Sportsmanship Award

Grant Hill; the Orlando Magic forward who has come back from much adversity in the last few years was the recipient of the Joe Dumars Trophy for the 2004-2005 NBA Sportsmanship Award.

Originally presented following the 1995-96 season, the Sportsmanship Award honors a player who exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court — ethical behavior, fair play and integrity. The trophy is named for former Detroit Pistons All-Star guard Joe Dumars, the award’s first recipient.

Hill received 2,778 points, including 134 first place votes, the highest received among Sportsmanship Award finalists. NBA players voted on this award, with eleven points given for each first-place vote, nine points for each second-place vote, seven points for third, five points for fourth, three points for fifth and one point for each sixth place vote received. Each team nominated one of its own players for this award, then former NBA players Tom Heinsohn, Eddie Johnson, Steve Mix, Kelly Tripucka and Stu Lantz selected the six divisional winners. #