The NBA has experienced massive waves of transformation since the league’s inception in 1946. The American basketball league has emerged as one of the greatest sports leagues on the planet, earning recognition across the globe. The game of hoops has seen many legends glorify the game with their excellence and unbelievable skills. Notably, the NBA has recently taken a major step to honor its legends, as Michael Jordan gets enshrined alongside Wilt Chamberlain and Hakeem Olajuwon in a unique decision from the league. However, the new move has attracted a lot of backlash on social media with fans predicting the league’s demise.
Recently, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver decided to rename the league’s major individual awards. Therefore, the NBA’s top-notch achievements would now be named after legendary players who have contributed massively over the decades. Their names would effectively replace conventional names like the MVP, ROY, or DPOY.
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Michael Jordan & other legends receive enshrinement in NBA
NBA Insider Shams Charania recently reported the new names of the NBA awards on Twitter. As per the tweet, the Most Valuable Player(MVP) award has been renamed ‘The Michael Jordan Trophy’. Additionally, the Defensive Player of the Year award will now be called the ‘Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy’.
The Rookie of the Year award will be known as the ‘Wilt Chamberlain Trophy’. In addition, the Sixth Man of the Year will now be recognized with the ‘John Havlicek Trophy’ and the Most Improved player will be awarded the ‘George Mikan Trophy’.
Lastly, the New Clutch Player of the Year will receive the ‘Jerry West Trophy.’
New names and trophies for NBA’s major individual awards:
– MVP: The Michael Jordan Trophy
– DPOY: Hakeem Olajuwon Trophy
– ROY: Wilt Chamberlain Trophy
– Sixth Man of Year: John Havlicek Trophy
– Most Improved: George Mikan Trophy
– New Clutch Player of Year: Jerry West Trophy— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) December 13, 2022
The NBA has kicked off a new era with a massive change in its signature terms regarding significant individual achievements. Moreover, the move in favor of the greatest contributors to the league will honor their legacies in times to come.
NBA fans react to the unforeseen change
The historic attempt to cherish the legacies of Jordan, Chamberlain, and Olajuwon, among others has drawn a strange reaction from fans who have predicted the demise of the NBA’s authenticity.
One fan commented, “The league is on life support and Adam Silver is standing over it with a pillow.” A similar sentiment was echoed by many.
This league is on life support and Adam Silver is standing over it with pillow https://t.co/RSQoPagXhE
— Particle Man (@JesseGladsaget) December 13, 2022
Here are some of the reactions from fans.
The NBA wins the:
“Unnecessary Name Change” Award
Which will now be known as the:
Ron Artest Trophy
— Matt Williams (@MattWi77iams) December 13, 2022
This is completely unnecessary and it’s just gonna confuse new fans
— Average Timberwolves Fan • (30-11) (@ChadWolvesFan) December 13, 2022
Adam Silver will not see heaven..Stern will make sure he got a nice hot seat next to him for ruining his league!
— BIG JEEZY (@J_JEEZY32) December 13, 2022
Why, just why
— Phuckin Fightins (@Derek9306) December 13, 2022
bro why would you change the name of the mvp
— ClaxtonsGoat🇨🇦🐬 (@ClaxtonsGoat) December 13, 2022
adam silver finding new ways to ruin the NBA… pic.twitter.com/pz5xpAYFHz
— peazy 🥷🏾 (@sleazyyp) December 13, 2022
Nobody will remember this
— Mike Meech (@meechone) December 13, 2022
I think naming the awards and changing their name every period reduces the value of the award. I do not know why every award is named after a legend player. Surely a day will come and a player will break their records. Will they change the name of the award as well?
— ابو بيكر (@zf_9k) December 13, 2022
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This is bullshit lmao those guys could all be passed one day. Just keep it standard lol
— 𝐊𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐲𝐚𝐦𝐢 (@papyfaye1) December 13, 2022
NBA fans on Twitter did not seem too pleased by the change in the names of the league awards. Moreover, many fans argued that the NBA might end up losing its authenticity due to the massive decision.
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What do you think about the award name change by the NBA? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!