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How Did the 2021 NBA MVP Voting Results Shape the Season's Legacy?
2025-11-04 19:13
Looking back at the 2021 NBA MVP voting results, I still feel a mix of admiration and frustration over how that season’s narrative unfolded. As a longtime basketball fan, I’ve always believed that MVP races don’t just highlight individual greatness—they shape how we remember entire eras. That year, Nikola Jokić took home the trophy with 91 first-place votes, leaving Joel Embiid and Stephen Curry in his wake. But what fascinates me isn’t just the numbers; it’s how the voting reflected a season full of near-misses and “what-ifs.” I remember watching the Denver Nuggets struggle after Jamal Murray’s injury and thinking, “Man, Jokić is carrying this team on his back.” Still, part of me wonders if the voters got it completely right. Embiid’s dominance in Philadelphia was jaw-dropping, and Curry’s scoring outbursts felt like watching a magician at work. Yet, Jokić’s historic efficiency—averaging 26 points, nearly 11 rebounds, and over 8 assists per game—made him the standout, at least statistically.
When I think about that season’s legacy, one phrase comes to mind, borrowed from a passionate fan’s take I once read: “Ang dami namang beses na dinala na rin tayo niyan sa championship. Nabibitin lang pero may rason ang lahat.” Loosely translated, it means, “There were so many times he carried us to the championship. We fell short, but there’s a reason for everything.” That sentiment resonates deeply with the 2021 MVP discussion. Jokić, for instance, lifted the Nuggets to the playoffs despite a depleted roster, yet they couldn’t advance far. Embiid’s 76ers stumbled in the playoffs too, and Curry’s Warriors missed the postseason entirely. In a way, the MVP vote became a consolation prize for carrying teams that ultimately fell short. It’s like the voters were saying, “We see your effort, even if the ring isn’t there.” From my perspective, that’s both inspiring and a little heartbreaking. I’ve always leaned toward valuing players who elevate their teams in clutch moments, and Jokić did that—but so did others. If I had a vote, I might’ve gone with Embiid, just for his two-way impact and sheer dominance in the paint.
What’s interesting is how the MVP results influenced the league’s storyline moving forward. Jokić’s win signaled a shift toward valuing versatile big men who can orchestrate offenses, something I think will define the next decade of basketball. But it also set high expectations. Fans and analysts, including myself, started judging these stars by whether they could convert individual accolades into championships. In Jokić’s case, he eventually did, winning a title in 2023, but back in 2021, it felt like we were witnessing the start of something special, even if it was incomplete. Reflecting on it now, I see that season as a reminder that MVP awards aren’t just about stats—they’re about context, resilience, and those “almost” moments that keep us hooked. So, when we ask, “How did the 2021 NBA MVP voting results shape the season’s legacy?” the answer lies in how it celebrated greatness amid uncertainty, much like that fan’s wisdom: falling short doesn’t erase the journey, and there’s always a reason things unfold the way they do.
Heather Bolton Suber ’02
Leah Schnell ’01
Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93
Dr. Ralph Swearngin
Point University will induct four members into the Athletics Hall of Fame during a luncheon on Friday, October 24, during Homecoming weekend.
The class of 2025 includes Leah Schnell ’01, Heather Bolton Suber ’02, Dr. Ralph Swearngin and Sarah Grimes Wiggins ’93. The Athletics Hall of Fame was launched in May 2024, when six inaugural members were inducted.
“We look forward to honoring the second Hall of Fame class during Homecoming,” said Jaunelle White, vice president of intercollegiate athletics and chief student development officer. “It’s always a great feeling to have our alumni back on campus mingling with our current student-athletes and coaches. These individuals were elite during their time at Atlanta Christian College and deserve to be recognized.”
Schnell attended Atlanta Christian College from 1998 to 2001, where she earned a degree in business while competing in both basketball and volleyball. On the basketball court, she earned First Team All-Conference, Scholar Athlete, and First Team All-American honors for three consecutive years. Schnell also held the title of all-time leading scorer from 1998-2001. She now thrives as a commercial construction project manager at Barnsley Construction Group and as an entrepreneur.
Suber, from Havana, Florida, attended ACC from 1998 to 2002. A dedicated two-sport athlete, she earned numerous accolades, including First Team All-Conference, Second Team All-Conference, Honorable Mention and First Team All-American. One of her most memorable achievements came when she made eleven three-pointers in a single game. Suber graduated with a degree in early childhood education and went on to earn a master’s degree in education and a specialist degree in instructional technology. For over 23 years, she has served as an educator.
Swearngin has had a distinguished career in education, athletics and ministry spanning several decades, including 20 years at ACC in roles such as professor, dean of students, athletics director and coach. He held national leadership positions with the NCCAA, served as a trustee of Point University for over 10 years, and worked extensively in ministry and education in California, earning degrees from Whittier College and Georgia State University. His athletic involvement includes 23 years as a high school football official in California and Georgia, 22 years with the Georgia High School Association — retiring as executive director in 2014 — and service on national football and softball rules committees. Honored with multiple Hall of Fame inductions and the Atlanta Falcons Lifetime Achievement Award, Swearngin has authored two books and remains active in retirement through preaching and leading Bible studies, alongside his wife of 58 years, Evelyn.
Wiggins grew up in Roswell, Georgia, where she began playing basketball at the age of ten. After two years at Florida State University, she transferred to ACC in 1990. While at ACC, Wiggins was named to the All-American team in both 1991 and 1992. In her final year, she led her team in scoring, helping them finish second in the nation, and was named national MVP in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in elementary education in 1993 and later received a master’s degree in technology and media sciences from Georgia Southern University in 2009. For the past 33 years, Wiggins has worked as a dedicated educator. In 1997, she married Todd Wiggins. Together, they have two children, Preston, 26, and Logan, 22.
