Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey was honored with the prestigious 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award, adding to his accolades after being named the Most Improved Player last month. The 23-year-old received the Joe Dumars Trophy, a testament to his exemplary conduct both on and off the court.
The NBA Sportsmanship Award, established in the 1995-96 season, recognizes the player who embodies the highest standards of sportsmanship during games. Each of the 30 NBA teams nominated a player for the award, with a panel of six league executives selecting one finalist from each of the league's six divisions. The ultimate winner was determined by current NBA players from a pool of six finalists.
Tyrese Maxey emerged victorious with an impressive 91 first-place votes and a total of 2,545 points. Kevin Love of the Miami Heat secured the second position, followed by Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Harrison Barnes of the Sacramento Kings, and Tre Jones of the San Antonio Spurs.
In the 2023-24 season, Maxey earned his first All-Star selection and showcased his skills by averaging 25.9 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds in 70 starts for the Sixers. His dedication to the game and his teammates, along with his respectful demeanor on and off the court, made him a deserving recipient of the Sportsmanship Award.
This achievement places Tyrese Maxey in the esteemed company of past winners, including Eric Snow, another Philadelphia 76ers guard who claimed the award in the 1999-2000 season. Maxey's commitment to fair play and positive sportsmanship has not only earned him recognition from his peers but has also solidified his reputation as a role model within the NBA community.