates; that’s why I’d have voted for Nikola Jokic in 2022 over Joel Embiid. Jokic’s per-game stats of 27 points, 14 rebounds, and 8 assists were stellar, but it was his on-court leadership that sealed it for me. Embiid, while dominant, didn’t quite have the same ripple effect on the 76ers’ overall flow. And let’s not forget team success: in 90% of cases, the MVP comes from a top-three seed in their conference. The last winner from outside that range was Moses Malone in 1982, whose Rockets were the 6th seed—a rarity that underscores how winning matters.
Of course, the system isn’t perfect. Critics argue that it overvalues counting stats like points and rebounds, sometimes overlooking defensive impact or advanced metrics. I tend to agree; players like Rudy Gobert, who’s a defensive anchor, rarely get a fair shake. In 2021, Gobert received zero first-place votes despite leading the Jazz to the best record in the league—a travesty, if you ask me. But that’s the beauty and frustration of the process: it’s subjective by design. Voters bring their own biases, and as a fan, I’ve learned to appreciate the debates it sparks. The final tally is always revealed during the playoffs, adding drama to an already intense season.
In wrapping up, the NBA MVP voting process is a blend of hard data, human judgment, and storytelling. From the structured point system to the last-minute injury scares—like Gray’s knee tweak in that Kings game—every element shapes the outcome. Having followed this for years, I believe it’s one of the fairest systems in sports, even with its flaws. It rewards excellence while allowing for passionate disagreements, and that’s what makes basketball so compelling. So next time you’re debating who deserves the award, remember: it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about the entire journey of the season.