Deng Wins Sportsmanship Award

By Benjy Lipsman in News on May 4, 2007 1:48PM

The Bulls' Luol Deng may be soft spoken, but that doesn't mean his peers in the NBA haven't taken notice -- and we're not just referring to his play against the Heat last week. They also recognize his sportsmanship, selecting him for the NBA's award given to "the player who best exemplifies ethical behavior, fair play and integrity on the court."

In taking home the Joe Dumars Trophy, Deng beat out a number of fellow former Duke stars for the award. The Houston Rockets' Shane Battier came in second, while the L.A. Clippers' Elton Brand finished fourth -- that's gotta make Coach K. proud. In addition to the trophy that Deng received, the NBA will donate $25,000 to to Pacific Garden Mission on his behalf.

While Deng says that this award will make his parents prouder than any other award he might win, Chicagoist thinks they'd also be pretty damn proud if he helped the Bulls win the Larry O'Brien Trpohy, too.

Image via NBA.com