As the NBA season approaches its All-Star break, the race for the Sixth Man of the Year award continues to offer intrigue. A number of players have showcased their ability to be crucial assets off the bench.
The season has brought a number of fascinating storylines. After Thursday's chaotic trade deadline, the races in both the Eastern and Western conferences are sure to intensify throughout the remainder of the year.
It's time to take a look at the updated Sixth Man of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.
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No. 5: Jordan Clarkson
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 1; Games won - 0; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 52; Games won - 32; Games lost - 20
Last Week: PPG - 17.0, APG - 5.0, RPG - 2.0
Overall: PPG - 15.5, APG - 2.4, RPG - 3.4
Last Week: FG% - 38.5%, 3P% - 22.2%, FT% - 83.3%
Overall: FG% - 40.1%, 3P% - 32.1%, FT% - 81.9%
After going through a rough patch, the Utah Jazz have started to find their groove again. Utah is currently riding a four-game winning streak and is fourth in the Western Conference. Wing Jordan Clarkson has started to heat up and finds himself back in the rankings.
Although Clarkson played only one game last week, he's started to find a rhythm lately. In his last six games, Clarkson has averaged 17.8 points, 3.2 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game while shooting 41.8%. The bucket-getting veteran continues to be a name to monitor closely.
No. 4: Montrezl Harrell
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #5
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 1; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 46; Games won - 21; Games lost - 25
Last Week: PPG - 16.3, APG - 1.7, RPG - 5.0
Overall: PPG - 14.1, APG - 2.1, RPG - 6.7
Last Week: FG% - 56.8%, 3P% - 0.0, FT% - 70.0%
Overall: FG% - 64.5%, 3P% - 26.7%, FT% - 72.7%
The Washington Wizards did well early but are currently 11th in the East, as they've won just two of their last 10 games. Throughout the year, forward Montrezl Harrell has excelled off the bench.
Harrell was traded from the Wizards to the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday. With his new team, Harrell should have even more of an opportunity to be a crucial asset off the bench. In his last week, Harrell averaged 16.3 points and 5.0 rebounds per game while shoooting 56.8%. Harrell could continue as an intriguing Sixth Man of the Year candidate, even with his new team.
No. 3: Kevin Love
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 3; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 47; Games won - 28; Games lost - 19
Last Week: PPG - 20.0, APG - 3.0, RPG - 10.0
Overall: PPG - 14.4, APG - 2.2, RPG - 7.5
Last Week: FG% - 39.7%, 3P% - 37.8%, FT% - 85.7%
Overall: FG% - 42.7%, 3P% - 39.3%, FT% - 85.5%
After making his debut in the Sixth Man of the Year power rankings last week, Cleveland Cavaliers veteran forward Kevin Love remains solidly in the race. The Cleveland Cavaliers (34-21) have been one of the league's biggest surprises this season and are third in the Eastern Conference.
Love has become one of the more important pieces of the rotation and is becoming a serious contender for the Sixth Man award. In his last week, Love averaged 20.0 points, 10.0 rebounds and 3.0 assists per game while shooting 39.7%.
No. 2: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #2
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 0; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 50; Games won - 24; Games lost - 26
Last Week: PPG - 15.0, APG - 1.3, RPG - 6.0
Overall: PPG - 16.6, APG - 1.2, RPG - 4.1
Last Week: FG% - 28.3%, 3P% - 20.7%, FT% - 92.9%
Overall: FG% - 44.2%, 3P% - 35.1%, FT% - 68.8%
The Charlotte Hornets (28-28) are in ninth place in the East. When the Hornets are at their best, the impressive play of veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. usually plays a role.
The bucket-getting machine has been a valuable asset with his production off the bench. Although Oubre struggled last week, he's still one of the stronger contenders in the Sixth Man ace. This year, Oubre is averaging 16.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game while shooting 44.2% from the field, including 35.1% from 3-point range.
No. 1: Tyler Herro
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2
Overall: Games played - 45; Games won - 28; Games lost - 17
Last Week: PPG - 18.5, APG - 3.8, RPG - 3.5
Overall: PPG - 20.1, APG - 4.0, RPG - 4.8
Last Week: FG% - 47.6%, 3P% - 34.6%, FT% - 83.3%
Overall: FG% - 42.8%, 3P% - 37.8%, FT% - 87.3%
The Miami Heat (36-20) are one of the top teams to beat in the Eastern Conference. The team leads the East and has won four straight games.
Throughout the season, sharpshooting wing Tyler Herro has blossomed.
Herro continues to be a heavy favorite to run away with the Sixth Man of the Year award. The young guard has turned into one of the most dangerous assets off the bench. In his last week, Herro averaged 18.5 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game while shooting 47.6%.
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