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The NBA issued a memo to team broadcasters on Monday, stripping them of their power to vote for league awards, according to Indiana Pacers play-by-play commentator Mark Boyle. The message cited a conflict of interest, with team broadcasters having a direct impact on local players’ accolades, which in turn could impact their money made in the long term.
@NBA tells team broadcasters they will no longer vote for league awards. Conflict of interest now greater than ever. It's the right call.
— Mark Joseph Boyle (@Mark_J_Boyle) April 3, 2017
The memo impacts Indiana directly. Paul George is in line for the designated player contract worth $219 million over five seasons. But to qualify for that contract, he must be named a starter in two All-Star Games or be named to one of the three All-NBA teams.
The league’s rich talent at the forward spot makes for steep competition at only six available All-NBA spots.
Two seasons ago, Anthony Davis forfeited $24 million over the life of his five-year deal after failing to be either named to an All-NBA team or be voted twice as an All-Star starter. Conversely, Damian Lillard earned an additional $12.7 million when he was named to an All-NBA team last season.
This decision takes the inherent bias to vote for hometown players away from local broadcasters.