Awards shows are relatively cheap to produce (compared to original scripted dramas), and they can be ratings smashes. I can only imagine that it’s one reason why there are several different awards shows on all the major TV networks (broadcast and cable).
This is a new one that will kick off for the first time this year, on BET.
The network, in partnership with the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), has announced Tuesday, July 21st as the premiere date for the 1st 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 19th.
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 1st 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
Stephen G. Hill, BET’s President of Programming, Connie Orlando, BET’s Senior Vice President of Music and Specials, and Don Mischer Productions will serve as Executive Producers for the “Players’ Awards”. Serving as Executive Producers from the National Basketball Players Association are Chris Paul, NBPA President, Roger Mason Jr., NBPA Deputy Executive Director, and Jordan Schlachter, NBPA Chief Marketing Officer along with Prospect Park.
