Shaquille O’Neal has proposed a significant overhaul to the NBA’s MVP voting process, suggesting that only individuals with deep basketball knowledge and experience should have a say in selecting the league’s most valuable player.
“It should be Hall of Famers and ex-players only, 50 Hall of Famers and 50x players that’s it that’s how voting should be.”
“All these earthlings like Stephen A. and Shannon Sharpe and you know uh Mad Dog and all no, I’m just saying like they shouldn’t get votes. It should be 50 Hall of Famer and 50x players that they understand the game.” (56:07)
According to O’Neal, the current panel of 100 sportswriters and broadcasters who vote for the MVP award should be replaced by a more exclusive group consisting of 50 Hall of Famers and 50 former NBA players. He argues that these individuals, who have firsthand experience playing the game at the highest level, are better equipped to evaluate the true value of a player’s contributions.
In O’Neal’s view, limiting the voting pool to individuals who have earned their place in the Hall of Fame or have played in the NBA ensures that only those with a deep understanding of the game have a say in determining the MVP. He dismisses the idea of allowing non-players, such as media personalities, to participate in the voting process, suggesting that they lack the necessary insight into the nuances of basketball.
This proposal reflects O’Neal’s frustration with past MVP selections, particularly his belief that he was unfairly overlooked for the award during his playing career. O’Neal points to instances where players with impressive individual statistics and impact on the court were passed over in favor of those on winning teams or with favorable media narratives.
While O’Neal’s suggestion may be controversial, it underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the MVP voting process and the need for greater transparency and accountability in selecting the league’s most prestigious individual award. Whether or not O’Neal’s proposal gains traction remains to be seen, but it has certainly sparked a conversation about how the NBA should evaluate and recognize its top performers.
There Is A Major Problem With Shaquille O’Neal’s Plan
While Shaquille O’Neal’s proposal to have only Hall of Famers and former NBA players vote for the MVP award may seem appealing on the surface, there are significant challenges and potential drawbacks that must be considered.
One major issue with O’Neal’s plan is the selection process for the voting panel. How would the NBA determine which Hall of Famers and former players are eligible to vote? With hundreds of retired players to choose from, selecting just 100 individuals could prove to be a contentious and difficult task.
Additionally, determining the appropriate ratio of Hall of Famers to former players poses another challenge, as does ensuring representation from all eras of the game.
Furthermore, there is a risk of bias among the voting panel. Past NBA legends and ex-players may hold grudges or personal biases against certain current players or teams. This could lead to skewed voting outcomes and undermine the integrity of the MVP award.
Additionally, some former players may have a preference for a particular style of play or era of basketball, leading them to favor players who align with their personal preferences rather than those who have had the most significant impact on the game.
Another concern is the potential for conflicts of interest. Former teammates or players from the same era or same team may be inclined to vote for each other, regardless of their actual performance relative to other candidates. This could result in a lack of impartiality and fairness in the voting process.
While O’Neal’s plan may seek to address perceived flaws in the current MVP voting system, it is not without its own set of challenges and potential pitfalls. Finding a solution that ensures fairness, impartiality, and transparency in the MVP selection process will require careful consideration and collaboration among all stakeholders involved in the NBA.
