It’s no secret that the National Basketball Association is filled with iconic players and celebrated teams from all across North America. In addition to all of this, the National Basketball Association also boasts a number of acclaimed and prestigious basketball awards that are among the most respected in professional sports in North America. As the 2017-2018 National Basketball Association season continues, here’s a quick look at just a few of the most famous basketball awards and trophies the NBA has to offer!

Larry O’Brien Trophy

The most prestigious and coveted of all team basketball awards in the NBA, the Larry O’Brien Trophy is awarded to the winning team of the NBA Finals at the end of every season. Preceded by the Walter A. Brown Trophy, which was introduced in 1947 and retired in 1977, the Larry O’Brien Trophy was introduced in 1977 and renamed in honor of former National Basketball Association Commissioner Larry O’Brien in 1984. The famed trophy has been won by many of the National Basketball Association’s most celebrated teams over the years, the most recent of which is the Golden State Warriors. 

Most Valuable Player Award

The Most Valuable Player Award is the most prized of all individual basketball awards and trophies in the National Basketball Association. The award is presented at the end of every NBA season and recognizes the single most outstanding player in the National Basketball Association for their contributions over the course of the season. The vote is held at the end of the season by a panel of sportswriters and media professionals. The Most Valuable Player Award itself was first introduced back in 1956 and is presented in the form of the Maurice Podoloff Trophy. Stephen Curry is the only player in NNA history to win the award unanimously, winning it during the 2015-2016 National Basketball Association Season while Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder is the current holder of the award. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar boasts the most MVP Awards with six total, while other notable winners of the years include Michael Jordan, Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Wilt Chamberlain among others. 

Rookie of the Year Award 

The Rookie of the Year Award is yet another one of the most prestigious basketball awards in the National Basketball Association. The award is presented to the best rookie player during the NBA season as determined by the votes of a panel of professional sportswriters and sports media personnel. The award was first introduced back in 1953 and is presented in the form of the Eddie Gottlieb Trophy. Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks is the current holder of the award while other notable winners over the years have included future stars such as LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Vince Carter, Allen Iverson, Shaquille O’Neal, Michael Jordan and Larry Bird. 

Coach of the Year Award

This award is presented to the best coach in the regular NBA season and is determined by the votes of a panel of professional sportswriters and other sports journalists. First introduced back in 1963, the award has been won by iconic coaches such as Gregg Popovich, Pat Riley, Don Nelson and Phil Jackson.

Many more trophies and awards to come!