Anthony Anderson Will Host 2018 NBA Awards on TNT in LA

Anthony Anderson was named the host of the 2018 NBA Awards on Wednesday, via NBA on TNT:

The awards show, set for June 25, is the second of its kind after the inaugural event last season announced the league's Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year, among other top honors.

Drake hosted last year, but the Black-ish star will take over this time around.

Anderson has been nominated for three Emmy awards and two Golden Globes for his role on the ABC comedy while also appearing in dozens of films over the past two decades.

The comedian has also built a connection with the NBA as a regular participant in the Celebrity All-Star Game.

He estimated he has competed in "15 or 16 of them" over the past 21 years, via Bill Hanstock of Uproxx.

Regardless of the host, the NBA Awards will feature plenty of drama surrounding the biggest categories. Finalists have been named for each award, and the debate over who will win MVP between James Harden and LeBron James rages on, while Ben Simmons and Donovan Mitchell battle for Rookie of the Year.

Dikembe Mutombo will also receive the Craig Sager Strong Award.