Manu Ginobili named a finalist for Magic Johnson Award

San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili talks with teammates Davis Bertans (from left), Pau Gasol, and Danny Green during first half action against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday March 29, 2018 at the AT&T Center. San Antonio Spurs' Manu Ginobili talks with teammates Davis Bertans (from left), Pau Gasol, and Danny Green during first half action against the Oklahoma City Thunder Thursday March 29, 2018 at the AT&T Center. Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Photo: Edward A. Ornelas, Staff / San Antonio Express-News Image 1 of / 33 Caption Close Manu Ginobili named a finalist for Magic Johnson Award 1 / 33 Back to Gallery

With the description being "the player who best combines excellence on the basketball court with cooperation and dignity in dealing with the media and the public," it's no surprise that Spurs veteran and fan favorite Manu Ginobili is a finalist for this year's Magic Johnson Award.

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Other finalists for the award, which is voted on by Professional Basketball Writers Association members, include Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Paul George and Al Horford of the Boston Celtics.

Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers took home the award last year and the Spurs Pau Gasol won in 2014-15.

Finalists for the Magic Johnson Award, best combining excellence on the court with cooperation with the media and fans: DeRozan, Durant, Paul George, Ginobili, Horford. Vote will be conducted by Professional Basketball Writers Association members. — KEVIN DING (@KevinDing) April 2, 2018

Cody McCrary is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | cmccrary@express-news.net | @cody_mccrary