Who has the lowest draft pick to become MVP?
The term "MVP" commonly refers to the NBA's regular season Most Valuable Player award. However, the information provided specifically addresses the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (Finals MVP) award and the draft positions of its recipients. Based on this information, Nikola Jokic holds the distinction for the lowest draft pick to become Finals MVP.
Understanding NBA MVP Awards
It is crucial to differentiate between the two primary MVP awards in the National Basketball Association:
- NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP): This prestigious award is presented annually to the player deemed to have performed the best over the entire regular season.
- NBA Finals Most Valuable Player (Finals MVP): This award recognizes the most outstanding player in the NBA Finals series, the championship round of the NBA playoffs.
The data presented here pertains exclusively to players who have won the NBA Finals MVP award.
Lowest Draft Picks to Win NBA Finals MVP
The following table highlights players who have earned the NBA Finals MVP title despite being selected with relatively low draft picks, showcasing the diverse paths to basketball greatness:
| Player | Year Finals MVP Won | Draft Position | Draft Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nikola Jokic | 2023 | No. 41 | 2014 |
| Dennis Johnson | 1976 | No. 29 | 1976 |
| Tony Parker | 2007 | No. 28 | 2001 |
| Joe Dumars | 1989 | No. 18 | 1985 |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 2021 | No. 15 | 2013 |
The Exact Answer
Based on the provided information concerning NBA Finals MVP awards, Nikola Jokic holds the record for the lowest draft pick to win the award. He was drafted as the No. 41 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft and earned the Finals MVP in 2023.
