The NBA's Twyman Stokes Teammate of the Year Award is not one of the league's most prestigious awards.
It's one of the most important ones.
The NBA says the award goes to “a player who has been deemed the best teammate based on his selfless play, leadership on and off the court as a mentor and example to other NBA players, and his dedication to his team.” It is said that it will be given as a gift.
This award is rooted in humanity, compassion and selflessness, and seeks to help those around us become the best people and athletes possible.
The award is named for Maurice Stokes and Jack Tyman, who were teammates with the Rochester/Cincinnati Royals from 1955 to 1958. Stokes was injured on the court, leaving him paralyzed and diagnosed with post-traumatic encephalopathy, but Twyman became Stokes' legal guardian and supported him until Stokes' death in 1970.
It's one of my favorite NBA awards. This is the second time this season that Minnesota Timberwolves starting point guard Mike Conley has won the award. It's an honor to win once. Winning twice will shed more light on the player's character.
We spoke to Conley, whose Timberwolves face the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday (8 p.m. ET, TNT), about the award and what it means to him. Questions and answers have been edited for length and clarity.
America today: What does it mean to be a good teammate and what does it take?
Conley: It's more a part of my personality than anything – the way I was brought up, the way I treated people. The way I lead is by doing different things. It might be leading by example, it might be speaking up, it might be taking a guy out for dinner when he's in a slump, it might be just really checking in on people and making sure they're okay. Might be something to check. After all, men take away the fact that I always put myself above others, and it is clear that men like to be near such people.
America today: You mentioned your upbringing. What was it about you as a kid that made you realize there was more to it than just going out there and making buckets, passing the ball, and playing defense?
Conley: It starts with my parents (Mike Sr. and Regina). They are the ones who guided me, pushed me, and gave me a template on how to do things from a young age. I've been playing basketball since I was 3 or 4 years old, I played in elementary school games, I was co-ed, there were girls on my team, and all that, but I'm the best player. . On the court, I'm just thinking, “How can I get her to make a layup if she doesn't really like basketball?'' It's either she can shoot or this person can shoot. I felt it would be more fun if I had it. I have found a way to use my talents to help others enjoy their on-court experience.
America today: If I'm following correctly, kindness, compassion, understanding, and even if that means treating the other player a little differently than other players, that's part of your approach.
Conley: The biggest thing is to have empathy. I put myself in the shoes of everyone I know. Obviously, we all grew up differently and come from different areas and have seen different things, so I try to break that down for each man. How can I talk to Rudy Gobert? He is from a different country (France). How did he grow up? I don't know. How do I talk to Ant (Anthony Edwards)? He's from Georgia, but how do I talk to him differently than KAT (Karl-Anthony Towns)? I mean, no one may have their own things and be spoken to in different ways and guided in different ways. I have the ability to recognize that with each person and build connections with everyone.
America today: What was your first thought when you found out you had won the Twyman Stokes Award?
Conley: I was surprised, but for some reason it always happens. I never expect anything. Not really, to be honest. I don't expect any achievements, I don't expect any awards. To me, getting one of this nature and size means more than the game, more than basketball. It's about who you are, what kind of player you are, what kind of compassion you have, what kind of competitive spirit you have for the game, and how you make the people around you better. It shows how you can effectively change things for the better and bring about positive feelings. Impact on people.
America today: This is the second time we have won this award. How much do you know about that story?
Conley: It was incredibly moving. It means more than this game. You see the love and passion he has for other human beings, not even his blood relatives, but people he truly believes in, wants to care for, and loves.
America today: you have a child Is there anything you would like to share with them to explain what we are talking about here?
Conley: My children are very active in sports. They play soccer, flag football, basketball, and baseball. Since we're in Minnesota, they play hockey, so all the sports are over, and as far as sportsmanship, they listen to everything I say in good faith. My oldest son is 7 years old and he is now bigger, taller, and faster than most kids and runs past people. I thought, “Hey, you can score a goal.'' I know you can do this with the ball, but try making this guy a great pass, or get your best friend there, or get a good look, or just let them understand the team concept. And how fulfilling it is to see not only yourself but others succeed! ” They seem to be getting closer to it, getting closer to it. So hopefully I continue to set that trail and they follow suit.
