By John Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The 3rd annual NBA Awards ceremony took place in Santa Monica, California on Monday night. The show’s main event was the NBA Most Valuable Award and Giannis Antetokounmpo was named MVP, but wasn’t the only European that left the Barker Hangar with a trophy.
Luka Doncic was previously announced Rookie of the Year. The Dallas Mavericks player dominated the voting process getting 98 out of the 100 first-place votes. Trae Young secured the other two.
Rudy Gobert was named Defensive Player of the Year with 65 out of the 100 first-place votes. Antetokounmpo finished second with 26 first-place votes and Paul George third with six.
Pascal Siakam won the Most Improved Player award, Lou Williams secured the Sixth Man of the Year title and Mike Budenholzer followed with the Coach of the Year Award. Jon Horst earned the Executive of the Year honors.
On the player-voted awards, Mike Conley already got the Teammate of the Year and the Sportsmanship Awards. Bradley Beal won the Community Award, which was chosen by fans and NBA executive panel.
The fan-voted Highlights Moment of the Year went to Derrick Rose. Additionally, Larry Bird and Magic Johnson landed the Lifetime Achievement Award, Robin Roberts the Sager Strong Award and Marcus Smart the Hustle Award.