NBA Sportsmanship Award History
The NBA Sportsmanship Award is presented annually to
the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the
basketball court, including ethical behavior, fair play and integrity.
The award was introduced for the 1995-96 season.
Detroit Pistons guard Joe Dumars became the first
recipient.
The winner receives the Joe Dumars Trophy, named in
honor of the inaugural winner and longtime Detroit Pistons star.
Each NBA team nominates one player for the award. Six finalists are then
chosen, representing the league's six divisions, before NBA players vote
to determine the winner.
NBA Sportsmanship Award Winners
| Season |
Player |
Team |
| 2025-26 |
Derrick White |
Boston Celtics |
| 2024-25 |
Jrue Holiday |
Boston Celtics |
| 2023-24 |
Tyrese Maxey |
Philadelphia 76ers |
| 2022-23 |
Mike Conley |
Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2021-22 |
Patty Mills |
Brooklyn Nets |
| 2020-21 |
Jrue Holiday |
Milwaukee Bucks |
| 2019-20 |
Vince Carter |
Atlanta Hawks |
| 2018-19 |
Mike Conley |
Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2017-18 |
Kemba Walker |
Charlotte Hornets |
| 2016-17 |
Kemba Walker |
Charlotte Hornets |
| 2015-16 |
Mike Conley |
Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2014-15 |
Kyle Korver |
Atlanta Hawks |
| 2013-14 |
Mike Conley |
Memphis Grizzlies |
| 2012-13 |
Jason Kidd |
New York Knicks |
| 2011-12 |
Jason Kidd |
Dallas Mavericks |
| 2010-11 |
Stephen Curry |
Golden State Warriors |
| 2009-10 |
Grant Hill |
Phoenix Suns |
| 2008-09 |
Chauncey Billups |
Denver Nuggets |
| 2007-08 |
Grant Hill |
Phoenix Suns |
| 2006-07 |
Luol Deng |
Chicago Bulls |
| 2005-06 |
Elton Brand |
Los Angeles Clippers |
| 2004-05 |
Grant Hill |
Orlando Magic |
| 2003-04 |
P.J. Brown |
New Orleans Hornets |
| 2002-03 |
Ray Allen |
Seattle SuperSonics |
| 2001-02 |
Steve Smith |
San Antonio Spurs |
| 2000-01 |
David Robinson |
San Antonio Spurs |
| 1999-00 |
Eric Snow |
Philadelphia 76ers |
| 1998-99 |
Hersey Hawkins |
Seattle SuperSonics |
| 1997-98 |
Avery Johnson |
San Antonio Spurs |
| 1996-97 |
Terrell Brandon |
Cleveland Cavaliers |
| 1995-96 |
Joe Dumars |
Detroit Pistons |
NBA Sportsmanship Award Facts
-
Joe Dumars won the inaugural NBA Sportsmanship Award
with the Detroit Pistons in 1995-96. The award's trophy was later named
in his honor.
-
Mike Conley has won the Sportsmanship Award four times:
2013-14, 2015-16, 2018-19 and 2022-23.
-
Grant Hill won the award three times, receiving the
honor with Orlando in 2004-05 and Phoenix in 2007-08 and 2009-10.
-
Jason Kidd won consecutive Sportsmanship Awards with
two different teams, Dallas in 2011-12 and New York in 2012-13.
-
Kemba Walker also won the award in consecutive seasons,
earning the honor with Charlotte in 2016-17 and 2017-18.
-
Jrue Holiday has won with two different franchises,
Milwaukee in 2020-21 and Boston in 2024-25.
-
Derrick White won the 2025-26 award, giving Boston
Sportsmanship Award winners in consecutive seasons after Jrue Holiday
won in 2024-25.
How the Sportsmanship Award Is Selected
Each of the NBA's 30 teams nominates one player for the Sportsmanship
Award. A panel of league executives then selects six finalists, with one
player representing each NBA division.
Current NBA players vote among the six finalists to determine the
winner. Players are recognized for demonstrating sportsmanship,
fairness and integrity during competition.
Explore NBA Awards
