Jeremy Lin wins NBA TV's Social Breakout Player of the Year
Jeremy Lin of the Knicks in action against the Los Angeles Lakers. (Feb. 10, 2012) Credit: Jim McIsaac
The Knicks and Jeremy Lin continue to await the outcome of the hearing regarding his and Steve Novak’s “Early Bird Rights” for next season. But Lin won something today.
NBA TV announced that Lin is the recipient of NBA TV’s first-ever “Social Breakout Player of the Year” Award for his increase in popularity with fans across Twitter and Facebook this season.
The Knicks would rather Lin win "early Bird" arbitration.
The appeal for Lin and Novak took place last week. A decision is expected before July 1.
If the union wins, the Knicks will have the midlevel and lower level exception to use on potential free agents. If the union loses, the Knicks likely will use most or all of the midlevel to retain Lin, who will be a restricted free agent. Novak will be unrestricted and free to sign wherever he wants.
NBA TV’s telecast of the inaugural NBA Social Media Awards will be Wednesday, June 20, at 9 p.m. ET.
According to the release from NBA TV, fans have until 6 p.m. (ET) on June 18 to vote for their favorites this season by visiting nba.com/sma or by voting via Twitter (twitter.com/nbatv), Facebook (facebook.com/nbatv) and mobile. Voting for The Social Slam Award will remain open during the show with the winner announced live.
The NBA Social Media Awards will be divided into various categories recognizing social activity across Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and more. Sample categories include:
The BIG (Best In the Game) Award: for the player that best utilizes social media across platforms.
The LOL (Laugh out Loud) Award: for the team/players who had the most shared/liked blooper video during the regular season.
The Social SLAM Award: for the favorite dunk during regular season voted on by the fans.
The FanNation Award: for the team that measures the highest increase in fans and followers.
