Congratulations to Damian Lillard on winning the NBA Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award!
Marc Mellon
The Twyman–Stokes Teammate of the Year Award is an annual National Basketball Association (NBA) award that recognizes the league's "ideal teammate" who exemplifies "selfless play and commitment and dedication to his team." The award is named after Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes. The two played together on the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals from 1955 to 1958 until Stokes' career was cut short after he suffered a head injury from a fall during a game against the Minneapolis Lakers. Stokes would later become paralyzed due to post-traumatic encephalopathy; a brain injury that damages the motor-control center. Twyman then became Stokes' legal guardian and advocate until Stokes died in 1970.
Mellon bronzes for
the sports world includes four works for the NBA - the Maurice Podoloff Trophy (NBA MVP), the WNBA MVP, The Drazen Petrovic Trophy (used in international events),and the Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.
NBA Most Valuable Players
2020-21 - Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers
2019-20 - Jrue Holiday, New Orleans Pelicans
2018-19 - Michael Conley Jr, Memphis Grizzlies
2017-18 - Jamal Crawford, Minnesota Timberwolves
2016-17 - Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas Mavericks
2015-16 - Vince Carter, Memphis Grizzlies
2014-15 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
2013-14 - Shane Battier, Miami Heat
2012-13 - Chauncey Billups, Los Angeles Clippers