NBA Sixth Man of the Year 2020: December Power Rankings

#4 Derrick Rose - Detroit Pistons

Derrick Rose has excelled from the Pistons' bench

Derrick Rose excelled for the Minnesota TImberowlves in a backup role last season, although many questioned the Detroit Pistons' decision to sign him to a two-year, $15 million deal during the offseason. Nevertheless, the 2011 MVP has once again been excellent in a reserve role, and through 27 appearances this season (1 start) Rose has averaged 16.7 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per contest.

Rose's impressive numbers have also come in just 24.4 points per game - and the former Chicago star is shooting a career-high 49.1 percent from the field. Calls remain for Rose to be installed into Detroit's starting five, although with any chance of that unlikely - the former All-Star will be among the contenders to be named Sixth Man of the Year.

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#3 Dennis Schroder - Oklahoma City Thunder

Dennis Schroder is enjoying one of the best seasons of his career

Despite the offseason departure of Russell Westbrook, Dennis Schroder has been forced to once again settle for a place on the Oklahoma City Thunder bench. Nevertheless, the German star has once again been able to show exactly why he is the best backup point guard in the NBA. Dating back to Dec 10., Schroder has averaged almost 25 points per game, and for the season, the 26-year-old is averaging 18.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per contest.

Schroder is also shooting a career-high 47 percent from the field, and the former Atlanta Hawks star has connected with 35% of his 5.1 three-point attempts per game. Schroder's role in elevating the Thunder back into playoff contention will also boost his visibility, and he will be a real contender if he remains in Oklahoma City past the trade deadline.