NBA Trophy History: How Champions Earn the Coveted Larry O'Brien Award

I still remember the first time I held a replica of the Larry O'Brien Trophy at the NBA Store in Manhattan. The cool silver felt surprisingly heavy in my hands, and I couldn't help but wonder about all the sweat, tears, and stories embedded in its elegant design. That moment took me back to last year's finals, watching the Denver Nuggets lift the real thing after their hard-fought victory. It's fascinating how this 16-pound silver basketball atop a hoop-shaped base has become the ultimate symbol of basketball excellence, yet so few fans know the rich history behind it.

The trophy's journey actually began with a different name - the Walter A. Brown Trophy. From 1947 to 1977, champions received this original version before it was retired. The current trophy, named after former NBA commissioner Larry O'Brien, didn't make its debut until 1984. I've always found it interesting that the league waited until 1977 to introduce the modern design we recognize today. That first Larry O'Brien Trophy went to the Boston Celtics after they defeated the Houston Rockets in six games. As a Celtics fan, I take particular pride in that piece of trivia.

What many people don't realize is that each championship team actually receives three trophies - the main Larry O'Brien Trophy that stays with the organization, plus two smaller replicas for the team's ownership group. The primary trophy stands exactly two feet tall and is valued at approximately $13,500, though its symbolic worth is immeasurable. I once had the chance to speak with a former player who'd won it, and he described the weight as "carrying every practice, every injury, every sacrifice from the entire season in your hands."

This reminds me of a quote from German basketball player Dennis Schröder after a tough loss: "I think that we did it to ourselves. We had a couple of errors in key moments in the match." That sentiment perfectly captures how narrow the margin between lifting the trophy and going home empty-handed can be. In the playoffs, one missed free throw, one defensive lapse, one questionable call can determine who gets to hoist that silver prize come June. I've seen too many talented teams learn this lesson the hard way throughout NBA trophy history.

The manufacturing process itself is quite remarkable. Each trophy takes about three months to create by skilled artisans at Tiffany & Co., who've been crafting these symbols of excellence since 1977. They use about 15 pounds of sterling silver with 24-karat gold overlays, though the exact specifications have evolved over time. I particularly love that the trophy features a basketball identical in scale to an actual NBA game ball, resting on a hoop that appears ready for the net to snap. It's these subtle details that make the trophy so special.

Over the years, I've developed my own theories about what makes a team worthy of the Larry O'Brien Award. It's not just about having the best players - it's about resilience, chemistry, and that intangible championship DNA. The Golden State Warriors' recent dynasty, winning four titles between 2015 and 2022, demonstrated how sustained excellence requires both individual brilliance and collective purpose. Meanwhile, franchises like the Sacramento Kings have never won the trophy, despite having passionate fan bases and competitive teams throughout their history.

Looking at the complete NBA trophy history reveals fascinating patterns about the evolution of the game itself. The Boston Celtics' dominance in the 1960s, the Chicago Bulls' two three-peats in the 1990s, the Los Angeles Lakers' consistent contention across decades - each era left its mark on the legacy of the Larry O'Brien Award. Today, as we watch new superstars emerge and different teams rise to prominence, I can't help but feel excited about which organization will next etch its name into basketball immortality. Because ultimately, the story of the NBA trophy isn't just about silver and gold - it's about the human drama that unfolds on the hardwood every season.