The players union created its own awards last year, even presenting them on a TV special on BET.
After little fanfare, the awards return this year – on a smaller stage.
National Basketball Players Association release:
The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) announced today that 2016 Players Voice Awards will be revealed exclusively via social media today beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET.
The Players Voice Awards are voted on solely by NBA players
The Players Voice Awards are voted on solely by NBA players
the NBPA created video packages celebrating each winner and featuring testimonials captured in the offseason from dozens of NBA players. These videos will be shared via social media in conjunction with the announcement of the winners. The awards and videos will be revealed via @theNBPA on Twitter beginning at 3:00 p.m. ET today, and NBPA.com will curate all of the content throughout the afternoon.
These sure haven’t supplanted the NBA’s awards, which are mostly voted on by media. They haven’t even proven to be a respected complement to the traditional awards.
Not even players are convinced of the awards’ value, many players skipping last year’s show.
Needless to say, a Twitter rollout isn’t a step toward prominence.
That said, I – and I’m sure other hardcore NBA fans – are still curious. Here’s the full slate of honors to be named today:
- Best Rookie
- Comeback Player of the Year
- Best Off the Bench
- Best Defender
- Toughest to Guard
- Player You Secretly Wish Was On Your Team
- Best Dressed
- Home Court Advantage
- Coach You’d Most Like to Play For
- Clutch Performer
- Best Social Media Follow
- Most Influential Veteran
- Global Impact
- Most Valuable Player
- Best Teammate (one per team)