Dave Cowens MVP Award

Lore & Background

Cowens was chosen as the 1973 NBA MVP, beating out Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. He later told HOOP magazine in 1992: 'Being named the MVP by my peers meant a lot to me, I was always out to gain the respect of the players, they are the only ones who understand your work habits.'

Reader's Guide

Cowens' MVP season was 1972–73. He appeared in all 82 games, averaging a career-high 20.5 PPG and 16.2 RPG. The Celtics finished 68–14 but were eliminated in the conference semifinals by the New York Knicks.

Did You Know?

• Cowens and fellow Celtic Bill Russell both have the distinction of being named MVP of the league but not being included on the All-NBA First Team.
• Cowens was also named MVP of the 1973 All-Star Game, scoring 15 points and pulling down 13 rebounds.