Pacers' T.J. McConnell named finalist for NBA's Sportsmanship Award

INDIANAPOLIS -- Pacers veteran point guard T. J. McConnell is one of six finalists for the NBA Sportsmanship Award for 2025-26, the league announced on its social media channels Tuesday.

The 34-year-old McConnell is averaging 9. 4 points, 5. 1 assists, 2.

2 rebounds and 1. 0 steals per game while shooting 53. 8% from the floor in his 11th season in the NBA.

The other five finalists are Thunder point guard and reigning NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Heat All-Star center Bam Adebayo, Warriors veteran center Al Horford, Celtics veteran guard Derrick White and Spurs veteran forward Harrison Barnes. One finalist was chosen from each NBA Division, so McConnell represents the Eastern Conference's Central Division. The winner is chosen by vote of current NBA players and the award "recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court," according to the post announcing the finalists on the NBA's social media accounts.