The Pelicans center earns recognition for his leadership and mentorship on and off the court
Category: Sports
New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan has been named the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, as announced by the NBA on April 29, 2026. This prestigious award recognizes the player considered the league’s best teammate, highlighting qualities such as selfless play, leadership, and commitment to the team. Jordan won the award after receiving 1,445 points in voting, narrowly edging out Portland's Jrue Holiday and Houston's Jeff Green.
The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award has been presented annually since the 2012-13 season. According to the NBA, a panel of league executives selects twelve finalists—six from each conference—and current players then vote to determine the winner. Jordan’s victory marks the first time he has received this honor, adding to an impressive career that includes three All-NBA selections and a championship with the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 season.
Jordan's win is particularly notable as he finished just eight points ahead of Holiday, who has previously won the award three times. Holiday finished with 1,437 points, followed closely by Green, who accumulated 1,420 points. Jordan secured the most first-place votes, with 66, demonstrating strong support from his peers in the league.
The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award is named in honor of Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, whose friendship and support for each other during adversity exemplify the spirit of teamwork. Stokes suffered a severe brain injury during a game in 1958, leading to his paralysis. Twyman became his legal guardian and advocate, dedicating his life to ensuring Stokes received the care he needed. Their story serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of camaraderie and support in sports.
Jordan, at 37 years old, is an 18-year NBA veteran who has played with several teams, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Dallas Mavericks, and Brooklyn Nets. Over his career, he has averaged 8.5 points, 9.7 rebounds, and 1.4 blocks per game. This season, he appeared in twelve games for the Pelicans, averaging 4.4 points and 6.3 rebounds per game. His experience and leadership have made him a valuable asset to the Pelicans, especially for younger players like guard Jeremiah Fears.
Jordan's commitment to mentorship has been evident throughout his career. After a game against the Utah Jazz on April 7, 2026, he was seen embracing Fears, who had just scored 40 points. This moment captured the supportive nature that Jordan brings to the team, reinforcing his reputation as a role model both on and off the court.
As the Pelicans look forward to the upcoming seasons, Jordan's leadership will be instrumental in shaping the team's culture and performance. His recognition as the Teammate of the Year boosts his profile and raises expectations for the Pelicans as they aim for playoff contention in the coming years. The team will likely rely on his experience, especially as they integrate younger players into their roster.
Jordan's victory also highlights the importance of teamwork in the NBA, a sentiment echoed by many current players. The award serves as a reminder that success in basketball is not solely measured by individual statistics, but also by the ability to uplift teammates and contribute positively to the team environment. As the Pelicans prepare for the next season, Jordan's influence will be key in fostering a collaborative atmosphere.
In addition to his recent accolade, Jordan continues to be a prominent figure in the community, participating in various outreach programs and initiatives aimed at supporting youth sports. His commitment to giving back reflects the values celebrated by the Twyman-Stokes award and reinforces the significance of athletes as role models.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will begin preparations for the next NBA season, where they hope to build on their successes and navigate the challenges of a competitive league. Jordan’s role as a mentor and leader will be more important than ever as the team strives to reach new heights in the 2026-27 season.
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