NBA players honor Popovich, Duncan, Leonard

NBA Players Association reveals Players Choice Awards

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

SAN ANTONIO – Tim Duncan and Gregg Popovich have received several awards over their careers, but the continued admiration and respect from players across the league shows the impact both have had on the NBA.

On Thursday, the two pillars of the Spurs foundation were honored once again by the National Basketball Players Association, as was the future of the Spurs, Kawhi Leonard.

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The NBPA’s Players Voice Awards named Popovich as the “Coach You’d Most Like to Play For” while Duncan was named as the “Most Influential Veteran.” Leonard was named “Best Defender.”

Duncan retired this summer after an illustrious 19-year NBA career and five championships. 

Popovich is the NBA’s eighth all-time winningest coach and only active NBA head coach in the top 10.

Popovich will also be the next head coach of the US men's national basketball team after this month's Olympic Games in Brazil.

Leonard has won back-to-back Defensive Player of the Year Awards and finished second last season in overall MVP voting.

The NBPA presents the awards as the only awards voted on by the players, for the players.

The results were revealed on social media Thursday afternoon. Click here for the full list of award winners.


About the Author:

RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.