Over and Back: Defense doesn't (usually) win NBA MVP

We look at how more heavily offensive-oriented NBA players have been winning Most Valuable Player at a greater rate in recent years and why we think the award has shifted away from more defensive-focused players in the latest episode of the Over and Back Classic NBA Podcast.

Jason Mann is joined by Dar-Wei Chen of 16 Wins A Ring and Orlando Magic Daily to discuss his recent article looking at NBA MVPs and what they contributed in offensive and defensive win shares, how well the numbers we have now can measure individual defense, and how much an elite player’s offense can influence a game over an elite player’s defense.

We also look at how much Bill Russell is an outlier in terms of defensive statistics, how past MVPs were a mix of players who were more productive on either side of the ball, at what point the shift changed to offense-oriented types, and whether defense isn’t getting its due or if the game has just evolved.

Listen: Sailing into Los Angeles Clippers history

We also dig into the numbers from MVP seasons from Bob Cousy, Hakeem Olajuwon, Wes Unseld, Willis Reed, Dave Cowens, Bill Walton, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Moses Malone, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Tim Duncan and LeBron James. We see which were more productive on offense or defense, or were dominant in both, and see what other lessons can be found.

Over and Back: Defense doesn’t (usually) win NBA MVP

By Jason Mann | Mar 3, 2017

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