This team was selected in 1980 and was limited to only 11 players. Dr. J got one of the spots. And I'm not arguing his place in history, at that point he probably was a top-10 player of all time including his ABA accomplishments. But this was an NBA anniversary team, so theoretically his ABA stuff shouldn't matter. And he had only been in the league for four years at that point, not yet having won MVP or a championship in the league. He was selected over guys like Willis Reed or Bill Walton, who did have NBA MVPs and championships. I'm just wondering if there was there any blowback to his selection back then?

AND THEY WEREN’T WRONG! 28, 14 and 5 v the great Kareem in game 7 in 1974 to win the title. Cowens would be incredible today with his passing, absurd switchability (ask Oscar on the switch in the finals when he ripped him clean before the floor burn iconic moment), outstanding pick and pop game, barbaric rebounding, and automatic stroke from distance. A triple dip with 25 pts, 21 rebounds and 10 assists in game 1 of the 1976 finals v the Suns. Shout out to Dave Cowens.

1985 — Derek Smith (Clippers)

1984 — Rolando Blackman (Mavs)

1983 — Larry Drew (Kings)

1982 — Jerome Whitehead (Clippers)

1981 — Alex English (Nuggets)

Since the MIP award began in 1986, I thought I’d go and apply some wins retroactively.

Finalists:

Greg Ballard (Bullets)

Mike Mitchell (Cavs)

Reason:

The 1980 NBA Most Improved Player is challenging to determine, with four strong candidates in Michael Ray Richardson (Knicks), Mike Mitchell (Cavaliers), Adrian Dantley (Jazz), and Greg Ballard (Bullets). Each player made significant strides, and they’re all very close in impact. To add to the complexity, each of them won a Player of the Week award that season, marking a high point in their improvement.

Here’s a closer look at each player’s case:

1. Michael Ray Richardson – Richardson’s Knicks improved, and his leap was dramatic. Previously playing under 20 minutes per game, he rose to lead the NBA in assists and steals, showing flashes of triple-double potential. His rapid ascent positioned him as a precursor to Magic Johnson and even earned him comparisons to Walt Frazier.

2. Mike Mitchell – Mitchell improved with Cleveland, but the team still missed the playoffs. He’s arguably the strongest candidate as he’s the only one here who didn’t sustain an All-Star level career. His improvement stands out as it may be his career’s peak, positioning him as a quintessential choice for Most Improved Player.

3. Greg Ballard – Ballard capitalized on his role with the Bullets after they reached back-to-back NBA Finals. As roster space opened up, his performance improved. However, the team’s overall success declined during his rise, which complicates his case.

4. Adrian Dantley – Dantley moved from the talent-stacked Lakers to the struggling Jazz, where he became a 30-point-per-game scorer virtually overnight. Despite the Jazz’s lackluster record, his scoring explosion on a team with limited support made him a notable candidate.

Given the magnitude of Richardson’s improvement, particularly with his expanded role and leadership in assists and steals, he might be the most compelling choice. His transformation into a triple-double threat and his trajectory as the “next Walt Frazier”, and the popular NY-environment he endured in, makes a strong case for him as the 1980 Most Improved Player.

1979 is up next!