Jrue Holiday wins 2025 NBA Sportsmanship Award beating out Kyrie Irving, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and more

Jrue Holiday’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most respected players was further cemented on Thursday, May 1, 2025, when he was named the recipient of the 2024–25 NBA Sportsmanship Award. The Boston Celtics guard was selected by his peers for his consistent display of respect, integrity, and professionalism on the court. It’s the second time Holiday has earned the honor, solidifying his place among the league’s most admired veterans.

The NBA confirmed Thursday that Jrue Holiday will take home the Joe Dumars Trophy, awarded each season to the player who best embodies sportsmanship. The 16-year veteran also won the award in 2021 as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks, and now becomes just the fifth player in league history to receive it multiple times.

The award process begins with one nominee from each of the NBA’s 30 teams. A panel of league executives then narrows the list to six finalists, one from each division. From there, current NBA players vote for the winner. Holiday finished first with 134 first-place votes. The other finalists were Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Kyrie Irving of the Dallas Mavericks, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Franz Wagner of the Orlando Magic, and Dorian Finney-Smith of the Los Angeles Lakers.
“The award goes to the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court,” the league stated.
Holiday’s calm demeanor, selfless play, and leadership have made him a role model across the league. Beyond this latest recognition, he is also a three-time recipient of the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award and is currently a finalist for the NBA Social Justice Champion Award for the third time.
On the court, Holiday is a two-time NBA champion, a two-time All-Star, and a six-time All-Defensive Team selection. He’s also won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
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As the Celtics await their second-round playoff opponent after defeating the Orlando Magic in five games, Holiday’s latest accolade reinforces his influence as both a competitor and a leader in the NBA.