NBA Finals MVP Award Undergoes Name Change

From NBA Finals MVP to Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has announced a name change for its annual Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Effective immediately, the award will be known as the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award, in honor of the legendary Boston Celtics center and 11-time NBA champion.

A Fitting Tribute

Russell, who passed away in July 2022, is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in NBA history. He was a dominant force in the paint, known for his rebounding, defense, and leadership. His contributions to the Celtics dynasty and the NBA as a whole make him an appropriate namesake for the Finals MVP award.

The renaming of the award serves as a tangible recognition of Russell's legacy and his impact on the game of basketball. It also underscores the NBA's commitment to honoring its past legends and inspiring future generations of players.

Recent History

In recent years, the Finals MVP award has been won by some of the NBA's most iconic stars. Stephen Curry claimed the honor in 2022, leading the Golden State Warriors to their seventh championship in franchise history. LeBron James won four Finals MVP awards with the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, while Michael Jordan won six with the Chicago Bulls.

With the Celtics on the brink of a record 18th NBA title, the 2023 Finals MVP race is wide open. Several players have put forth impressive performances, including Jason Tatum, Marcus Smart, and Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.