Jrue Holiday earns distinction as first Celtic to claims NBA's Sportsmanship Award
If you're looking for a player that embodies sheer grit, teamwork, and honor, Jrue Holiday is your guy. This 34-year-old veteran guard has once again proven his worth, triumphing in the NBA's Sportsmanship Award for the second time. He's now in the esteemed company of just five players in league history to earn this prestigious accolade more than once.
The votes cast by nearly 400 NBA players painted a clear picture, with Holiday snagging a substantial 34% of the first-place votes. He outshone the competition, with Cavaliers' Jarrett Allen taking the second spot, Mavericks star Kyrie Irving coming in third, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in fourth, L.A.'s Dorian Finney-Smith fifth, and Orlando's Franz Wagner following close behind at sixth.
Celtics President Brad Stevens had this to say about Holiday: "Coming across top-tier competitors is a dime a dozen, but those who blend quiet confidence with humility, show respect for the opposition with their preparation, and push through the rigors of a season with unwavering tenacity are truly exceptional. Jrue exemplifies this formidable combination, making him the quintessential teammate and a paradigm of integrity on and off the court."
Holiday's impact extends far beyond his game, earning him the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award an impressive three times in the past. Moreover, he was yet again recognized as a finalist for the NBA's Social Justice Champion Award, now in its fifth year. Holiday has been a finalist in three of these years, a testament to his commitment to justice and social causes.
The NBA Sportsmanship Award selection process is a two-tiered endeavor. First, each of the league's 30 teams nominates one player. Subsequently, NBA executives evaluate the nominees and whittle the list down to six finalists (one per division). In the final phase, players and colleagues cast the deciding votes.
So, there you have it! Jrue Holiday, the first Boston star to win the award, stands amongst the legends Mike Conley, Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, and Kemba Walker - each having won the award multiple times. Sportsmanship, teamwork, and an unparalleled spirit - these are the qualities that make Jrue Holiday a true giant in the league.
Jrue Holiday, the Boston star, is a two-time winner of the NBA's Sportsmanship Award, earning him a place among legends like Mike Conley, Grant Hill, Jason Kidd, and Kemba Walker. His 34% of the first-place votes in this year's contest came from nearly 400 NBA players, surpassing competition from notable players such as Kyrie Irving (3rd place) and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (4th place). Jrue Holiday's exceptional qualities extend beyond his game, earning him the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award three times and being recognized as a finalist for the NBA's Social Justice Champion Award three out of its five years. His impact is a result of qualities like quiet confidence, humility, preparation, and unwavering tenacity. The award selection process involves team nominations, executive evaluation, and player votes, ensuring fairness and recognition of sportsmanship, teamwork, and spirit.
