NBA History: 5 Players who were on the verge of winning unanimous MVP

NBA MVP Press Conference
Steph Curry won his unanimous MVP during the 2015-16 season

#4 Michael Jordan - 1995-96 (Won 109 of 113 votes)

Michael Jordan receives the award from commissioner David Stern
Michael Jordan receives the award from commissioner David Stern

Arguably the greatest of all time had the greatest season of all time and yet could not win the unanimous MVP. Michael Jordan was lighting up the league during the 1995-96 season with Chicago Bulls. He was leading the league in scoring and was one of the best two-way players in the league.

Jordan led the Bulls to a 72-10 regular-season record while averaging 30.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 4.3 assists by shooting nearly 43% from the perimeter. It was his first full season back from retirement. Along with Scottie Pippen and Denis Rodman, the Bulls went on to win their fourth championship in six years.


#3 Kevin Garnett 2003-04 (120 of 123 votes)

Kevin Garnett played for the Minnesota Timberwolves when he won the MVP
Kevin Garnett played for the Minnesota Timberwolves when he won the MVP

Nicknamed "The Big Ticket", Kevin Garnett was the driving force behind the Minnesota Timberwolves during the 2003-04 season. As the talisman of the franchise, Garnett averaged 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 5 assists throughout the season while shooting 50% from the field. His intimidating presence made him a genuine threat on both ends of the floor.

Leading the way for the Timberwolves, KG dragged the team to Western Conference Finals where they eventually lost to the Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise led the Western Conference with a 58-24 record and breezed past the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the postseason. Minnesota then went up against the Sacramento Kings in the semifinals who they beat in seven games before eventually losing to the Lakers.

It was a disappointing end to a brilliant season for Garnett and the franchise.

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