Misryoum reports DeAndre Jordan was named Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year for the 2025-26 season, earning first-time recognition for mentorship and leadership.
DeAndre Jordan’s peers have honored him for what happens off the stat sheet: the New Orleans Pelicans center has been named the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year for the 2025-26 season.
The award, presented annually since the 2012-13 season, is designed to spotlight the league’s best teammate. It looks beyond individual output, emphasizing selfless play, leadership, and how a veteran supports others through mentoring and example—on and off the court.
Misryoum notes that the process begins with a group of finalists chosen by league executives, with selections coming from both conferences. From that pool, current NBA players vote to determine the final winner.
The honor marks Jordan’s first time receiving the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.. Over an 18-year NBA career. he has earned recognition including multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team honors. along with an NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets and a USA Men’s National Team gold medal at the 2016 Summer Olympics.
While awards like this are often summarized as a “team-first” nod, the deeper significance is consistency. Misryoum’s takeaway is that peer-voted recognition can signal trust within a locker room, especially from players who have to rely on one another every night.
The award’s name carries history that goes beyond basketball headlines.. It honors Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes. whose friendship became a lasting story of partnership after Stokes suffered a life-altering injury.. Twyman served as his legal guardian and lifelong advocate. and their bond helped turn personal struggle into broader support through fundraising and remembrance initiatives.
In a league built on competition, Misryoum’s final insight is that teammate awards matter because they reinforce the culture fans rarely see up close: guidance, accountability, and the small decisions that keep a team connected when the pressure rises.