The NBPA announced June 18 it would hold the event, branded as the “1st Annual Players’ Awards” and scheduled to air on BET on July 21.
MORE: Handing out high school yearbook-style NBA superlatives
“We are so excited about the Players’ Awards…first time ever…and will be aired on BET. It is going to be a GREAT event,” Clippers guard and NBPA president Chris Paul said in a statement last month.
Warriors guard and media selection for NBA MVP Stephen Curry leads the way with four nominations.
A few interesting non-nominations were made. NBA Rookie of the Year runners-up Nikola Mirotic and Nerlens Noel weren’t nominated for best rookie, likely because neither took traditional paths to their rookie seasons. NBA Defensive Player of the Year Kawhi Leonard and runner-up Draymond Green weren’t on the best defender list.
The full list of nominees is below.
Best Rookie • Jordan Clarkson, Los Angeles Lakers • Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves • Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic • Andrew Wiggins, Minnesota Timberwolves
Best Defender • Tony Allen, Memphis Grizzlies • Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls • Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans • DeAndre Jordan, Los Angeles Clippers
Global Impact Player • Pau Gasol, Chicago Bulls • Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers • Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks • Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs
Clutch Performer • Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors • James Harden, Houston Rockets • LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers • Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
Coach You Most Want to Play For • Mike Budenholzer, Atlanta Hawks • Rick Carlisle, Dallas Mavericks • Steve Kerr, Golden State Warriors • Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
Hardest to Guard • Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors • James Harden, Houston Rockets • LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers • Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
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, Golden State Warriors • Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans • Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs • LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
Most Valuable Player • Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors • James Harden, Houston Rockets • LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers • Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder
