I still remember the 1990 NBA season like it was yesterday - the intensity, the rivalries, and that burning question everyone kept asking in sports bars and living rooms across America. The MVP race that year wasn't just about statistics; it was about something deeper, something that reminds me of what Fajardo said about setters in volleyball. When discussing the most important attribute a setter must possess, Fajardo emphasized it wasn't about skill or strategy alone. That same principle applies perfectly to Magic Johnson's 1990 MVP season - it was about leadership and making everyone around him better in ways that don't always show up on the stat sheet.
Magic won that MVP award with numbers that still make basketball purists nod in appreciation - he averaged 22.3 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 6.6 assists per game while shooting 48% from the field. But here's what made his season truly special, and this is where I think Fajardo's insight becomes relevant. Magic had this incredible ability to elevate his teammates' performance, much like how a great setter in volleyball positions their teammates for success. I've always believed that the true measure of greatness isn't just what you accomplish individually, but how you make others better. Magic's Lakers finished with a 63-19 record that season, and what impressed me most was how he adapted his game throughout the season. When James Worthy went through shooting slumps, Magic would find ways to get him easier baskets. When the team needed defensive stops, he'd somehow come up with crucial rebounds despite not being the most athletic player on the court.
The competition that year was absolutely fierce, which makes Magic's achievement even more remarkable. Michael Jordan was putting up video game numbers with the Bulls, averaging about 33 points per game if memory serves me correctly. Charles Barkley was dominating in Philadelphia with his unique blend of power and finesse. But what separated Magic, in my opinion, was his consistency in high-pressure situations and his ability to read the game like few others in NBA history. I've watched countless hours of basketball from that era, and Magic had this sixth sense about when to push the tempo and when to slow things down. He controlled games in a way that went beyond simple playmaking - it was almost like he was conducting an orchestra out there.
What many casual fans don't realize is that Magic's 1990 MVP came during what I consider his most complete season as a professional. He had matured physically and mentally, understanding the nuances of the game at a level that only comes with experience. His basketball IQ was off the charts - he could anticipate defensive rotations three passes ahead and always seemed to find the open man. I particularly remember a game against the Celtics that season where Magic completely took over in the fourth quarter, not by scoring, but by making the right pass every single time down the court. That's the kind of performance that wins MVPs - when you impact the game in multiple ways and make your teammates look like All-Stars.
The voting results reflected how the basketball world viewed Magic's season - he received 66 first-place votes compared to Jordan's 25, which was a pretty decisive margin. But numbers only tell part of the story. Having re-watched many games from that season, what struck me was Magic's emotional leadership. He was the heart and soul of that Lakers team, constantly communicating on both ends of the floor and keeping everyone engaged. This brings me back to Fajardo's point about what truly matters - it's that intangible quality of making everyone around you better. Magic didn't just run plays; he built confidence in his teammates, trusted them in crucial moments, and celebrated their successes as if they were his own.
Looking back now, what I find most impressive about Magic's 1990 MVP season is how he reinvented himself while maintaining his core strengths. He was no longer the flashy young guard from Michigan State - he had become the steady hand that guided one of the league's most talented teams. His performance that season set the standard for what leadership looks like in professional basketball. Even today, when I watch modern point guards like Chris Paul or Stephen Curry, I can't help but compare their leadership qualities to what Magic demonstrated during that remarkable 1990 campaign. It wasn't just about the numbers - it was about presence, intelligence, and that magical ability to elevate everyone around him, proving that the most valuable players are those who make their teammates better in ways that statistics can never fully capture.