DeAndre Jordan Claims NBA Teammate of the Year Award in Close Player Vote
Apr 3, 2026; Sacramento, California, USA; New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan (left) and forward Zion Williamson (1) talks during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
DeAndre Jordan has captured one of the NBA‘s most meaningful honors, winning the 2025-2026 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award in a remarkably close vote among his peers. The New Orleans Pelicans center finished with 1,445 points, narrowly defeating Portland’s Jrue Holiday, who garnered 1,437 points, and Houston’s Jeff Green with 1,420 points.
The award recognizes the player deemed the league’s best teammate « based on selfless play, leadership on and off the court as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment to the team. » Jordan’s victory represents the culmination of a career transformation from athletic rim-protector to respected veteran leader.
A Legacy of Brotherhood
The Twyman-Stokes Award carries profound historical significance, named for Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, teammates on the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals from 1955 to 1958. When Stokes suffered a brain injury in the final game of the 1957-1958 regular season and was subsequently paralyzed, Twyman became his legal guardian and advocate, supporting him for the rest of his life.
Jordan’s selection by 385 current NBA players reflects his evolution into what many consider the league’s premier locker room presence. At 37, his impact on the Pelicans extends far beyond traditional statistics, focusing instead on developing the team’s young frontcourt and maintaining stability during challenging times.
The voting process involved a panel of league executives selecting 12 finalists, six from each conference. Other nominees included Toronto’s Garrett Temple, Charlotte’s Pat Connaughton, New York’s Jalen Brunson, Boston’s Jayson Tatum, San Antonio’s De’Aaron Fox, Detroit’s Duncan Robinson, Oklahoma City’s Jaylin Williams, Orlando’s Desmond Bane, and the Los Angeles Lakers‘ Marcus Smart.
Championship Pedigree Meets Mentorship
Jordan adds this teammate recognition to an impressive list of accolades spanning his lengthy career. His resume includes three All-NBA selections, two All-Defensive Team picks, one All-Star appearance, an Olympic gold medal from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, and an NBA championship with Denver in 2023.
The award, presented annually since 2013, highlights Jordan’s ability to balance individual excellence with team-first mentality. Holiday’s strong second-place finish is particularly noteworthy, as he previously won the award three times, demonstrating the consistent respect both players command throughout the league.
Jordan’s recognition comes at a time when the Pelicans have faced significant challenges, making his stabilizing presence even more valuable. His veteran leadership has been credited with maintaining team morale and providing guidance to both bench players and stars alike, proving that championship experience translates into invaluable mentorship qualities that extend well beyond the basketball court.
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