NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 31: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander #2 of the Oklahoma City Thunder looks on during the game against the New York Knicks on March 31, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images

Thunder's Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Headlines 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award Finalists

Tyler ConwayApr 2, 2024

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey are among the eight finalists for the 2023-24 NBA Sportsmanship Award.

The NBA announced the finalists Tuesday:

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The NBA launched its Sportsmanship Award in 1995. Mike Conley is the reigning award winner and is the only four-time winner in league history. Grant Hill, Jason Kidd and Kemba Walker are the only other players with multiple wins.

None of the players nominated for 2023-24 have won a Sportsmanship Award before. Gilgeous-Alexander would be the first in Thunder franchise history, though a pair of Seattle SuperSonics won the award before the team relocated to Oklahoma City.

Winners have largely trended toward veterans over younger players. Stephen Curry (22) and Luol Deng (21) are the only players younger than the age of 26 to receive the honor. Gilgeous-Alexander (25), Maxey (23), Tre Jones (24) and Jarrett Allen (turns 26 on April 21) would all rank among the youngest players in history.

In that sense, veterans Kevin Love (35) and Harrison Barnes (31) should be seen as the favorites.