The NBPA’s First Ever ‘The Players’ Awards’ To Air Tuesday, July 21st On BET (See Nominees)

An everlasting complaint in hip hop is that REAL hip hop isn’t winning awards the way it should and that hip hop needs a real award show by the people, for the people. The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) had similar thoughts and for that they have created ‘The Players’ Awards’ kicking off this month in Vegas. 

BET Networks in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announces Tuesday, July 21^st as the premiere date for the 1^st Annual “Players’ Awards”. The first inaugural show will tape at the historic Penn & Teller Theater in the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino on Sunday, July 19^th.

The star-studded event will feature appearances by top NBA players including members on the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) Executive Committee – Chris Paul, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Andre Iguodala and Anthony Tolliver. Not only will the show have NBA star power, but will also feature performances by the hottest musical artists including renowned sports enthusiast and multi-platinum recording artist Lil Wayne.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) decided to launch the 1^st Annual “Players’ Awards” due to the overwhelming response from its members and all categories have been voted by the NBA’s active players.

The complete list of the “Top Voted Players” for the “Players’ Awards” are (names are listed in alphabetical order):

Best Rookie
Jordan Clarkson
Zach LaVine
Elfrid Payton
Andrew Wiggins

Best Defender
Tony Allen
Jimmy Butler
Anthony Davis
DeAndre Jordan

Global Impact Player
Pau Gasol
Kyrie Irving
Dirk Nowitzki
Tony Parker

Clutch Performer:
Stephen Curry
James Harden
LeBron James
Russell Westbrook

Coach You Most Want to Play For
Mike Budenholzer
Rick Carlisle
Steve Kerr
Greg Popovich

Hardest to Guard
Stephen Curry
James Harden
LeBron James
Russell Westbrook

Best Home Court Advantage
AT&T Center (San Antonio)
Chesapeake Energy Arena (Oklahoma City)
Moda Center (Portland)
Oracle Arena (Golden State)

Player You Secretly Wish was On Your Team:
Stephen Curry
Anthony Davis
Tim Duncan
LeBron James

Most Valuable Player:
Stephen Curry
James Harden
LeBron James
Russell Westbrook