
<p>Inspiring tales of success abound in the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-top-3-best-game-winning-buzzer-beaters-in-history-20230727-SPD-3842.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a>, but the most fascinating ones occur when the unlikeliest of heroes do extraordinary feats. The title of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/nba-all-time-top-4-sixth-man-in-history-20230720-SPD-3817.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Most Valuable Player (MVP)</a> in basketball is usually reserved for the sport’s greatest players, those who constantly raise the bar for their team’s play.</p>



<p>However, every once in a while, an underdog comes out of nowhere and surprises everyone by performing at a spectacular level. The underdog mentality is strong in the NBA, as seen by these players, all of whom have inspiring backstories.</p>



<p>Their unexpected MVP awards show the world how unpredictable sports can be and how much potential every player has. In this piece, we honor the three most surprising MVPs in NBA history.</p>



<h2>3. Giannis Antetokounmpo –  2019 and 2020, Milwaukee Bucks</h2>



<p>Giannis Antetokounmpo, originally from Athens, Greece, was picked by the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 with the 15th overall pick. Giannis, who had a tough upbringing in a poor neighborhood of Athens and began his basketball career by peddling timepieces, didn’t seem like he was destined for the NBA.</p>



<p>His stature, speed, and talent, together with his dogged work ethic, allowed him to develop into a star player in the league. He earned the MVP title for the first time in 2019, and his dominant play surprised both fans and observers. He won the award for the second year in a row, in 2020.</p>



<p>The rise of Giannis to NBA superstardom from modest origins is nothing short of remarkable. His hard work, persistence, and enormous skill led to an unexpected ascension to NBA MVP status.</p>



<h2>2. Allen Iverson – 2001, Philadelphia 76ers</h2>



<p>In a league where most players are over 6 feet tall, Allen Iverson never let his height limit his effect on the court. Iverson was a player who consistently confounded expectations with his speed, quickness, and ability to put points on the board.</p>



<p>Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2000–01 while averaging 31.1 points per game. Iverson’s exceptional play that year led to his being named the league’s most valuable player despite the fact that his team was not favored to win the championship. His ability to boost his team’s performance despite being one of the league’s tiniest players led to him being named MVP.</p>



<h2>1. Steve Nash –  2005 and 2006, Phoenix Suns</h2>



<p>Even though he was a talented point guard, few people expected him to achieve the heights he did while playing for the Phoenix Suns. Canadian-born South African Steve Nash was a competent player for the Dallas Mavericks, but he became a superstar after moving to the Phoenix Suns.</p>



<p>In 2005, Nash guided the Suns to 62 victories—the most in the NBA—after finishing with only 29 the year before. He was a game-changer thanks to his lethal shooting, precision passing, and basketball savvy.</p>



<p>In recognition of his exceptional talent and leadership on the court, he was named MVP, a feat he repeated the following year. His two consecutive MVP awards further cemented Nash’s position as one of the game’s all-time best point guards.</p>


NBA: Top 3 most unexpected MVPs of all time

NBA: Top 3 most unexpected MVPs of all time - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas


<p>Growing up, young athletes often find success in more than one sport. While some want to make it to the <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-teams-in-2022-23-nba-season-so-far-20221210-SPD-3243.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NBA</a></strong>, others have their sights set on the MLB. Some people compete in track meets because they want to emulate the greatness of <strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/top-3-rookies-for-2022-23-nfl-season-20221207-SPD-3236.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a></strong> players.</p>



<p>There are instances when athletes disregard their likely position or compensation and seek a career in the sport they love the most. Some people are simply motivated by financial gain or the chance to excel in a particular activity.</p>



<p>Regardless, it’s easy to wonder whether those athletes wouldn’t have been just as successful, if not better if they had taken a different career route. Therefore, we will inform you about three NBA greats who, in retrospect, perhaps would have been as successful in the NFL.</p>



<h2>3. John Havlicek</h2>



<p>John Havlicek, a superstar for the Boston Celtics, was an All-Star in baseball, football, and basketball during his formative years. It’s true that he was picked up in both the NFL and NBA drafts.</p>



<p>The good news for basketball fans is that the renowned guard/forward opted to take his skills to the floor, where he won eight NBA titles, appeared in thirteen All-Star Games and was named Finals MVP once.</p>



<h2>2. Allen Iverson</h2>



<p>All-Star guard Allen Iverson once said that football was his true passion, surpassing even his beloved sport of basketball. He even said he was better at football than basketball, which, when you see the clips, doesn’t seem that far-fetched.</p>



<p>The legendary Philadelphia 76ers player could also play quarterback, kick returner, and defense. Iverson had 21 interceptions throughout his high school career, including a record-tying 5 in a single game because of his exceptional quickness. In addition, he guided his teams to victories at the state level.</p>



<h2>1. LeBron James</h2>



<p><strong><a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nba/top-3-small-forwards-in-2022-23-nba-season-20221202-SPD-3219.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LeBron James</a></strong> wasn’t only inflicting devastation on football before he became the most anticipated basketball prospect of all time. Two times he was named to the All-State team, and he also established several records while playing wide receiver and quarterback.</p>



<p>James, who had a similar build to Calvin Johnson, would have had a terrific NFL career. As a football player, he attracted attention from many schools, including Miami, Notre Dame, Alabama, and Ohio State.</p>


Allen Iverson

NBA: Top 3 most unexpected MVPs of all time

LeBron James and other NBA greats who could have had successful NFL careers

Receive the latest news in your E-mail box