In recent seasons in the NBA, the big boys have risen. In fact, the past four MVPs have all been players with a penchant for performing well. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic his guarantee Second MVP in a row a few weeks ago, and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo also won it in consecutive years from 2019 to 2020.
With the big man revival in full effect, brooklyn network front Kevin Durant took to Twitter with a question worth arguing. Which centers from the 1990s era will vie for the title of Best Player in the Modern NBA? He recommends the Patrick Ewing Basketball Hall of Fame, David Robinson, and Shaquille O’Neal. The latter two won the MVP hardware during their game days, with Robinson winning it in 1995 and O’Neal winning the honor in 2000.
Which hubs from the 90’s would be in the mvp chat if they played in the daily nba?
– Kevin Durant (@ KDTrey5) May 18, 2022
Basketball Twitter is full of replies, including some from past and current players. Rayford Young, the father of Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, had only one name in mind when answering Durant’s question. Elder Young played for Texas Tech in college from 1996 to 2000 and then went professional in France.
I have Pat Ewing, shaq and David Robinson https://t.co/IsL1zUJMUc
– Kevin Durant (@ KDTrey5) May 18, 2022
At moment later, Los Angeles Lakers superstar and four times MVP LeBron James Infatuated with your choices. He and Durant agreed on Robinson and O’Neal, but James chose Hakeem Olajuwon over Ewing. Olajuwon won the MVP in 1994.
Shaq, Dream, Admiral.
– LeBron James (@KingJames) May 18, 2022
While that’s a great conversation, we’ll never know if these old centers can actually compete for MVP hardware in today’s NBA. Who will make your list?
