Over the past few seasons in the NBA, big men have made a resurgence. In fact, the past four MVPs have been paint-oriented players. Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic secured his second consecutive MVP a few weeks ago, and Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo also won it in back-to-back years from 2019 to 2020.
With the big man renaissance in full effect, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant took to Twitter with a debate-worthy question. Which centers from the 1990s era would be in contention for Most Valuable Player honors in the modern NBA? He suggested Basketball Hall of Famers Patrick Ewing, David Robinson and Shaquille O'Neal. The latter two won the MVP hardware in their playing days, with Robinson winning it in 1995 and O'Neal securing the honor in 2000.
Which centers from the 90s would be in the mvp conversation if they played in todays nba?
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 18, 2022
Basketball Twitter had a plethora of answers, including some from players of past and present. Rayford Young, the father of Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young, had only one name in mind in response to Durant's question. The elder Young played for Texas Tech in college from 1996 to 2000 and then professionally in France.
I got Pat Ewing, shaq and David Robinson https://t.co/IsL1zUJMUc
— Kevin Durant (@KDTrey5) May 18, 2022
A little later, Los Angeles Lakers superstar and four-time MVP LeBron James chimed in with his choices. He and Durant agreed on Robinson and O'Neal, but James selected Hakeem Olajuwon over Ewing. Olajuwon won MVP in 1994.
Shaq, Dream, Admiral.
— LeBron James (@KingJames) May 18, 2022
Although it is great conversation to have, we'll never know if these old-school centers could truly contend for the MVP hardware in today's NBA. Who would make your list?