Some players that have been named the NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) include: Michael Jordan, Bob Pettit, Kobe Bryant, Russell Westbrook, and Kyrie Irving. Jerry West was also the MVP in 1972 but this was back when there were two separate games held during All-star weekend so he was the MVP for Game 1.

The All-Star Game MVP trophy has become a highly coveted award due to the high salaries in the NBA and many players hoping for recognition for their talent.

In 2003, Shaquille O’Neal and Tim Duncan were named joint-MVPs of the game. In 2011, Russell Westbrook received his second consecutive MVP award. In recent years, there have been instances where players have been awarded All-Star Game MVP but didn’t win the actual NBA championship that same year or even in their career. This has sparked debate over whether the All-Star Game MVP truly represents the most valuable player for that given season.

What do They Have in Common?

The most common trait among these players is that they were all guards or swingmen. Michael Jordan and Kyrie Irving are both point guards, Kobe Bryant was a shooting guard, Bob Pettit played forward, Jerry West and Russell Westbrook also play the two guard position, and Tim Duncan is a center. It’s interesting to note that Bob Pettit and Shaquille O’Neal are the only centers in NBA history that have been awarded All-Star Game MVP.

However, both of these awards came after the merger when centers were allowed to play more physical defense. This may have contributed to them being named MVP but their impact on the offensive side is also important.

How Did Their Performances Impact the Game?

Michael Jordan’s NBA All-Star Game MVP win came in 1997. The Western Conference was behind the Eastern Conference at halftime and Jordan changed that by scoring an All-Star game record, 40 points in 22 minutes of playing time. The East ended up winning the game as he finished with 19 of 28 from the field and won his record fifth All-Star Game MVP award.

Yes some players get bonuses. For example, Kobe Bryant earned $225,000 for winning the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2011.

Jordan had a strong performance in 1995 as well, scoring 30 points and leading the East to a 135–132 win over the West. Kobe Bryant was also influential for lifting his team during two All-star games, in 2002 and 2011.

What Was the Final Outcome?

When Kobe Bryant won the All-Star Game MVP in 2011, he finished with 37 points and 14 assists. He reached this point total by scoring 19 of his 25 shots from inside the three point arc. As a result, the West beat the East 148–143. Both Michael Jordan and Russell Westbrook lead their teams to victory when they were named MVP. Jordan scored 40 points in his 1997 game and Westbrook recorded 41 points, 14 assists, and 6 rebounds in 2014.

Are There any Similarities Between These Players?

The three point shot has been an important part of recent NBA All-star Game MVPs’ games. Kobe Bryant, Bob Pettit, Russell Westbrook, Kyrie Irving and Jerry West all shot above 40% from three point range and above throughout their careers.

Do NBA Players get Paid for All-star Game

Yes some players get bonuses. For example, Kobe Bryant earned $225,000 for winning the NBA All-Star Game MVP in 2011.

Who is Considered to be The most Valuable Player?

The best way to determine this is probably by looking at whose impact lead them to win the game and who was instrumental in leading their teams to victory. This would be a case by case basis because every player’s performance in the All-Star Game is different.

However, Michael Jordan and Russell Westbrook are two players that have been recognized for their unique impact on the NBA All-Star Game over the past 20 years. The All-Star Game MVP trophy has become a highly coveted award due to the high salaries in the NBA and many players hoping for recognition for their talent. However, when you look at who actually won this award in history, the majority of them were guards or swingmen that played well within their position