For the second consecutive year, the National Basketball Players Association voted on their own awards, which were then announced in mid-August.
The players spoke — and those within the Pacers locker room voted Al Jefferson, the oldest player on the roster, “Teammate of the Year.”
The 32-year-old, who just completed his 13th season in the league, is a pro and always willing to lend a hand. Wisdom is a benefit of age and experience.
His season averages, though, were the lowest since his second season in the league – in Boston. Playing in 66 games, Jefferson averaged 8.1 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. His minutes per game dropped from 23.3 during the 2015-16 season with Charlotte to 14.1 last season with the Pacers.
Last year, the award — meaningful because it’s voted on by the other guys in the locker room — was won by another big man, Ian Mahinmi.
EAST
The teammate with the biggest impact on and off the court. Check out the #PlayersVoice Award winners for Best Teammate. pic.twitter.com/F1UFnt6Qdu
— NBPA (@TheNBPA) August 18, 2017
Several former Pacers were voted teammate of the year in their respective locker rooms: Gerald Green (Celtics), James Jones (Cavaliers), David West (Warriors), and Metta World Peace (Lakers).
[Photo: Frank McGrath/PS&E]