On Monday evening, in fashionably late fashion, the National Basketball Association provided fans, players, and media with its second-annual NBA Awards Show.

As anticipated, the TNT-aired program was highlighted with James Harden of the Houston Rockets earning his first career MVP selection. While the artist known as ‘The Beard‘ grabbed the night’s top honor, a member of the 2017-18 Minnesota Timberwolves was able to leave the star-studded event with some fancy new hardware:

Congrats to @JCrossover on earning Teammate of the Year at the #NBAAwards!

Stay being you, J! pic.twitter.com/Gj7T0yjKj2

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 26, 2018

The well-deserved acknowledgement makes Jamal Crawford the sixth-ever recipient of what’s officially known as the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award. Since 2013, the accolade, which is named after the tragic story of once teammates, Jack Twyman & Maurice Stokes, has been given to the individual considered the league’s most “ideal teammate.”

As you can see, Crawford now finds himself amongst a handful of other highly respected players:

Previous Teammate of the Year Award Winners:

• Dirk Nowitzki (2017)
• Vince Carter (2016)
• Tim Duncan (2015)
• Shane Battier (2014)
• Chauncey Billups (2013)

Watch his reaction press conference here: Link

The 18-year NBA veteran, who isn’t new to league-wide praise (3x Sixth Man of the Year Winner) notched this season’s top-teammate title by beating out runner-up Manu Giniboli by 10 first place votes (80 points total).

Eye ballooned shut or not, if it were up to Austin Rivers, Jamal Crawford would always win Teammate of the Year pic.twitter.com/WKbsccelS6

— Johnny MN (@TheJohnnyMN) June 26, 2018

In regards to Jamal Crawford’s Timberwolves career, all indications are that he’s going to go college superstar on that bit. One and done:

Jamal Crawford to decline Timberwolves contract option, hit FA https://t.co/BFpTvNp318 pic.twitter.com/VyW8e8VeBt

— Bleacher Report NBA (@BR_NBA) May 2, 2018

While he does have a family to feed, the 38 year-old’s decision to become a free agent doesn’t appear to be financially motivated. Speaking of putting food on the table, look who else showed up for the evening’s festivities:

Sup, Spree?!

We’re going behind-the-scenes with the Wolves legend at tonight’s #NBA Awards! pic.twitter.com/t4iit49ntd

— Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) June 25, 2018

Other Notable Awards:

MVP: James Harden

Rookie of the Year: Ben Simmons

Most Improved Player: Victor Oladipo

Defensive Player of the Year: Rudy Gobert

Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams

Coach of the Year: Dwayne Casey (Raptors. Casey will not return as Toronto’s HC as he was fired on May 11, 2018)

• Other Finalists: Brad Stevens (Celtics), Quin Snyder (Jazz)

Executive of the Year: Daryl Morey (Rockets)

Sportsmanship Award: Kemba Walker (Hornets)

Lifetime Achievement Award: Oscar Robertson (Retired)

Community Cares Assist Award: Kevin Durant (Warriors)

Sager Strong Award: Dikembe Mutombo (Retired)

Best Style (fan vote): Russell Westbrook (Thunder)

From here, despite having both the draft and the Award Show in the rear view mirror, anyone suggesting that the NBA news is about to slow down is terribly confused.

via GIPHY

The league’s highly anticipated free agency period, which is sure to be beautifully chaotic, begins on July 1st.

Johnny Minnesota (@TheJohnnyMN)
MinnesotaSportsFan.com

On Thursday night, the Timberwolves organization honored the late Flip Saunders. As for how the franchise acknowledged their beloved coach and executive, that was accomplished in a plethora of ways.

Despite Taj Gibson’s career high 28 points during Minnesota’s come from behind victory, the game itself took a back seat to all of the events surrounding the highly anticipated Flip Saunders Night.

Rest in power, Flip Saunders #ForFlip pic.twitter.com/ZRVwI1q0k8

— The Ringer (@ringer) February 16, 2018

The franchise worked closely with Flip’s family to ensure the evening had a focus on increasing awareness and raising funds for the “Flip Saunders Legacy Fund.” The fund, which was created within weeks of Flip’s passing, is “solely devoted to aiding and supporting deserving individuals or groups and continue the positive impact of the life of coach Flip Saunders.“

I’m sure the team and Saunders family drummed up a lot of cash for the Wolves’ former coach and Maroon and Gold Alum (also was assistant coach at the U from 1981-86). My personal favorite fundraiser was an easy choice. Like Michael Jordan and Spike Lee taught us, it’s gotta be the shoes:

? Custom #ForFlip kicks are up for auction tonight in Section 118 to benefit the Flip Saunders Legacy Fund! ❤ #AllEyesNorth pic.twitter.com/AmOlrCbtST

— Target Center (@TargetCenterMN) February 15, 2018

In regards to my favorite aspect of the evening itself, I’d have to go with the banner. However, if I was at the game itself, my opinion might be different. Despite not being a big art person, the painting halftime show seemed electric. On top of that, the commemorative coins that everyone in attendance received are the classiest (just like Flip):

With the above toast to Saunders in their possession prior to tip, the Target Center crowd witnessed, among other things, the raising of the banner and some speeches from family and organization members.

But it was Flip’s wife, Debbie, that moistened everyone’s eyes: With her son Ryan (Wolves assistant coach) and others by her side, the widow of the basketball legend, addressed the crowd:

Debbie Saunders: “Flip was a good man, a good father and a good husband. I know Flip would want me to tell all of you that he was very touched by this moment and how fortunate he felt to have known you. Keep up your kindness, the Minnesota humble and kind.” #Twolves

— Mike Berardino (@MikeBerardino) February 16, 2018

Another person who spoke was Karl-Anthony Towns. KAT, who helped spearhead the previously mentioned custom shoes, spoke about Flip’s impact on not only the Wolves, but the entire state of Minnesota.

#KarlAnthonyTowns on Flip’s tremendous impact on the @Timberwolves organization and state of Minnesota as a whole. #ForFlippic.twitter.com/IbdQhL4NjC

— NBA (@NBA) February 16, 2018

Naturally, with most of the Flip-related events happening during pregame, the current Wolves roster was in attendance. In addition, many former Saunders-coached players were at Target Center for Flip Saunders Night. Despite many fans’ disappointment that KG wasn’t one of them, it was good to see Sam Cassell, Chauncy Billups, and others.

Among those others, was Latrell Sprewell. Nice! I assume he lives in a different state, and we all know he has a family to feed, so you know it’s important Latrell finds a way to make the trip back to MN.

Latrell Sprewell talking to Jimmy Butler is my childhood and adulthood happening all at once.

— Tim Faklis (@timfaklis) February 16, 2018

Johnny Minnesota @TheJohnnyMN
Minnesota Sports Fan MinnesotaSportsFan.com