The NBA announced the six finalists for the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award on Tuesday. The award is given to the player who “exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court with ethical behavior, fair play, and integrity.” The league names one finalist from each division. Golden State Warriors big man Al Horford was among the finalists, representing the Pacific Division. Horford has not previously won the award. He would be the first Warrior to win the award since Steph Curry won following
the 2010-11 season.
Boston Celtics guard Derrick White, Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell, Miami Heat big Bam Adebayo, Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and San Antonio Spurs forward Harrison Barnes comprise the other five nominees for the award. The award has historically gone to All-Star caliber players or popular veterans late in their careers. While Horford fits the latter category, Adebayo and White seem like stronger potential candidates.
In his first season with the Warriors, Horford has appeared in 43 games (12 starts), averaging 8.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.2 blocks in 21.7 minutes per game. The 39-year old has shot 42.4% from the field (53.5% from two and 36.0% from three) and 84.6% from the free-throw line.
