National Basketball Players Association Unveils First-Ever Basketball Players Awards

Prospect Park Engaged to Produce Basketball Players Awards Ceremony in Las Vegas

News provided by

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)

Apr 27, 2015, 03:31 ET

NEW YORK, April 27, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- In response to significant input from its members, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) confirmed today that they will launch the first annual Basketball Players Awards in Las Vegas this July. In the time honored tradition of identifying excellence through peer review forged by The Emmy Awards, The Grammy Awards and The Academy Awards, the Basketball Players Awards are voted on by the league's active players. Voting has been underway for several weeks.

"We as players want the opportunity to recognize our peers," said Carmelo Anthony. "We are making that happen with our own award show."

Basketball Players Awards will be presented for the following categories:

Most Valuable Player
Best Rookie
Man of the Year
Best Defender
Global Impact Player
Hardest to Guard
Clutch Performer
Coach You Would Want to Play For
Best Home Court Advantage
Player You Secretly Wish Was on Your Team

"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," said NBPA Executive Director Michele Roberts. "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."

The NBPA has engaged entertainment management and production experts Prospect Park to help produce the awards ceremony.

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA mission is to ensure that the rights of NBA players are protected and that every conceivable measure is taken to assist players in maximizing their opportunities and achieving their goals, both on and off the court. For more information, visit www.nbpa.com.

SOURCE The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)