NBA Sixth Man of the Year featuring Tyler Herro, Jordan Clarkson and more: December 31st, 2021 | Latest Power Rankings by Sportskeeda

No. 3: Jalen Brunson

Charlotte Hornets v Dallas Mavericks

Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #4

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 33; Games won - 16; Games lost - 17

Last Week: PPG - 24.7, APG - 6.7, RPG - 2.7

Overall: PPG - 16.1, APG - 5.5, RPG - 3.8

Last Week: FG% - 46.6%, 3P% - 38.9%, FT% - 68.4%

Overall: FG% - 49.5%, 3P% - 33.9%, FT% - 77.0%

Although the Dallas Mavericks have lost five of their past seven games in the last two weeks, veteran guard Jalen Brunson has been sensational lately. Dallas has been without Luka Doncic for the last nine games. His absence has left Brunson to carry the load offensively. The crafty guard has shined in his extended role and has climbed to third in the power rankings.

Often viewed as one of the more underrated bench assets in the NBA, Brunson has stood out lately. In his last week, he went averaged 24.7 points, 2.7 rebounds and 6.7 assists per game while shooting 46.6%. Brunson continues to look like someone who will be in the mix for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

No. 2: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Charlotte Hornets wing Kelly Oubre Jr.

Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #2

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 1; Games lost - 1

Overall: Games played - 36; Games won - 19; Games lost - 17

Last Week: PPG - 14.0, APG - 1.0, RPG - 3.5

Overall: PPG - 16.4, APG - 1.3, RPG - 3.9

Last Week: FG% - 37.5%, 3P% - 35.3%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 45.2%, 3P% - 36.6%, FT% - 65.5%

The Charlotte Hornets (19-17), who are seventh in the Eastern Conference, have won three consecutive games. One of the more pleasant surprises lately has been the play of veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. Known for his ability to light up the scoring column in a hurry, Oubre has become a serious candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year award.

"Wave Papi" has been a big addition off the bench, providing an important rotation asset with his offensive ability. In his last week, Oubre averaged 14.0 points and 3.5 rebounds per game while shooting 37.5%. Although it wasn't his strongest week compared to previous stretches, Oubre has become a name to watch for the award.

No. 1: Tyler Herro

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro continues to impress as a Sixth Man of the Year favorite

Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #1

Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 3; Games lost - 0

Overall: Games played - 29; Games won - 18; Games lost - 11

Last Week: PPG - 19.0, APG - 5.7, RPG - 2.3

Overall: PPG - 20.6, APG - 3.9, RPG - 5.0

Last Week: FG% - 46.5%, 3P% - 57.1%, FT% - 81.8%

Overall: FG% - 44.4%, 3P% - 40.8%, FT% - 86.3%

The Miami Heat have started to catch fire again and Tyler Herro continues to look like a favorite in the Sixth Man of the Year race. Miami has had to deal with a number of injuries to key players like Jimmy Butler, Bam Adebayo and P.J. Tucker. Herro has had to carry the load offensively, and he has continued to be one of Miami's most important pieces.

Herro bounced back after an inefficient previous week. In his last week, the lethal scoring option averaged 19.0 points and 5.7 rebounds per game while shooting 46.5%, including an impressive 57.1% from 3-point range. As long as Miami continues to pick up wins and Herro stays at this level, he's going to be tough to catch for the Sixth Man of the Year award.