How many NBA Finals MVP awards does Bill Russell have? Why the Celtics legend never won an award despite winning 11 championships

The Warriors’ Stephen Curry may not have won the NBA Finals MVP yet, but that means he’s in pretty good company. Celtics legend Bill Russell doesn’t have it either.

Yes, you read that right: Russell, who reached the NBA Finals 12 times and won 11 championships in his career, never took home the Finals MVP trophy.

There must be some mistake in the history books, right? How could one of the greatest players in league history walk off the court without that honor on his resume?

MORE: Ranking Curry’s Best NBA Finals Performances

Why Bill Russell Never Became the NBA Finals MVP

Russell had only one opportunity to become the Finals MVP. The award was first presented during the 1969 NBA Finals, the last championship series of Russell’s career.

Lakers star Jerry West won the award after averaging nearly 38 points in seven games, but Russell and the Celtics won the series. West remains the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP in a losing effort.

NBA Renames Finals MVP Award After Bill Russell

In 2009, then-commissioner David Stern announced that each series’ Finals MVP would receive the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player award.

“Who better to be named with this prestigious award than one of the greatest players of all time and the undisputed champion?” Stern said at the time.

Who votes for NBA Finals MVP?

The NBA Finals MVP Award has been presented annually since the 1969 NBA Finals. The winner of the award is selected by a jury of 11 media representatives. They cast their votes immediately after the end of the last game of the series, and the player with the most votes is rewarded.

Complete list of NBA Finals MVP award winners

Michael Jordan holds the record for most Finals MVP awards in league history with six. LeBron James follows Jordan with four Finals MVP trophies. He is the only player to win the award with three different franchises (Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers).

Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the latest recipient of the award. He led Milwaukee to its first championship in 50 years, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals per game against Phoenix in the 2021 NBA Finals.