NBA Award finalists announced: OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams recognized in two categories

The NBA announced their award finalists with the OKC Thunder big man Steven Adams getting recognized in two categories.

Scanning the NBA Award finalists there weren’t many surprises. While some teams didn’t get any recognition the OKC Thunder once again found several nods coming their way with two players specifically garnering recognition each in two categories. The big news is Paul George (see Alex Mcewen’s article) was recognized in two of the elite individual player award categories. Also receiving recognition is Thunder big man Steven Adams.

Adams is among 12 finalists for the Twyman-Stokes  Teammate of the Year Award. This a relatively new award with six prior winners:

• Chauncey Billups – 2013
• Shane Battier – 2014
• Tim Duncan – 2015
• Vince Carter  – 2016
• Dirk Nowitzki – 2017
• Jamal Crawford – 2018

The 11 other nominees who join Adams are:

• Grizzlies – Mike Conley
• Nets- Jared Dudley, Brooklyn
• Cavaliers – Channing Frye
• Spurs – Rudy Gay
• Heat – Udonis Haslem
• Warriors – Andre Iguodala
• Jazz – Kyle Korver
• Bucks – Khris Middleton
• 76ers – JJ Redick
• Clippers – Garrett Temple
• Pacers – Thaddeus Young

The award is named after two former teammates Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes. Being nominated for this award is an honor in and of its own. The award is a tribute to these two men who displayed the true definition of teammate beyond the typical scope given how their journey.

Stokes sustained a head injury from a fall in a game. He later fell into a coma and ended up paralyzed. The hit to his head caused damage to his motor control center (or post-traumatic encephalopathy) which is what led to his paralysis.

Twyman stepped up to become his legal guardian taking care of him financially as the NBA had no insurance, pension or medical plan back in this time. Twyman remained his benefactor and close friend until his eventual death in 1970. The video below provides further details on this very touching story of friendship and why the award is considered such an honor to receive.

TStokes would later become paralyzed due to post-traumatic encephalopathy; a brain injury that damages the motor-control center. Twyman then became Stokes’ legal guardian and advocate until Stokes died in 1970.

As per @NBA  “The award recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to team.”

Nominees are selected by their teammates and the winner is also determined by the players.

The second award Adams is one many fans outside Oklahoma City may not recognize as a natural for the Big Kiwi, however, it is also highly fitting.  Adams is among six players nominated for the NBA Sportsmanship Award.

The five other players nominated are:

• Kings – Harrison Barnes
• Grizzlies – Mike Conley
• Celtics – Al Horford
• Bucks – Khris Middleton
• Hornets – Kemba Walker

The award is presented to the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court. This is the second consecutive season Adams has been nominated for this award. Grant Hill won this award on three separate occasions, Jason Kidd won it twice and two of the nominees this season won it twice previously (Mike Conley and Kemba Walker.

Each team nominates one of their teammates then a panel comprised of one player from each division narrows the field to six nominees. All players cast votes for the winner with a descending value based on first, second, etc. and the nominee with the greatest point total is presented with the award.

Other Award Nominees:

As per the NBA official site:

Kia NBA Defensive Player of the Year:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
• Paul George, OKC Thunder
• Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz

Kia NBA Most Valuable Player:

• Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks
• Paul George of the OKC Thunder
• James Harden of the Houston Rockets

Kia NBA Rookie of the Year:

• Deandre Ayton, Phoenix Suns
• Luka Dončić, Dallas Mavericks
• Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks

Kia NBA Most Improved Player

• De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings
• D’Angelo Russell, Brooklyn Nets
• Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

Kia NBA Sixth Man Award:

• Montrezl Harrell, LA Clippers
• Domantas Sabonis, Indiana Pacers
• Lou Williams, LA Clippers

More from Thunderous Intentions

• Stealing one player from every Southwest Division team for the OKC Thunder
• Should the OKC Thunder chase after a disgruntled hometown hero?
• 3 OKC Thunder players who can step up in Aleksej Pokusevski’s absence
• Aleksej Pokusevski sidelined approximately 6 weeks with ankle injury
• Damian Lillard does not fit with the OKC Thunder

NBA Coach of the Year

• Mike Budenholzer, Milwaukee Bucks
• Michael Malone, Denver Nuggets
• Doc Rivers, LA Clippers

NBA Cares Community Assist Award

• Jarrett Allen, Brooklyn Nets
• Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards
• Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
• Tobias Harris, Philadelphia 76ers
• LeBron James, Los Angeles Lakers
• Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
• Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks
• Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz
• Dwight Powell, Dallas Mavericks
• Pascal Siakam, Toronto Raptors

Larry Bird and Magic Johnson will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award and Robin Roberts will be honored with the Sager Strong Award.

Finally, The House of Highlights has a special award “the moment of the year”. Fans select the winner by visiting NBA.com/Awards to select your favorite and crown the winner.

The Awards like the last two seasons will take place via a live event on Monday, June 24 and broadcast on TNT.