In a testament to his enduring class and leadership, Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday has been awarded the Joe Dumars Trophy as the winner of the 2024–25 NBA Sportsmanship Award. This marks the second time in his stellar career that Holiday has earned the prestigious honor, having first received it in the 2020–21 season while playing for the Milwaukee Bucks.
What Is the NBA Sportsmanship Award?
The NBA Sportsmanship Award, presented annually since the 1995–96 season, celebrates the player who best exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court—respect, integrity, fairness, and ethical behavior. It is named after Joe Dumars, a Hall of Famer and two-time NBA champion who was the inaugural recipient and spent his entire career with the Detroit Pistons.
Each of the NBA’s 30 teams submits one player as a nominee. From this pool, league executives choose six finalists, one from each division. Current NBA players then vote to determine the winner.
Holiday’s Legacy of Character
Holiday, now a 16-year NBA veteran, continues to cement his legacy as one of the league’s most respected figures. In addition to this latest Sportsmanship Award, he is also a three-time Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year, recognizing his selfless play and mentorship both on and off the floor.
He is also a finalist for the 2024–25 NBA Social Justice Champion Award, his third time being named a finalist for that honor, which celebrates players making a significant impact in advancing social justice causes.
Accolades That Go Beyond Stats
Holiday’s resume is filled with both on-court achievements and off-court leadership:
- 2× NBA Champion (Boston & Milwaukee)
- 2× NBA All-Star
- 6× NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- 2× Olympic Gold Medalist with Team USA
But it’s his commitment to being a leader, role model, and voice for change that sets him apart—and makes him an easy choice for this year’s NBA Sportsmanship Award.
