NEW YORK–New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin, who is now recovering from knee surgery, is one of six finalists for the 2011-12 NBA Sportsmanship Award after winning the award in the NBA’s Atlantic Division.

Lin was nominated for the honor by the Knicks. The winner will be selected by NBA players after the regular season ends April 26.

The honor, which has been awarded annually by the NBA since the 1995-96 season, goes to the player who most “exemplifies the ideals of sportsmanship on the court — ethical behavior, fair play and integrity.”

The other five finalists, representing the league’s other five divisions, are Cleveland Cavaliers forward Antawn Jamison (Central), Dallas Mavericks guard Jason Kidd (Southwest), Los Angeles Clippers guard Chris Paul (Pacific), Miami Heat forward Shane Battier (Southeast), and Minnesota Timberwolves guard Luke Ridnour (Northwest).

Lin, the first person of Taiwanese descent to play in the NBA, is currently sidelined after having surgery on April 2 to repair a chronic meniscus tear in his left knee.