Hardin Named MVP By NBA Players

NBA players have long since stressed that the way they evaluate team and individual performances differs from fans and media. In the NBA players association's first ever "Players' Awards," they underlined the supposed distinction, selecting James Harden as Most Valuable Player.

Stephen Curry finished 262 voting points and 75 first-place votes ahead of Harden to win the traditional MVP award, as voted on by select media members, for the 2014-15 season.

But Harden, who finished ahead of Curry this past regular season in points and rebounds per game but behind him in advanced statistics such as player efficiency rating (PER) was the players' choice, emerging from backstage at the Penn & Teller Theater at the Rio Las Vegas to accept the trophy after not sitting in the audience for the other award announcements.

Among those whom Harden thanked during his acceptance speech was the players' union, for "giving players a voice to speak their minds."

Curry was named by players as this year's "Clutch Performer" and "Hardest to Guard." He and Golden State Warriors teammates Andre Iguodala, Harrison Barnes and Festus Ezeli also accepted the award for the best home-court advantage, which went to the reigning champions' Oracle Arena.

LeBron James, who finished third in traditional MVP voting, won the award for "Player you secretly wish was on your team."

James, who was elected in February as the NBPA's first vice president, and DeAndre Jordan were among the notable players who didn't attend Sunday's taping.

Players also named San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich -- and not 2015 coach of the year winner Mike Budenholzer of the Atlanta Hawks -- as the "Coach you most want to play for" and Jordan as "Best Defender." Defensive player of the year Kawhi Leonard and runner-up Draymond Green didn't finish among the four leading vote-getters.

Chris Paul won the Oscar Robertson Visionary Award for his on- and off-court achievements, and Ray Allen was named "Man of the Year" for his, receiving a video tribute from President Barack Obama that left Allen visibly emotional.

Allen Iverson also was given the "Gamechanger" award for his contributions to the sport. In his acceptance speech, Iverson, the league MVP in the 2001, echoed most other winners by noting the importance of the distinction coming from his peers.