NBA's Top 2013-14 Sixth man of the year candidates

3. Harrison Barnes, Golden State Warriors

2012-13 stats: 9.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 43.9 FG%, 35.9 3P%, 11.08 PER

The 20-year-old is one of the best young up and comers in the league right now. He stands at 6’8″ and is capable of playing both the forward positions. With Andre Iguodala‘s addition to the squad, generally, Harrison should face a reduction in MPG but as they say, fortune favours the brave. The Warriors lost some firepower in their bench when they traded Carl Landry and Jarret Jack.

So, this would mean that the youngster will be expected to step up and lead the second unit offensively. Barnes showed in the playoffs that he’s a force to be reckoned with. He averaged 16.1 points and 6.4 rebounds in 38.4 minutes per night. While it’s irrational to think that he’ll receive a similar number of minutes this season now that Iguodala’s in the foray, Barnes’ versatility might make him the no. 3 forward in the team, after Iguodala and David Lee.

The sophomore has a few great things going for him at the moment. He’s just 20, which means he has a lot of potential and time to develop as a player. He’s good at both ends of the court and that sets him apart from the traditional sixth men, who are generally strictly one dimensional.

He’s fast. At 6’8″, and playing as both SF/PF, Barnes’ speed allows him to blow past the slower forwards in the league. Barnes is excellent in transition and is really good at finishing around the rim. While he might not win the sixth man of the year award this season, he’ll definitely give the others a tough time.