The debate that still echoes through every sports bar, grinds barbershop production to a halt and has carried sports talk shows to new heights may finally have its answer.
On Tuesday, the NBA revealed five new trophies and renamed end-of-season awards after some of the league’s greatest players. The league’s Defensive Player of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year and Most Improved Player of the Year awards all have been rebranded and named after members of the NBA’s 75th-anniversary team.
The Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy for Defensive Player of the Year
The Wilt Chamberlain Trophy for Rookie of the Year
The John Havlicek Trophy for Sixth Man of the Year
The George Mikan Trophy for Most Improved Player
Jerry West, whose likeness many believe is the current NBA logo, got a new award named Clutch Player of the Year in his honor.
But the focus on social media was on one award: the newly minted Michael Jordan Trophy, which will be given to the league’s MVP each year.
MORE: MJ vs. LeBron: The key stats you need to know in the GOAT debate
We all know MJ’s credentials. Five-time league MVP, six-time Finals MVP and six-time NBA champion. Widely regarded as the best player to ever do it to many. But does this mean that the league finally agrees?
As usual, Twitter had thoughts, and LeBron supporters aren’t going down without a fight.
The one and only 🐐
Via @chicagobulls, The NBA’s MVP will now be awarded with The Michael Jordan Trophy, bearing the name of the greatest player of all time.
LeBron “GOAT” supporters, I think it’s settled 💁♂️ pic.twitter.com/LkMQEOHOPu
— Just Another Year Chicago (@OfficialJAYCHI) December 13, 2022
So what’s Lebron’s trophy, given that he’s better than Jordan? https://t.co/OgJhRXdxqu
— Lawrence Hall (@LawrenceHall105) December 13, 2022
The #NBA renaming the #MVP award after #MJ, calling it the Michael Jordan award is showing the league is conspiring against #Lebron’s greatness lol
“DOES HE HAVE AN MVP AWARD NAMED AFTER HIM?!?!” will be screamed in barbershops all across the country moving forward lol smh
— Keiwi’s Thoughts (I’m/Him) (@iamKeiwi23) December 13, 2022
The #NBA did not name a trophy for LeBron James? They are calling the MVP trophy the Michael Jordan trophy. pic.twitter.com/1hf6orjVon
— Newy Scruggs (@newyscruggs) December 13, 2022
Hold on a sec!
Y’all say MJ is the goat over LeBron.
Can someone write the name of:the YOUNGEST to average 30 PPG
OLDEST to average 30 PPG
# 1 in total points scored this season
who averaged triple double in the FINALS
who won the chip for 3 different teams
I’ll wait….
— daniel (@dane_dlsu) December 13, 2022
