The first-ever National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Awards was held on Sunday in Las Vegas, and televised nationally on Tuesday night.
In the time honored tradition of identifying excellence through peer review forged by The Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards, the Basketball Players Awards are voted on by the league’s active players. Voting lasted for several weeks.
“We as players want the opportunity to recognize our peers,” said Carmelo Anthony in an official statement to press prior to the show’s airing. “We are making that happen with our own award show.”
Basketball Players Awards were presented in the following categories:
Most Valuable Player – James Harden, SG, Houston Rockets
Man of the Year – Ray Allen
Best Defender – DeAndre Jordan, C, Los Angeles Clippers
Hardest to Guard – Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors
Clutch Performer – Stephen Curry, PG, Golden State Warriors
Coach You Would Want to Play For – Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
Best Home Court Advantage – Oracle Arena (Golden State Warriors)
Player You Secretly Wish Was on Your Team – LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers
“Our players have long wanted to recognize greatness from within their own ranks, and with the first-ever Basketball Players Awards we have created a vehicle for them to do so,” said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. “The level of participation from players in the voting process has been overwhelming so far and we are looking forward to unveiling all of the results this July in Las Vegas.”
The NBPA engaged entertainment management and production experts Prospect Park to assist with production.
