The NBA regular season is playing its final games on Wednesday and many teams are either preparing for their playoff push, or they are trying to squeeze in. After the season, many season awards will be voted on, and one of them is the NBA Sixth Man of the Year. This award is for the player who provides the best boost to their team by coming off the bench. James Harden was once a Sixth Man of the Year recipient, and that led him to his now superstar role with the Rockets. The sixth man on a team is just as crucial as the first, and lots of players are candidates for this award.
Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford is a familiar name with this award, as he won this honor last year as well. Crawford is a great spark for the L.A Clippers when J.J Reddick and Chris Paul come off the floor. He is averaging 12.3 points of the bench, and is shooting 41 percent. Crawford constantly dazzles with his dribbling exhibitions, and his four-point plays throughout the season. (He is actually the all-time leader in four-point plays.) Crawford is a reliable scorer off the bench and coach Doc Rivers knows this, putting him in when his team needs an offensive boost. Jamal Crawford is a household name when it comes to the best off the bench, and he is looking to capture another Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Andre Iguodala
Andre Iguodala has quietly made himself a nominee for the Sixth Man award. He has provided defensive energy off the bench for the Warriors, especially when Durant was out for an extended period of time due to injury. He can play with the second unit and the starters, and his lockdown defense is under valued in today's run and gun offense in the NBA.
He average on 7.6 points per game, but those points come at the right time. He either drains a three to spark a Warrior run, or to seal the game late in the fourth. His offense won't win him the sixth man for sure, but his defensive brilliance is what might move the voters.
Eric Gordon
Eric Gordon has been great off the bench in his first season playing for the Rockets.
He is averaging 16.3 points per game and shooting37 percent from three. Gordon was a perfect fit for Mike D'Antoni's system offensively, as the Rockets are a three-point shooting team. Gordon is also a reliable free throw shooter, shooting 84 percent from the foul line. He has made the transition for James Harden to his new point guard role much easier and the Rockets are benefitting. Gordon's three point shooting and scoring from the bench could lock up this award for him.
Who wins?
I believe Eric Gordon will come away with the Sixth Man Award. His scoring can't be denied, and his three point bombs are something the voters will look at as well. He has made the Rockets a dangerous team from deep and in his first season, he will win the coveted Sixth Man of the year award. His teammate Lou Williams was a possible candidate, but he got most of his buckets playing for the L.A Lakers and not the Rockets.
