NBA Announces Finalists for Sportsmanship Award

Six players, one from each division, are up for the prestigious honor.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:53pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a basketball game broken down into overlapping planes of navy, crimson, and gold, conveying the sport's competitive spirit and sportsmanship.The NBA's prestigious Sportsmanship Award celebrates the players who elevate the game through fair play and integrity.Oklahoma City Today

The NBA has announced the six finalists for the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award. The players selected represent each of the league's six divisions, with the winner to be chosen by a vote of current NBA players.

Why it matters

The NBA Sportsmanship Award recognizes players who best represent the ideals of sportsmanship on the court, including ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity. It is one of the league's most prestigious individual honors.

The details

The finalists for the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award are: Bam Adebayo (Miami Heat, Southeast Division), Harrison Barnes (San Antonio Spurs, Southwest Division), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (Oklahoma City Thunder, Northwest Division), Al Horford (Golden State Warriors, Pacific Division), T.J. McConnell (Indiana Pacers, Central Division), and Derrick White (Boston Celtics, Atlantic Division). The winner will be selected by a vote of current NBA players.

  • The finalists were announced on March 31, 2026.

The players

Bam Adebayo

A center for the Miami Heat and a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, representing the Southeast Division.

Harrison Barnes

A forward for the San Antonio Spurs and a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, representing the Southwest Division.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

A guard for the Oklahoma City Thunder and a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, representing the Northwest Division.

Al Horford

A center for the Golden State Warriors and a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, representing the Pacific Division.

T.J. McConnell

A guard for the Indiana Pacers and a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, representing the Central Division.

Derrick White

A guard for the Boston Celtics and a finalist for the NBA Sportsmanship Award, representing the Atlantic Division.

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What’s next

The winner of the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award will be announced at the NBA Awards show in June 2026.

The takeaway

The NBA Sportsmanship Award recognizes players who embody the league's values of fair play, integrity, and ethical behavior on the court. The finalists represent the best of the NBA's sportsmanship culture.