[Wynton]

Historical question:

I have no doubt that in the past couple of decades, at least, voters have been much more inclined to give the MVP award to player on a playoff team. But I wonder whether the same tendency occurred before divisional play began.

With divisional play - and the addition of wildcard teams - I think an argument can be made that it makes more sense now to consider whether a team made the playoffs, or at least was a serious contender.

Also, I don't think the factor of a team's success is merely a matter of giving the MVP candidate credit for propelling his team to the playoffs. To some degree, I think that voters understandably discount the performance of a player who amasses huge numbers outside the pressure of a playoff race.

In other words, we take into account the team's performance not because we assume the candidate is responsible for the team's success, but also because he is accomplishing under a lot more pressure.