New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan is one of 12 finalists for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.
The award recognizes the NBA player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on and off court leadership as a mentor and role model to other players, and commitment to the team.
Jordan is in his first season with the Pelicans and has been instrumental in pouring into his teammates.
“He’s an extension of our staff,” Pelicans’ interim coach James Borrego said earlier this season. “Maybe I should put him on staff. He’s got a great voice. Wisdom. The guys respect him. So it’s like having another coach out there on the floor.”
The award, which began in the 2012-’13 season, is named after former Rochester/Cincinnati Royals teammates Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes.
Former Pelicans standout Jrue Holiday won the award in the 2019-’20 season and is the only player in franchise history to win it. Holiday also won it twice while playing with the Milwaukee Bucks. Holiday, who now plays with the Portland Trail Blazers, is a finalist again this season.
The other finalists are: Desmond Bane (Magic), Jalen Brunson (Knicks), Pat Connaughton (Hornets), De’Aaron Fox (Spurs), Jeff Green (Rockets), Duncan Robinson (Pistons), Marcus Smart (Lakers), Jayson Tatum (Celtics), Garrett Temple (Raptors) and Jaylin Williams (Thunder).
Current NBA players will vote on the winner. Golden State’s Steph Curry won it last season.