NBA just nailed what Celtics fans love about Jayson Tatum and Derrick White

Jayson Tatum and Derrick White have a chance to add to their trophy cases. On Tuesday, the NBA announced its nominees for the Sportsmanship Award and the league's Teammate of the Year honor. Thanks to White and Tatum, the Boston Celtics have a chance to earn both.

Along with the former Duke Blue Devil, the finalists for the 2025-26 Twyman-Stokes Teammate of the Year Award include New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson and a pair of former Celtics guards. Marcus Smart of the Los Angeles Lakers and Jrue Holiday, now with the Portland Trail Blazers, are among the nominees.

The NBA defines this annual honor as one that "recognizes the player deemed the best teammate based on selfless play, on- and off-court leadership as a mentor and role model to other NBA players, and commitment and dedication to [the] team."

Tatum's leadership while rehabbing was exemplary. His relentless approach to attacking his recovery was something Joe Mazzulla and his teammates called inspiring.

Furthermore, the six-time All-Star was present throughout his rehab process. He participated in film sessions, travelled to road games, and was a source that his teammates would go to on the sidelines to get his perspective.

"Everybody has different leadership responsibilities. Everybody leads in different ways. He's done a great job," said Mazzulla in November. "Obviously, his ability to lead on the court has been taken away. He's done a great job leading off the court.

"One, with the work ethic of his recovery. But at the same time, the individual relationships that he's building, being on the bench, having those communications – whether it's in practice or in-game, that's been invaluable to the locker room."

Tatum's nomination comes a day after he earned Eastern Conference Player of the Week. That recognition comes just three weeks after he returned from his Achilles tear.

Derrick White a finalist for the NBA's Sportsmanship Award

Just like Tatum is joined by former Celtics on the list of nominees for the Teammate of the Year Award, White has familiar company with him on the list of candidates for the 2025-26 NBA Sportsmanship Award.

Al Horford is also among the six finalists for this honor. It recognizes the player who best represents the ideals of sportsmanship on the court.

Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and potential two-time league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander are also among those in the running for this award. Harrison Barnes and T.J. McConnell round out the nominees.