The title of unanimous MVP in the NBA is a remarkable achievement, one that speaks volumes about a player’s dominance, skill, and impact on the game during a single season. To be named the Most Valuable Player by every voter without exception is rare because MVP voting involves sportswriters and broadcasters from across the country who often have varying opinions and biases. The fact that only one player in NBA history has achieved this unanimous MVP status highlights the extraordinary nature of that player’s performance, the respect they commanded across the league, and the sheer talent and pure skill they displayed.
When we talk about the only unanimous MVP in NBA history, we are referring to Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors, who earned this distinction in the 2015-2016 NBA season. This feat is not just about winning the MVP award; it’s about redefining the way basketball is played and appreciated. Curry’s unanimous MVP season was a seismic shift in basketball culture and strategy, showcasing a level of shooting and scoring that had rarely, if ever, been seen before on such a consistent and impactful scale.
Stephen Curry’s journey to becoming the unanimous MVP was one marked by relentless dedication, evolution of skill, and a unique blend of natural talent and work ethic. He was never the most physically imposing player on the court—standing at 6 feet 3 inches and weighing around 185 pounds, Curry doesn’t fit the traditional mold of NBA superstars known for their size and athleticism. Instead, what set him apart was his unparalleled shooting ability, ball-handling, and court vision. His skill set changed the way defenses had to think, forcing entire teams to adjust their game plans just to try to contain him.
In that 2015-2016 season, Curry shattered records and expectations. He scored 30.1 points per game, led the league in scoring, and broke his own NBA record for most three-pointers made in a single season by draining an astonishing 402 three-pointers. His ability to shoot from long range, often off the dribble and with defenders closing out hard, was revolutionary. Before Curry, long-range shooting was often a valuable skill but was not necessarily the central focus of an offense. He made the three-pointer the most lethal weapon in the game, altering offensive strategies league-wide.
What made Curry’s performance even more impressive was the efficiency with which he played. He combined his high scoring with remarkable shooting percentages, demonstrating that his numbers weren’t inflated simply by volume shooting but by genuine accuracy and smart shot selection. His effective field goal percentage and true shooting percentage were among the best in the league, showcasing the balance of skill and decision-making.
Beyond the statistics, Curry’s style of play was mesmerizing to watch. His quick release, deep range, and ability to shoot accurately from virtually anywhere on the court made him a constant threat. His dribbling skills allowed him to create space even against the tightest defenses, and his unselfishness and court vision helped him rack up assists and contribute to team success. The Warriors finished the regular season with a historic 73-9 record, the best in NBA history, underscoring Curry’s impact on his team’s dominance. This team success was integral to his MVP case, as the award often goes to a player who not only performs individually but also elevates his team to new heights.
Another key element of Curry’s unanimous MVP recognition was his role as a leader and trendsetter. His style and success inspired a new generation of players to prioritize shooting, ball movement, and spacing. The NBA landscape today, with its emphasis on pace and space and the three-point shot, is heavily influenced by what Curry and the Warriors accomplished. It’s hard to overstate how much he changed the game.
The unanimous MVP vote also reflected the respect Curry earned from his peers, coaches, and analysts. The fact that every single voter agreed he was the most valuable player speaks to how his contributions transcended traditional metrics and narratives. His influence was felt beyond the box score—in the excitement he brought to the game, the way he electrified fans, and the tactical adjustments that coaches around the league had to make to try to contain him.
While the unanimous MVP is an individual accolade, it’s important to recognize the context of team success and basketball intelligence that surrounded Curry’s achievement. Basketball is a team sport, and Curry’s synergy with teammates like Klay Thompson and Draymond Green created one of the most formidable trios in NBA history. Their chemistry allowed Curry to maximize his strengths and constantly push the Warriors toward excellence. The team’s success bolstered Curry’s MVP case because it highlighted that his individual brilliance translated into winning basketball. The Warriors didn’t just win games; they set a new standard for how basketball could be played.
Furthermore, the unanimous MVP status also solidified Curry’s place among the all-time greats. Before that season, some questioned whether he was truly in the elite tier of NBA superstars. The 2015-2016 season removed all doubt. His performance was so dominant, so clearly superior to all others that year, that it became a defining moment in NBA history. It was a statement about skill, perseverance, and innovation. His unanimous MVP award became a symbol of basketball talent and pure skill prevailing on the grandest stage.
In retrospect, Curry’s unanimous MVP season is often cited as a turning point in the NBA, a moment when the league fully embraced the evolution of skill and pace. It marked the rise of the three-point era, influencing how teams build rosters and craft offensive strategies. Players who can shoot from long range, handle the ball with ease, and make quick decisions became more valuable than ever before. Curry’s influence is still evident today in how the game is played at every level—from youth basketball to the professional ranks.
The significance of the unanimous MVP extends beyond the individual player to the cultural and strategic shifts in basketball. It’s a recognition that the sport is constantly evolving and that pure skill, when combined with basketball IQ and competitive spirit, can reshape the game. Curry’s achievement serves as a reminder that talent isn’t just about physical attributes like size or athleticism but also about technique, precision, and innovation.
To sum up, the only unanimous MVP in NBA history, Stephen Curry, earned this unprecedented honor through a season that combined record-breaking shooting, incredible scoring efficiency, leadership, and team success. His influence on the sport goes far beyond the award itself, changing how basketball is played and appreciated worldwide. Curry’s unanimous MVP stands as a testament to basketball talent and pure skill—a unique blend that forever altered the NBA landscape and set a new standard for greatness.
