Modern ORLEANS – New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan has been honored with the 2025-26 NBA Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, the league announced Wednesday. The award recognizes the player who best exemplifies selfless play, leadership, and a commitment to team success both on and off the court.
Jordan, an 18-year NBA veteran, received the honor for the first time in his career. A panel of league executives initially selected 12 finalists – six from each conference – before current NBA players voted to determine the winner. The complete voting results are available here.
While Jordan’s statistical contributions may not mirror his earlier All-NBA seasons, his impact on the Pelicans’ locker room and team dynamic proved invaluable. The award specifically acknowledges a player’s role as a mentor and role model, qualities Jordan consistently demonstrated throughout the 2025-26 season.
“I just always wanted to encourage my teammates,” Jordan said late in the season, as reported by NOLA.com. “We are an extension of each other.”
The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award is named in honor of Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, whose enduring friendship transcended their individual Hall of Fame careers. Twyman and Stokes were teammates on the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals from 1955 to 1958, and their bond became a symbol of sportsmanship and camaraderie.
Jordan’s resume boasts an impressive array of accomplishments, including three selections to the Kia All-NBA Team, two Kia NBA All-Defensive Team honors, and a 2017 NBA All-Star appearance. He also secured an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in the 2022-23 season and a gold medal with the USA Men’s National Team at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
The Pelicans signed Jordan in October, and he quickly established himself as a key presence in the locker room. His veteran leadership and positive attitude were particularly appreciated by younger players on the roster.
This award isn’t simply about on-court performance. it’s a testament to the qualities that build a player a true teammate. Jordan’s dedication to fostering a positive and supportive environment has clearly resonated with his peers.
The Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award has been presented annually since the 2012-13 season. Previous winners include players recognized for their exceptional character and commitment to team values.
The Pelicans finished the 2025-26 season with a record of [record to be verified and inserted here], securing [playoff seeding/status to be verified and inserted here]. Jordan’s contributions, while not always reflected in the box score, were undoubtedly a factor in the team’s success.
Looking ahead, the Pelicans will be relying on Jordan’s continued leadership as they prepare for [next season/playoff run/upcoming events to be verified and inserted here]. His presence will be crucial in guiding the team and fostering a winning culture.
The NBA’s announcement of Jordan’s award has been met with widespread praise from fans and analysts alike. It’s a fitting recognition for a player who has consistently prioritized team success throughout his distinguished career.
Fans can find more information about the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award and the complete voting results on the NBA’s official website: https://www.nba.com/news/deandre-jordan-twyman-stokes-teammate-of-year-2025-26.
The Pelicans’ next scheduled game is [date, time, opponent to be verified and inserted here].
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