| Season | Player | Team |
| 1983-84 | Magic Johnson | Los Angeles Lakers |
| 1984-85 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1985-86 | Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1986-87 | Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1987-88 | Charles Barkley | Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1988-89 | Michael Jordan | Chicago Bulls |
| 1989-90 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1990-91 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1991-92 | Dennis Rodman | Detroit Pistons |
| 1992-93 | Hakeem Olajuwon | Houston Rockets |
| 1993-94 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1994-95 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1995-96 | David Robinson | San Antonio Spurs |
| 1996-97 | Grant Hill | Detroit Pistons |
| 1997-98 | Karl Malone | Utah Jazz |
| 1998-99 | Dikembe Mutombo | Atlanta Hawks |
| 1999-00 | Shaquille O'Neal | Los Angeles Lakers |