NBA Sixth Man of the Year 2020: February Power Rankings

With the trade deadline now behind us, the 2019-20 NBA regular season is approaching an exciting conclusion. In the East, there is an ongoing battle to secure homecourt advantage behind the runaway Milwaukee Bucks, while the Portland Trail Blazers, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans are all fighting to secure the final spot in an ultra-competitive West.

On the individual side of things, several players around the league have made strong cases to take home one of the end of season awards, and the race to be named Sixth Man of the Year is particularly competitive. After winning the award in 2018 and 2019 - Lou Williams is once again among the contenders, although the Clippers star faces a level of competition that he has not felt over the past two seasons. So, as we head towards March, here we will take a look at the five players most likely to be named 2020's Sixth Man of the Year.

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#5 Jordan Clarkson - Utah Jazz

Jordan Clarkson has been excellent since being traded to the Utah Jazz

Jordan Clarkson spent the opening months of the season with the Cleveland Cavaliers, averaging 14.6 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.4 assists. Clarkson's form earned him a mid-season trade to the Utah Jazz who were struggling for production from the bench - and the 27-year-old has proved to be a hit as he has added steady scoring to a weak reserve unit.

Since arriving in Utah, Clarkson has appeared from the bench 28 times, averaging 16.0 points while shooting a career-high 48.3 percent from the field. He has also connected with 37.3 percent of his 5.9 three-point attempts per game, and his defense has also been better than expected. Initially considered a quick-fix, Clarkson now looks set for a long-term stay in Utah.

#4 Goran Dragic - Miami Heat

Goran Dragic has thrived since being moved the Miami's bench

The Miami Heat were desperate to move Goran Dragic last summer, although after a move fell apart, the Slovenian has excelled in a reserve role. After appearing just 36 times last season, Dragic has featured 47 times this time around, averaging 16.3 points, 30. rebounds, and 5.0 assists in 28.3 minutes. Additionally, Dragic is shooting 45.1 percent from the field and 38.7 percent from beyond the arc and adds vital experience to a young Miami reserve unit. His consistency has also been remarkable as the 33-year-old has recorded at least double-figures in scoring in each of his last 18 apperances.

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#3 Montrezl Harrell - LA Clippers

Montrezl Harrell is averaging career-highs in points and rebounds

As an upcoming free agent, Montrezl Harrell's future in Los Angeles is in doubt, although the 26-year-old's impact this season cannot be understated. Following his breakout 2018-19 season, some experts believed that Harrell would fade following the arrival of Paul George and Kawhi Leonard last summer, although the 26-year-old is currently averaging career-highs in points (18.6) and rebounds (7.0).

Harrell's ability on the defensive end has earned some well-deserved criticism, although the center adds energy to LA's offense, and is shooting an impressive 59.2 percent from the floor. Despite appearing from the bench, Harrell has also been chosen to close out games ahead of Ivica Zubac, and he will also be a huge factor in the postseason.

#2 Dennis Schroder - Oklahoma City Thunder

Dennis Schroder has been able to have a huge impact from OKC's bench

Following Oklahoma City's acquisitions of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chris Paul last summer, it felt inevitable that the Thunder would trade Dennis Schroder due to a backlog at the point guard position. However, head coach Billy Donovan opted to build around his trio of playmakers, and Schroder is arguably enjoying the best season of his career.

Over 57 apperances, Schroder has averaged 19.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 4.1 assists, and the German is also shooting a career-high 47.3 percent from the field. Additionally, Schroder has finally developed a shot from beyond the arc (38.6) - and surely a title-contender will come calling for the 26-year-old this summer following his excellent performances for the overperforming Thunder.

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#1 Lou Williams - LA Clippers

Lou Williams could win the award for a third straight year

Lou Williams has uncharacteristically struggled for consistency at times this season, although the veteran remains a titan from LA's bench. Over 55 appearances, Williams is averaging 19.1 points, 5.8 assists, and 3.1 rebounds, and the veteran is also shooting a respectable 35.1 percent from the beyond the arc.

With Paul George struggling, Williams has also been able to step up as the second star alongside Kawhi Leonard, and earlier this month the 33-year-old dropped 35 points in 44 minutes against a strong Boston Celtics team. Ultimately, Williams faces more competition than in the past two seasons to retain the award, although he remains in the driving seat to be named Sixth Man of the Year as we enter the final weeks of the season.