The NBA recently named the six finalists for the 2022-23 Sportsmanship Awards – an award that recognizes the player who represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. This award is particularly important because it recognizes players not only for their talent, but also for their character and conduct. The NBA believes that players who show good sportsmanship are not only great ambassadors for the sport, but also positive role models for fans, especially young people.
The winner of the award will be chosen by current players, with one finalist representing each of the NBA’s six divisions. This season’s six finalists are: Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat), Mike Conley (Minnesota Timberwolves), Harrison Barnes (Sacramento Kings), Darius Garland (Cleveland Cavaliers), Jalen Brunson (New York Knicks) and Boban Marjanovic (Houston Rockets). . Last season, Patty Mills (Brooklyn Nets) received the award.
These players have shown that being a great athlete isn’t just about winning games, but also showing respect for other players and being a positive role model for the fans. The NBA Sportsmanship Award is a great way to recognize players who exhibit these qualities and, in the process, inspire future generations of basketball players to do the same.
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The trophy is named in honor of Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Joe Dumars. Dumars was a six-time NBA All-Star and two-time NBA champion, playing 14 seasons in the NBA. He won the first NBA Sportsmanship Award in the 1995-96 season.
Harrison Barnes, who has been with the Sacramento Kings for five seasons, is one of the finalists for the award. Barnes is considered one of the best team players in the league and has been recognized by the NBA for his reputation. If he is chosen as the winner, Barnes would be the first Sacramento King to receive the NBA Sportsmanship Award. Barnes has been a leader on the court and in the locker room during his time in Sacramento, and has been an important part of the Kings’ success.
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He was also nominated for the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year award, which honors 12 players for their leadership on and off the court, unselfish play and commitment to the team.
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Another notable finalist for the award is Boban Marjanovic, who has played for the Houston Rockets for eight years. Despite averaging just over 5 minutes per game this season, Marjanovic’s sportsmanship on the court has not gone unnoticed. In his eighth year in the NBA, Marjanovic averages 3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game.
What is the NBA Sportsmanship Award?
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It’s an annual award given by the National Basketball Association (NBA) to the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.
The award is voted on by NBA players and is presented at the end of the regular season. Each team nominates a player from their team and then the players vote for the winner among the nominees. The winner of the prize receives a trophy designed by sculptor George Tsutakawa, as well as a $10,000 donation to a charity of their choice.
The NBA Sportsmanship Award was presented for the first time in the 1995-1996 season and has been presented every year since.