Fifty-six years ago today, Wes Unseld etched his name into NBA history by becoming only the second rookie ever to win the league’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. The Baltimore Bullets’ 6’7″ center joined Wilt Chamberlain, who achieved the feat in 1960, as the only players to claim both MVP and Rookie of the Year honors in the same season. Unseld’s remarkable debut season not only transformed the Bullets but also sparked one of the most competitive MVP races in NBA history.
Selected as the No. 2 pick in the 1968 NBA Draft, Unseld wasted no time making an impact. He averaged 13.8 points, 18.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, leading the Bullets to a 57-25 record—a dramatic turnaround from their 36-46 finish the previous year. Unseld’s defensive dominance, rebounding prowess, and leadership were instrumental in propelling Baltimore into the playoffs, where they reached the Eastern Division semifinals.
The 1969 MVP race was a fierce battle, with several legendary players vying for the coveted award. Willis Reed of the New York Knicks, who averaged 21.1 points and 14.5 rebounds per game, was a strong contender. Philadelphia’s Billy Cunningham also had an outstanding season, posting 24.8 points and 12.8 rebounds per game. Meanwhile, Boston Celtics icon Bill Russell, in his final NBA season, continued to showcase his defensive brilliance and leadership, contributing to the team’s success.
Adding to the intrigue, Chamberlain himself remained a dominant force, averaging 20.5 points, 21.1 rebounds, and 4.5 assists with the Lakers. The depth of talent that season highlighted the difficulty of Unseld’s achievement—not only competing against the all-time greats but also emerging victorious in a season loaded with individual brilliance.
Unseld’s MVP win was a reflection of his unique impact on the game. While he wasn’t a high-scoring player like Chamberlain or Reed, his rebounding, defensive presence, and leadership fundamentally altered the Bullets’ trajectory. His selfless playstyle emphasized the importance of team success, making him a deserving recipient of the honor.
