Full Breakdown
DeAndre Jordan Named 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year
4/30/2026, 7:15:59 AM
DeAndre Jordan Wins Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year
On April 29, 2026 the NBA announced that New Orleans Pelicans center DeAndre Jordan won the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award, receiving 1,445 points in a vote of 385 players.
Origin of the Twyman-Stokes Teammate Award
The award, introduced in the 2012-13 season, honors the league’s best teammate—self-less play, on- and off-court leadership, mentorship, and team commitment. It bears the names of Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes, whose 1950s partnership exemplified loyalty after Stokes’s injury.
Vote Totals and Finalist Overview
A league-executive panel selected 12 finalists—six per conference. The 2025-26 finalists included Jordan, Jrue Holiday, Jeff Green, Garrett Temple, Pat Connaughton, Jalen Brunson, Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Desmond Bane, Marcus Smart, Jaylin Williams, and Duncan Robinson. Jordan earned 66 first-place votes, the most among them.
Jordan’s Contribution to the Pelicans
Jordan, an 18-year veteran, appeared in 12 games, averaging 16.6 minutes—the fourth-fewest among finalists. Coaches credit him with mentoring rookies Jeremiah Fears (20) and Derik Queen (18), offering guidance on and off the court.
Pelicans Leadership’s Official Remarks
Executive vice president Joe Dumars praised Jordan’s veteran presence, saying he “pours into other players” both on the court and behind the scenes. Interim head coach James Borrego added that Jordan “rallied the team” and “lifted everybody’s standard.”
Criticism Regarding Statistical Profile
Jordan’s limited statistical output—fewest games and modest minutes—prompted some observers to question whether the award should prioritize intangible mentorship over traditional performance metrics.
Significance for Jordan and New Orleans
Jordan becomes the second Pelicans player to win, after Jrue Holiday’s 2019-20 award, highlighting the franchise’s strategy of pairing youth with seasoned mentors. The accolade adds a new dimension to Jordan’s résumé, which already includes three All-NBA selections, two All-Defensive honors, an NBA title, and an Olympic gold medal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I’ve never seen a veteran like him in all my years,” — Joe Dumars, Pelicans executive vice president of basketball operations
- “I’ve never seen a veteran pour into other players like he does. It’s invaluable and he’s not just doing that in front of the cameras and people in the stands. He’s doing that at shoot-around. He’s doing that on the bus when nobody else is looking. He’s pouring into those young guys the exact same way you see him during the game.” — Joe Dumars
- “He lifted everybody’s standard.” — James Borrego, interim head coach, New Orleans Pelicans
- “DeAndre had a massive impact on the growth of our young players and the growth of our team as a whole,” — James Borrego
What’s Next for Jordan and the Pelicans
The Pelicans will keep developing their rookie core while leveraging Jordan’s mentorship. At 37, Jordan has hinted at future roles in coaching, player development, or front-office work, suggesting his influence may extend beyond his playing career. Borrego’s comments indicate his presence will continue to shape the team’s culture.
