The All-Star Game MVP trophy gets a makeover | NBA

While the names of all participants in the 2022 All-Star Game will be announced overnight, the NBA has unveiled the new visual identity of the trophy which will be awarded to the MVP of the event on February 20 in Cleveland.

Became the “Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP Award” after the death of the “Black Mamba”, in 2020, this trophy was redesigned by artist Victor Solomon and approved by Vanessa Bryant, the widow of the Lakers legend.

In detail, here are the main references that appear on the trophy and that helped in its making:

• The base of the trophy takes the shape of an octagon, in reference to Kobe Bryant’s No. 8 and the NBA’s eight decades of existence. In reference to Kobe’s 18 All-Star Game selections, a total of 18 stars also feature on the eight sides of this base.
• On the first floor (from the bottom), there is a total of 24 stars, which represents the 24 annual participants in the All-Star Game as well as Kobe Bryant’s No. 24.
• On the second floor (from the bottom), there is a total of 10 stars, which represents the 10 annual holders of the All-Star Game as well as Kobe Bryant’s No. 10 with Team USA.
• On the third floor (from the bottom), there is a total of 5 stars, which represents Kobe Bryant’s 5 titles with the Lakers and the fact that a team has 5 players.
• At the top of the trophy, there is a single star, in reference to the only regular season MVP trophy won by Kobe Bryant in 2008. It also represents the fact that there is (normally) only one MVP in the All-Star Game.
• Note that the height of each base or floor (2, 7, 9 or 11 inches) is a nod to the four All-Star Game MVP titles won by Kobe Bryant, in 2002, 2007, 2009 and 2011. A record, tied with Bob Pettit.

In the process, and still regarding the All-Star Weekend festivities, the NBA also announced that six other trophies had been redesigned.

Thus, the winner of the Slam Dunk Contest, the winner of the Three-Point Contest and the winner of the Skills Challenge will receive a trophy which has also had a makeover. Same for the Rising Stars Challenge MVP.

Finally, each selected All-Star and each member of the winning Rising Stars Challenge team will receive a ring and a medal respectively as a reward.