What is the Bill Russell Award? Why NBA Finals MVP trophy is named after Celtics legend

Gilbert McGregor

What is the Bill Russell Award? Why NBA Finals MVP trophy is named after Celtics legend image

Bill Russell's indelible impact on the NBA extends far beyond his 13-year playing career with the Celtics.

Russell, an 11-time NBA champion and the league's first-ever Black head coach, is one of the game's greatest players, ambassadors and a mentor for generations of players to come after him. Russell passed away in 2022, but his name lives on through the NBA Finals MVP Award.

Since 2009, the NBA Finals MVP Award has been named in Russell's honor. Prior to his passing, it was an annual tradition for the Hall of Famer to be on hand when the Finals MVP was announced at the conclusion of the series. Russell was last on hand to give the award to Kawhi Leonard in 2019.

Here is more on why the NBA's Finals MVP Award is named in Russell's honor.

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Why is the NBA Finals MVP Award named after Bill Russell?

In 2009, then-NBA commissioner David Stern announced that the NBA Finals MVP Award would be named in Russell's honor.

"Who better to name this prestigious award for than one of the greatest players of all time and the ultimate champion," said Stern. "Bill inspired a generation not just of basketball fans but Americans everywhere. He is respected by colleagues, coaches, fans and his legacy clearly has withstood the test of time."

Russell is considered the ultimate champion because he has the individual record for most championships with 11. While he won 11 titles, Russell was never named Finals MVP because the award was first given in 1969, the same year Russell won his final title.

MORE: The Sporting News celebrates the life and legacy of Bill Russell

NBA Finals MVP Award winners

Here is the complete list of NBA Finals MVP Award winners. Michael Jordan is the all-time leader with six, followed by LeBron James, who has won the award four times. Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and Tim Duncan have each won the award three times.

YearPlayerTeam
2023Nikola JokicDenver Nuggets
2022Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors
2021Giannis AntetokounmpoMilwaukee Bucks
2020LeBron JamesLos Angeles Lakers
2019Kawhi LeonardToronto Raptors
2018Kevin DurantGolden State Warriors
2017Kevin DurantGolden State Warriors
2016LeBron JamesCleveland Cavaliers
2015Andre IguodalaGolden State Warriors
2014Kawhi LeonardSan Antonio Spurs
2013LeBron JamesMiami Heat
2012LeBron JamesMiami Heat
2011Dirk NowitzkiDallas Mavericks
2010Kobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers
2009Kobe BryantLos Angeles Lakers
2008Paul PierceBoston Celtics
2007Tony ParkerSan Antonio Spurs
2006Dwyane WadeMiami Heat
2005Tim DuncanSan Antonio Spurs
2004Chauncey BillupsDetroit Pistons
2003Tim DuncanSan Antonio Spurs
2002Shaquille O'NealLos Angeles Lakers
2001Shaquille O'NealLos Angeles Lakers
2000Shaquille O'NealLos Angeles Lakers
1999Tim DuncanSan Antonio Spurs
1998Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1997Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1996Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1995Hakeem OlajuwonHouston Rockets
1994Hakeem OlajuwonHouston Rockets
1993Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1992Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1991Michael JordanChicago Bulls
1990Isiah ThomasDetroit Pistons
1989Joe DumarsDetroit Pistons
1988James WorthyLos Angeles Lakers
1987Magic JohnsonLos Angeles Lakers
1986Larry BirdBoston Celtics
1985Kareem Abdul-JabbarLos Angeles Lakers
1984Larry BirdBoston Celtics
1983Moses MalonePhiladelphia 76ers
1982Magic JohnsonLos Angeles Lakers
1981Cedric MaxwellBoston Celtics
1980Magic JohnsonLos Angeles Lakers
1979Dennis JohnsonSeattle SuperSonics
1978Wes UnseldWashington Bullets
1977Bill WaltonPortland Trail Blazers
1976Jo Jo WhiteBoston Celtics
1975Rick BarryGolden State Warriors
1974John HavlicekBoston Celtics
1973Willis ReedNew York Knicks
1972Wilt ChamberlainLos Angeles Lakers
1971Kareem Abdul-JabbarMilwaukee Bucks
1970Willis ReedNew York Knicks
1969Jerry WestLos Angeles Lakers

Gilbert McGregor

Gilbert McGregor Photo

Gilbert McGregor first joined The Sporting News in 2018 as a content producer for Global editions of NBA.com. Before covering the game, McGregor played basketball collegiately at Wake Forest, graduating with a Communication degree in 2016. McGregor began covering the NBA during the 2017-18 season and has been on hand for a number of league events.