The MVP
In addition to being a 5x champion, this big man won back-to-back MVPs in the early 2000s.
Tim Duncan
This year saw the East #1 seed get swept in the 2nd round, two game 7s in the conference finals, and concluded with the 4th consecutive meeting between the Cavaliers and Warriors in the Finals.
2018
Paul Pierce
Boston Celtics
Now considered a bust, The Charlotte Bobcats selected this player at #2 in 2012 after future all-star Anthony Davis and before future all-star Bradley Beal.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist
Serving as the Warriors coach for 6-years running, this coach has the best win percentage of any coach of 3 or more years in NBA history.
Steve Kerr
In 2003-04, this player averaged 24 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists while leading leading his Timberwolves to a franchise-record 58 wins.
Kevin Garnett
In this year, 5/8 first round series went 7 games, an NBA record.
2014
Steve Nash
Phoenix Suns
Picked at #4 by the New Orleans Hornets in 2005, this PG would go on to score over 18,000 points and dish out more than 9,600 assists in his career, which is still going today.
Chris Paul
This coach has the most playoff wins in NBA history by a wide margin, thanks in large part to the 11 championships he won as bench boss.
Phil Jackson
Regarded as one of the greatest PGs of all time, this player won 3 MVPs in a four-year span in the late 80s/early 90s.
Magic Johnson
This year marked the first ever playoff series win for the Oklahoma City Thunder. And the Memphis Grizzlies became just the 4th 8-seed in NBA history to upset the 1-seed in round one.
2011
Pau Gasol
Memphis Grizzlies
Originally drafted by the 76ers in 2004, this small forward would go on to become one of the most versatile players of all time and was awarded the 2015 NBA Finals MVP for his defensive excellence.
Andre Igoudala
Currently in his 7th season, this head coach has won two separate COY awards. Once with the Hawks, and once with the Bucks.
Mike Budenholzer
Only two rookies have ever won the NBA MVP award. Can you name one of them?
Wilt Chamberlain and Wes Unseld
The Celtics and Bulls first round series set an NBA record for number of games in a series that went to OT(4). Meanwhile Carmelo Anthony reaches the conference finals for the only time in his career this year, losing to Kobe and the Lakers in 6 games.
2009
Ron Artest/Metta World Peace
Los Angeles Lakers
The 1996 draft class is regarded as one of the best in history, producing 3 MVPs and a record 8 players who would make All-NBA teams. Among all the talent, this player headlined, and was drafted #1.
Allen Iverson
This coach has been the bench boss in Dallas for 12 seasons, and oversaw a championship win in 2011.
Rick Carlisle
In 1994, this player became the first international player to ever win the award.
Hakeem Olajuwon
In this year, Michael Jordan overcomes the Detroit Pistons for the first time in his career, sweeping them in the Eastern Conference Final. Game 4 ended with the Pistons famously walking off the court before time expired, refusing to shake hands with the Bulls players.
1991
Al Harrington
Indiana Pacers
This high-profile prospect was selected #3 overall by the Kings in 1991, but famously refused to play with them before being dealt to the Golden State Warriors in a trade for Mitch Richmond. A trade that is now regarded as one of the most lopsided in NBA history.
Billy Owens
This coach spent 23 years as a head coach between 1989 and 2014(most notably with Portland and Sacramento) and ranks #9 on the all-time wins list. But in spite of it, he never won an NBA title as a coach.
Rick Adelman