Mavericks’ Boban Marjanovic Is A Finalist For NBA’s Twyman Stokes Teammate Of The Year Award

The NBA nominated one of its most beloved players for league-wide honors. Dallas Mavericks center Boban Marjanovic is one of 12 finalists for the 2021-22 Twyman Stokes Teammate of the Year Award.

Each year, the NBA recognizes a player deemed to be the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-the-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other players in and around the NBA, as well as commitment and dedication to the player’s team.

“I think when you look at what Boban does daily, he’s always in a good mood–-I’ve never seen him in a bad mood–he’s a true pro, comes to work, he’s always prepared to play, he does what he has to do to stay ready, never complains about not playing and is all about the team,” Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd said. “For him to be a finalist, hopefully he wins it because he deserves it.”

Marjanovic is averaging 4.1 points, 1.5 rebounds and 5.1 minutes in 21 appearances. Despite his limited playing time, coaches and teammates regularly praise Marjanovic’s upbeat attitude and tenacious work effort. He is regularly the last person in the gym, scrimmaging with interns after every practice. He also has somewhat of a pop culture following.

Off the court, Marjanovic is a niche celebrity with a growing marketing and advertising presence. He appeared in a memorable fight scene in the 2019 movie John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum alongside Keanu Reeves and is a spokesperson for Big Blanket Co. and appears in commercials for Goldfish crackers and State Farm Insurance.

If Marjanovic takes home the award, he will be the second Mavericks player to do so. Dirk Nowitzki won it during the 2016-17 season.

Also up for the Twyman Stokes award are DeMar DeRozan of the Chicago Bulls, Rudy Gay of the Utah Jazz, the Denver Nuggets’ Jeff Green, Udonis Haslem of the Miami Heat, the Milwaukee Bucks’ Jrue Holiday, Andre Iguodala on the Golden State Warriors, Jaren Jackson Jr. from the Memphis Grizzlies, Kevin Love on the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Phoenix Suns’ Chris Paul, Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors and Boston Celtics center Grant Williams.

A panel of NBA executives nominated the 12 finalists—six players from each conference. Current players will select a winner from the field.

Last season, Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers won the award.