The NBA introduced on April 29 that veteran middle DeAndre Jordan has been named the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Yr.
The award acknowledges gamers for selfless play, management, and dedication to workforce success, with the ultimate vote decided by present NBA gamers from a pool of 12 finalists.
Jordan, a 37-year-old in his 18th season, secured the honour for the primary time in his profession.
His function with the New Orleans Pelicans prolonged past manufacturing, as the middle supplied frontcourt depth and management in a creating roster.
He appeared in 12 video games in the course of the season, averaging 4.4 factors and 6.3 rebounds whereas taking pictures 65.6% from the sphere in restricted minutes.
These numbers mirror effectivity in an outlined function, with Jordan specializing in rim safety, rebounding positioning, and low-usage offense.
New Orleans completed 26-56 and out of doors playoff competition, however the roster featured a number of younger contributors who benefited from veteran steerage.
Gamers comparable to Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson led the scoring load, whereas youthful guards and wings dealt with playmaking and perimeter creation.
Inside that construction, Jordan’s influence aligned with conventional team-building ideas, the place skilled gamers stabilize rotations and reinforce defensive schemes.
The Twyman-Stokes award carries historic significance, named after Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, whose relationship stays one of many league’s most notable examples of loyalty and help.
Twyman turned Stokes’ authorized guardian after a career-ending damage in 1958, later serving to elevate funds for participant care by the Maurice Stokes Memorial Basketball Recreation.
Jordan’s choice displays these values, notably in a locker room setting the place mentorship performs a key function in participant growth.
The veteran middle entered the league in 2008 and constructed a résumé that features three All-NBA alternatives, two All-Defensive Group honors, and an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
He additionally received a gold medal with the USA on the 2016 Olympics, including worldwide success to his profession profile.
