NEW YORK, NY, September 30, 2021 – After a year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NBPA is excited to announce the celebration of the 2021 Players’ Voice. In 2015, the NBPA established the NBPA Players’ Voice Awards, a platform that provided players the opportunity to express their opinions on the year’s on and off-court accolades. Voted exclusively by the players, the NBPA Players’ Voice Awards have recognized the best of the best around the league in a number of categories, allowing players to honor each other and their individual accomplishments in an authentic way.

This year, the NBPA is dedicating the Players’ Voice to celebrating the collective efforts of the players who pushed through the pandemic to bring basketball back while also keeping the fight for social justice at the forefront. Alongside key partners, Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), ranked No. 1 for orthopedics 12 years in a row by U.S. News & World Report (2021-2022) and the Official Hospital of the NBPA, and Michelob ULTRA, the NBPA collaborated with Franchise Magazine to bring the Players’ Voice to life through art. Working together with Franchise, the NBPA selected artists to create three custom pieces of art to highlight the collective work of the brotherhood from the 2020-21 season through the following three themes:

• NBPA Best Signature Moves, presented by HSS - Rooted in the HSS mission to help people get back to moving and doing what they love, the players continued to elevate their play with unique style and signature moves that make the game what is today.
• NBPA Sneaker Champs, presented by Michelob ULTRA - Using the hardwood as their platform, players used their sneakers to speak volumes this season, raising awareness and support for important issues and causes off the court.
• NBPA People’s Champs - Anchored in the mission to promote equality and justice, the players collectively committed to push for change and took action to make their communities safer, stronger and more united.

To view the artwork and learn more about the artists, check out the links below:

NBPA Best Signature Moves, presented by HSS (IG/TW)

• Created by Bradley Ward

NBPA Sneaker Champs, presented by Michelob ULTRA (IG/TW) 

• Created by Hassan Rahim

NBPA People's Champs (IG/TW)

• Created by Nikkolos Mohammed

Earlier this year, the NBPA also introduced PVA NextGen, a platform presented by HSS designed for middle school and high school-aged basketball players to recognize and honor their peers for their skills and achievements both on and off the court. Created to emulate the annual NBPA Players’ Voice Awards for youth basketball players nationwide, the winners of PVA NextGen were recently announced via the NBPA and SLAM’s social channels and celebrated with a virtual award ceremony hosted by NBPA member Taj Gibson. For more information on PVA NextGen, please visit www.nbpa.com/pva-next-gen.

All media inquiries should be directed to communications@nbpa.com.

 About the NBPA

The National Basketball Players Association is the union for current professional basketball players in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Established in 1954, the NBPA’s mission is to protect and support the rights and talents of our players, magnify the power of their collective will, and amplify their voices as leaders who will transcend sport and society globally.

The NBPA advocates on behalf of the best interests of all NBA players, including the negotiation of collective bargaining agreements, the filing of grievances on behalf of the players, or counseling players on benefits, educational and post-NBA career opportunities. Business opportunities are generated by THINK450, the for-profit subsidiary of the NBPA charged with managing the players’ group licensing rights.

Dedicated to preserving the legacy of its members, the NBPA Foundation provides support and assistance to persons, communities and organizations around the world that seek to improve the lives of those in need.

About THINK450

THINK450 is the innovation and partnership engine of the NBPA, dedicated to uncovering shared interests between the 450 players and leading brands to build more engaging partnerships. Together with its partners, THINK450 creates original ideas that engage fans, stir them to action, and earn brands the right to participate in cultural conversations. For more information, visit THINK450.com.

About Franchise

Franchise is dedicated to global basketball culture. Launched in April 2016, Franchise has featured artists, players, and personalities of the game, including Nina Chanel Abney, James Goldstein, Freddie Gibbs, Lauren Halsey, Teddy Santis, and many others. Fusing photography, illustration, and graphics, each release represents a contemporary perspective on the sport. www.thisisfranchise.com.

About HSS

HSS is the world’s leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the 12th consecutive year), No. 4 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2021-2022), and the best pediatric orthopedic hospital in NY, NJ and CT by U.S. News & World Report “Best Children’s Hospitals” list (2021-2022). HSS is ranked world #1 in orthopedics by Newsweek (2020-2021). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has the lowest complication and readmission rates in the nation for orthopedics, and among the lowest infection rates. HSS was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center five consecutive times. The global standard total knee replacement was developed at HSS in 1969. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State, as well as in Florida. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Global Innovation Institute was formed in 2016 to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The HSS Education Institute is a trusted leader in advancing musculoskeletal knowledge and research for physicians, nurses, allied health professionals, academic trainees, and consumers in more than 130 countries. The institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. www.hss.edu.

About Michelob ULTRA

Introduced in 2002, Michelob ULTRA is currently the fastest growing beer brand in the United States by share and the No. 2 beer in the industry by dollar sales. With just 95 calories, 2.6 carbs and no artificial flavors or colors, it is a superior light beer that celebrates the active, balanced lifestyle of its drinkers that includes both fitness and fun. Michelob ULTRA's choice of grains and extended mashing process leads to its refreshing taste and fewer carbohydrates. It is brewed with the finest barley malt, rice, hops, and a pure-cultured yeast strain, all of which reflect Anheuser-Busch's commitment to brewing quality. Michelob ULTRA reminds you to always drink, and sweat, responsibly.

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