The NBA announced on April 29 that veteran center DeAndre Jordan has been named the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year.
The award recognizes players for selfless play, leadership, and commitment to team success, with the final vote determined by current NBA players from a pool of 12 finalists.
Jordan, a 37-year-old in his 18th season, secured the honor for the first time in his career.
His role with the New Orleans Pelicans extended beyond production, as the center provided frontcourt depth and leadership in a developing roster.
He appeared in 12 games during the season, averaging 4.4 points and 6.3 rebounds while shooting 65.6% from the field in limited minutes.
Those numbers reflect efficiency in a defined role, with Jordan focusing on rim protection, rebounding positioning, and low-usage offense.
New Orleans finished 26-56 and outside playoff contention, but the roster featured several young contributors who benefited from veteran guidance.
Players such as Trey Murphy III and Zion Williamson led the scoring load, while younger guards and wings handled playmaking and perimeter creation.
Within that structure, Jordan’s impact aligned with traditional team-building principles, where experienced players stabilize rotations and reinforce defensive schemes.
The Twyman-Stokes award carries historical significance, named after Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, whose relationship remains one of the league’s most notable examples of loyalty and support.
Twyman became Stokes’ legal guardian after a career-ending injury in 1958, later helping raise funds for player care through the Maurice Stokes Memorial Basketball Game.
Jordan’s selection reflects those values, particularly in a locker room setting where mentorship plays a key role in player development.
The veteran center entered the league in 2008 and built a résumé that includes three All-NBA selections, two All-Defensive Team honors, and an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets in 2023.
He also won a gold medal with the United States at the 2016 Olympics, adding international success to his career profile.
