In the fast-paced world of the NBA, where the pace of matches is accelerating and the management of superstars is a priority, seeing a player play all 82 games in the regular season has become an exception. Legends like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant made this regularity a standard in the past. Today, franchises favor a more cautious approach, limiting the playing time of stars to minimize injury risks, especially during back-to-back matches.

The NBA closely monitors the absences of major players and requires credible justifications from the teams. A rule now requires players to participate in at least 65 meetings to be eligible for individual distinctions and selections in the typical teams of the season.

Exceptional Players Who Played All 82 Games and Won MVP

While exceptions like Mikal Bridges, who has authored an impressive series of complete career seasons, remain rare, some big names have not only played the entire regular season but were also crowned MVP. Let’s take a look at these exceptional players.

Kobe Bryant – Los Angeles Lakers (2007-08)

Kobe Bryant is the last player to have accomplished this feat. The legend of the Lakers won his only MVP trophy in the 2007-08 season, concluded by a defeat in the finals against the Boston Celtics. With averages of 28.3 points, 6.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 1.8 interceptions, Kobe was crowned while competing in all 82 games. The following year, he played all the games of the regular season again. Although a second MVP escaped him, Bryant took his revenge on the Celtics by winning the NBA title.

Kevin Garnett – Minnesota Timberwolves (2003-04)

Player with boiling temperament and legendary intensity, Kevin Garnett chained two consecutive seasons without missing a single match. During the second, Big Ticket was crowned MVP with impressive statistics: 24.2 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks per match. On his 20 years of career, Garnett played three complete seasons at 82 games and, during three others, Garnett missed only one meeting. Exemplary regularity for such a physical player.

Tim Duncan – San Antonio Spurs (2001-02)

Rival of Garnett as a strong winger, Tim Duncan evolved in a very different register. Discreet, methodical, and formidable efficiency, Duncan embodied the soul of the Spurs for two decades. Sacred MVP twice consecutive times, the triple MVP Finals played all the matches in his first coronation in 2001-02. That season, Duncan displayed averages of 25.5 points, 12.7 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 2.5 blocks. The following year, although he has retained his title MVP, Timmy still missed a match.

Michael Jordan – Chicago Bulls (1987-88, 1990-91, 1995-96, and 1997-98)

Unsurprisingly, Michael Jordan appears in this list. What impresses is that MJ achieved this feat four times during his five seasons of MVP, a record shared with another player. Another striking fact: during each of these seasons, “His Airness” also finished the best scorer in the league. Absolute domination, both individual and collective.

Karl Malone – Utah Jazz (1996-97)

Nicknamed “The Mailman,” Karl Malone has established himself as one of the most dominant interiors of his time. Malone led jazz to her only two NBA finals while winning two trophies of MVP. His first coronation, in 1996-97, was accompanied by a full season, with 27.4 points, 9.9 rebounds, and 4.5 assists by playing all 82 games.

Larry Bird – Boston Celtics (1985-86)

Icon of the Celtics and the NBA of the 1980s, Larry Bird has stacked individual and collective distinctions. Bird remains the last player to have won three consecutive MVP. His third coronation, in 1985-86, was accompanied by a full season, punctuated by averages of 25.8 points, 9.8 rebounds, and 6.8 assists.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Milwaukee Bucks / Los Angeles Lakers (1970-71, 1975-76, 1976-77, 1979-80)

Long holder of the career record (before being exceeded by LeBron James), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar remains the most successful player as MVP, with six distinctions. Among these six seasons, four were played without missing a single match, thus consolidating its status as an absolute legend of basketball.

Other MVPs Having Played All 82 Games

• Julius Erving – Philadelphia 76ers (1980-81)
• Moses Malone – Houston Rockets (1978-79)
• Bob McAdoo – Buffalo Braves (1974-75)
• Dave Cowens – Boston Celtics (1972-73)
• Wes Unseld – Washington Bullets (1968-69)
• Wilt Chamberlain – (1967-68)

FAQ

Who are the NBA players who played all 82 games and won MVP?

Some of the NBA players who played all 82 games and won the MVP award include Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, Tim Duncan, Michael Jordan, Karl Malone, Larry Bird, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

How many times did Michael Jordan play all 82 games and win MVP?

Michael Jordan achieved this feat four times during his five seasons of MVP.

Who was the last player to play all 82 games and win MVP?

Kobe Bryant was the last player to play all 82 games and win the MVP award in the 2007-08 season.

Did You Know?

Michael Jordan is the only player to have won three consecutive MVP awards and played all 82 games in those seasons.

Pro Tips for Aspiring NBA Stars

Consistency is key. While today’s NBA focuses on injury prevention, legends like Jordan and Bryant set the standard for durability and excellence. Aim to stay healthy and perform at your best every game.

Reader Question

Who do you think will be the next player to achieve this feat of playing all 82 games and winning MVP?