Derrick White of the Boston Celtics has been named the winner of the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award, becoming the second consecutive Celtics player to receive the honor.
The award, presented annually since the 1995-96 season, recognizes a player who best embodies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. White received the Joe Dumars Trophy, named in honor of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion who won the inaugural award.
Each of the NBA’s 30 teams nominated one player for the award. From those nominees, a panel of league executives selected six finalists — one from each division. Current NBA players then voted to determine the winner.
According to verified voting results, White received 20% of the first-place votes from the 386 players who cast ballots. TJ McConnell of the Indiana Pacers finished second with nearly 22% of first-place votes, although Harrison Barnes of the San Antonio Spurs and Al Horford of the Golden State Warriors tied for third with 19% each.
Bam Adebayo of the Miami Heat placed fifth with 11% of first-place votes, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder was sixth with just under 10%. Gilgeous-Alexander was the only repeat finalist from the previous season.
White, a nine-year NBA veteran, is a two-time Kia NBA All-Defensive Team selection and an NBA champion with Boston from the 2023-24 season. He similarly won an NBA G League championship during his rookie year with the Austin Spurs in 2017-18.
The Celtics have now had recipients in consecutive seasons after Jrue Holiday won the award in 2024-25. White is the first Celtic to win the honor since Holiday’s victory last year.
The award is determined through a multi-step process: team nominations, executive panel selection of finalists, and a final vote by active NBA players. This structure ensures peer recognition alongside league oversight.
White’s win highlights his reputation for professionalism and conduct both on and off the court. His selection by fellow players underscores the respect he commands across the league.
As a guard known for his defensive versatility and team-first mindset, White has become a key contributor to Boston’s success in recent seasons. His championship experience and consistent performance have been complemented by his adherence to the values the Sportsmanship Award represents.
The NBA Sportsmanship Award has been won by several notable players since its inception, including Joe Dumars, who won it first in 1995-96. The trophy bearing his name continues to honor players who compete with integrity and respect.
White’s achievement adds to a growing list of Celtics players recognized for their sportsmanship, reinforcing the organization’s emphasis on character and professionalism.
The award ceremony typically takes place during the NBA Awards show, which follows the conclusion of the NBA Finals. Specific timing for the 2026 presentation has not been detailed in available sources.
Moving forward, White will continue his role with the Celtics as they pursue future success. His recognition as a sportsmanship winner adds a notable distinction to his career resume.
For ongoing coverage of NBA awards and player honors, Archysport will provide updates as they become available through official league channels.
What’s next: The Celtics prepare for the upcoming NBA season, with training camp scheduled to commence in late September 2026, pending the official league calendar.
Stay tuned to Archysport for the latest developments in basketball and sportsmanship recognitions across the league.
