Skip to content

Russ, LeBron, Embiid shine with Players Voice Awards

Bruce Yeung / National Basketball Association / Getty

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.

A few surprises, perhaps, with the East results.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox