TNT Nabs Nicki Minaj to Perform at 'NBA Awards' Event

Global hip hop star/entertainer Nicki Minaj will perform during TNT’s June 26 NBA Awards special, the network said Thursday (May 25).

The New York-based special will feature, for the first time, all of the NBA’s top awards honoring the league’s best performers, TNT said. 

Actor/rapper Drake will host the special, which will include the presentations of the Kia NBA Most Valuable Player, Kia NBA Rookie of the Year, Kia NBA Sixth Man Award, Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year, Kia NBA Most Improved Player and NBA Coach of the Year awards, network officials said. 

In addition, six new awards voted on by fans via social media will also be presented, according to the network. 

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.