Russ, LeBron, Embiid shine with Players Voice Awards
Two years, ago the inaugural National Basketball Players' Association awards gala wasn't well attended by its own stars, leading the union to announce the annual Players Voice Awards on Twitter.
Friday was that day for this summer, and Russell Westbrook, LeBron James, and Joel Embiid led the way in love from their peers. Westbrook landed MVP honors as voted on by NBA players, pairing it with the Maurice Podoloff Trophy he won in June.
While NBA Rookie of the Year Malcolm Brogdon also took home the "Best Rookie" award, there was a difference in the two other comparable categories - NBA players chose Kawhi Leonard as best defender over NBA Defensive Player of the Year Draymond Green, while Lou Williams got the "6 Man" nod over then-teammate Eric Gordon.
| Honor | Players Voice | NBA Awards |
|---|---|---|
| MVP | Russell Westbrook | Russell Westbrook |
| Top defensive player | Kawhi Leonard | Draymond Green |
| Top player off bench | Lou Williams | Eric Gordon |
| Top rookie | Malcolm Brogdon | Malcolm Brogdon |
The Players Voice Awards are a little less formal. Instead of a coach of the year, there's a "Coach you'd most like to play for," and nods based on true player insight, such as "Hardest to guard."
Westbrook, James, and Embiid did well in both on- and off-the-floor awards Friday.
| Comeback Player of the Year | Joel Embiid |
| Hardest to Guard | Russell Westbrook |
| Clutch Performer | Isaiah Thomas |
| Coach you'd most like to play for | Gregg Popovich |
| Player you secretly want on your team | LeBron James |
| Most Influential Veteran | Vince Carter |
| Best Home Court | Oracle Arena/Golden State Warriors |
| Global Impact Player | LeBron James |
| Best Dressed player | Russell Westbrook |
| Best Social Media Follow | Joel Embiid |
Each player also cast a vote for best teammate on their respective squads.
WEST
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) August 18, 2017
The teammates with the biggest impact on and off the court. Check out the #PlayersVoice Award winners for Best Teammate. pic.twitter.com/AqcrEI1l6P
A few surprises, perhaps, with the East results.
EAST
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) August 18, 2017
The teammate with the biggest impact on and off the court. Check out the #PlayersVoice Award winners for Best Teammate. pic.twitter.com/F1UFnt6Qdu