NBA Players: 5 Early predictions for Sixth Man of the Year

While not the most glamorous individual title in the NBA, the Sixth Man of the Year award is certainly among the most respected. The award signifies a player's ability to make an impact from the bench in a league where most individuals are desperate to be starters.

Since being introduced during the 1982-83 season, 30 different players have been named Sixth Man of the Year, and Lou Williams last season became only the second player in history to win the title on three occasions.

Nevertheless, the Clippers man will face plenty of competition to retain his title again, and here are five NBA players that will be in contention to take home the 2020 Sixth Man of the Year award.

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#5 Gordon Hayward - Boston Celtics

Gordon Hayward is hoping to find his form with the Boston Celtics

The Boston Celtics beat off intense competition back in the summer of 2017 to sign Gordon Hayward. Hayward was coming off a season where he had made his first All-Star appearance, and also averaged career highs in points (21.9) and rebounds (5.4). However, Hayward suffered a serious injury just minutes into his Celtics debut and missed the entire 17-18 campaign.

Hayward returned for the start of the 18-19 season but quickly fell to the bench after a series of underwhelming performances which yielded some of the lowest numbers since his rookie year. Nevertheless, Hayward has worked hard over the summer in a bid to get his career back on track and is reportedly eying a return to All-Star Weekend.

While an appearance at the NBA's showcase game is unlikely, Hayward could still make a huge contribution from the Celtics bench and the 29-year-old should see an increase on the 25.6 minutes per game he averaged last year. Ultimately, if Hayward gets anywhere near back to his Utah Jazz level, he could average at least 15 points and 5 rebounds and will be in contention to become the Celtics' first Sixth Man winner since the 80s.

#4 Fred VanVleet - Toronto Raptors

Fred VanVleet is likely to be rewarded with a bigger role after impressing during the 2019 NBA Finals

While Kawhi Leonard stole all the headlines during the Toronto Raptors' title-winning run, Fred VanVleet's breakout postseason also played a major factor. Most notably in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, VanVleet finished with 22 points from the bench as he helped steer the Raptors to a first championship.

VanVleet's regular-season performances were also the best of his career, although his tally of 11.0 points, 4.8 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game leave him with considerable room to improve during the upcoming 19-20 season.

While some fans have called for VanVleet to start, the 25-year-old will spend at least one more season playing as Kyle Lowry's backup. However, VanVleet could near 30 minutes per contest, and his prominent role from the bench will provide him with the platform to compete for the award.

#3 Domantas Sabonis - Indiana Pacers

Domantas Sabonis has made a big impact for the Indiana Pacers since his trade from the Thunder in 2017

After struggling to make an impact as a starter for the Oklahoma City Thunder, Domantas Sabonis was traded to the Indiana Pacers as part of the deal for Paul George. The Lithuanian wasn't expected to play a significant role but instantly established himself as Indiana's most reliable option from the bench.

In his second season with the team, Sabonis averaged 14.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in just 24.8 minutes per game, and it will be difficult for the Indiana coaching staff not to increase his minutes for the upcoming campaign.

With Myles Turner still the Pacers' undisputed starting center, Sabonis will feature once again from the bench, although an increase in minutes should result in the 23-year-old comfortably averaging a double-double throughout the 2019-20 season.

#2 Bogdan Bogdanovic - Sacramento Kings

Bogdan Bogdanovic could take a huge leap during his third year in the NBA

While Serbia failed to meet expectations at the 2019 FIBA World Cup, Bogdan Bogdanovic enjoyed the competition of his life. The Sacramento Kings star averaged 22.9 points, 4.4 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting an incredible 55% from the field. This followed his best season to date in the NBA, and at 27, Bogdanovic is starting to embark on his prime years.

On quality alone, Bogdanovic should be a regular starter for the Kings, although his flexibility is likely to see him relegated to the bench as he is used to accommodate other members of the roster. Nevertheless, the former Fenerbache man could top 30 minutes per contest for the first time in his career.

With an expanded role, Bogdanovic is likely to average between 17 and 20 points for the season, and if he can continue to improve his rebounding and playmaking, he will be among the frontrunners to earn his first Sixth Man title.

#1 Lou Williams - Los Angeles Clippers

Lou Williams is among the best reserves in the history of the NBA

Lou Williams was named as Sixth Man of the Year last season for the third time in five years, and the veteran star enters the new season in a strong position to retain his title.

Set to turn 33 later this year, Williams' performances during the 18-19 season were among the best of his career, and the guard was able to take home the Sixth Man award despite averaging just over 25 minutes per contest.

The addition of Paul Goerge and Kawhi Leonard also puts the Clippers in the position to contend for a title, and neither All-Star will hinder Williams' influence from the Los Angeles' reserve unit. Ultimately, everything is in place for the Williams to take home the award for a third consecutive season, and few will bet against the veteran star.