In the NBA, award winners and all-league performers receive trophies and plaques. Beginning in 2025-26, they'll receive an additional kind of acknowledgment.
Before the page fully flips to the new season, players who received honors in 2024-25 will have patches featured on their jerseys during the season opener. The patches, which will only be worn for one game, are part of a new initiative in the new season.
Here is everything to know about the patches that will be featured prominently during Game 1 of the 2025-26 season.
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NBA award jersey patches, explained
In an effort to acknowledge the efforts of award-winners during the previous season, patches will be featured on the jerseys of 35 players during their respective season opener in 2025-26.
The group of players is headed by MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, whose opening-night jersey features a patch of the Michael Jordan Trophy.
The award patches are featured above the Nike Swoosh on game jerseys.
In addition to Gilgeous-Alexander, Defensive Player of the Year Evan Mobley, and Rookie of the Year Stephon Castle are among the award-winners who will have jersey patches.
The other end-of-season awards that will be honored with patches are Clutch Player of the Year, Teammate of the Year, Sixth Man of the Year, Most Improved Player, and the Sportsmanship Award winner. There are also patches to commemorate each member of the three All-NBA teams and two All-Defensive teams.
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NBA award winners 2025
MVP: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Thunder
Defensive Player of the Year: Evan Mobley, Cavaliers
Rookie of the Year: Stephon Castle, Spurs
Sixth Man of the Year: Payton Pritchard, Celtics
Most Improved Player: Dyson Daniels, Hawks
Clutch Player of the Year: Jalen Brunson, Knicks
Teammate of the Year: Stephen Curry, Warriors
Sportsmanship award: Jrue Holiday, Trail Blazers
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All-NBA teams 2025
All-NBA First Team
Position Player Team
G Shai Gilgeous-Alexander Thunder
G Donovan Mitchell Cavaliers
F Jayson Tatum Celtics
F Giannis Antetokounmpo Bucks
F Nikola Jokic Nuggets
All-NBA Second Team
Position Player Team
G Jalen Brunson Knicks
G Stephen Curry Warriors
G Anthony Edwards Timberwolves
F LeBron James Lakers
F Evan Mobley Cavaliers
All-NBA Third Team
Position Player Team
G Cade Cunningham Pistons
G Tyrese Haliburton Pacers
G James Harden Clippers
F Karl-Anthony Towns Knicks
F Jalen Williams Thunder
NBA All-Defensive teams 2025
All-Defensive First Team
Position Player Team
G Dyson Daniels Hawks
G Luguentz Dort Thunder
F Draymond Green Warriors
F Evan Mobley Cavaliers
G Amen Thompson Rockets
All-Defensive Second Team
Position Player Team
F Toumani Camara Trail Blazers
C Rudy Gobert Timberwolves
F Jaren Jackson Jr. Grizzlies
F Jalen Williams Thunder
C Ivica Zubac Clippers