There’s a first time for everything. For the National Basketball Players Association, their ambitious first time was announced this past April. An extract from the press release reads, “We as players want the opportunity to recognize our peers,” said the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony. “We are making that happen with our own award show.”
Later in the same formal statement, NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts offered, “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. 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.” As it always is with basketball-centered events, because of my height, random people always run up and ask what team I play for, but I was willing to put that inconvenience aside to be in the house.
The “for us, by us”-spirited endeavor took place at the Penn & Teller Theater in the Rio Las Vegas Hotel and Casino Sunday and was put on public display courtesy of BET/Centric this past Tuesday. As expected, the partnership with BET would ensure quality entertainment and thusly was provided by host Jay Pharaoh, Lil Wayne, 2 Chainz, Jason Derulo, Monica, Kid Ink, DJ Khaled and Fifth Harmony.
In categories that ranged from the traditional to those unique to basketball players, the winners were
Most Valuable Player: James Harden, Houston Rockets
Best Rookie: Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
Best Defender: DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Global Impact Player: Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls
Hardest to Guard: Stephen Curry
Clutch Performer: Stephen Curry
Coach You Would Want to Play For: George Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
Best Home Court Advantage: Oracle Arena, Golden State Warriors
Player You Secretly Wish Was on Your Team: LeBron James
Game Changer Award: Allen Iverson
Oscar Robertson Visionary Award: Chris Paul
Man of the Year: Ray Allen
Now, as a fan and seeing some of the categories being doled out, here are a few categories that came my way from fellow fans for consideration: Just Cause You Tall Don’t Mean You Can Ball Award; I Ain’t Even Do Nuffin, Fine Whine Award (player who complains all the time); Ray Charles/Stevie Wonder See Clearly That Award (referee award); Fool Me Once Shame on You, Fool Me 41 Times Shame on Me Award (season ticket holders for bad teams award); I Can’t Hear You, His Suit’s Too Loud Award (fashion?); Make ’Em, Make ’Em, Make ’Em, Clap to This Award (best arena theme music); That’s My Joint (song of the year); and Posterized (highlight of the year).
With a few years to grow and some tweaks in the categories, it looks as if the NBA Players Association could provide one of the premiere nights of entertainment.
Over and out. Headed back to the crib. Holla next week. Till then, enjoy the nightlife.