The National Basketball Players Association, aka the NBPA, has announced the categories for the upcoming "Players Voice Awards," which celebrates players for on- and off-court achievements.
These awards are voted on by the players and include familiar categories such as MVP and Best Defender, as well as a handful of unique categories such as The Freshest, The Sneaker Champ and Mr. Clutch. Additionally, there are awards that recognize icons of the game—the player who has the most Global Impact and the Most Influential Veteran."
The actual awards will be designed by nine artists commissioned by the NBPA. Last year, winners were revealed in August, a little over one month after the announcement of the real NBA Awards.
The list of categories for the 2018 NBA Players Voice Awards includes:
The MVP Award
The Toughest To Guard Award
The People’s Champ Award
Mr. Clutch Award
The Leader of the New School Award (best rookie)
The X-Factor Award (best off the bench)
The Locksmith Award (best defender)
The Backbone (best team leader)
The Sneaker Champ Award (best sneaker game)
The Most Respected Award (influential veteran)
The Freshest Award (best style/fashion on and off the court)
The Best Side Hustle Award (best off-court endeavors, in fashion, tech, media, art, etc.)