While the NBA’s Most Valuable Player is usually the award that receives most of the headlines and debate, perhaps the association’s sixth man award is equally as important.
The Sixth Man of the Year Award is important because big games are often won and lost when superstars are on the bench resting. Having that one player off of the bench who has the ability to elevate the games of other role players is often what puts contenders over the top.
While there are many super subs in the NBA at the moment, three in particular seem to be in a league of their own. Those three players are none other than Lamar Odom, Jason Terry and defending Sixth Man of the Year Jamal Crawford. All would certainly be worthy, but like the saying goes, there can only be one. So with the season coming to its end let’s look at the race and attempt to determine the winner.
Next: The defending Sixth Man
We begin our look at Sixth Man candidates by looking at last season’s best sub, Jamal Crawford of the Atlanta Hawks. Last season, the Hawks traded for Crawford in hopes that he would provide the scoring punch they needed off of the bench. Needless to say, Crawford didn’t disappoint.
In his first campaign with the Hawks, Crawford was lethal off of the bench, averaging 18 points per game and 3 assists. In fact Crawford’s play caused some to believe that Atlanta was a member of the East’s elite. Crawford was often the Hawks’ primary scoring option en route to his first Sixth Man of The Year award.
This season, Crawford’s Hawks have become somewhat of an afterthought in the East, but not because of their sixth man. Crawford’s numbers have tailed off a bit as his scoring has fallen to 14.1 points per game. Crawford still gives the Hawks the 3.2 assists per game he did last year, and is always a threat to score 40-plus points off of the bench.
Despite not equaling his output from last year and a drop off in his team’s success, Crawford remains one of the most potent scorers in the game and a legitimate threat to defend his Sixth Man of the Year award. Unfortunately for Crawford, heading into the twilight of the season, he seems to be the third horse in the race.
Next: JET takes off in Dallas
Another candidate to take home the hardware for being the league’s best sub is Jason Terry. JET is no stranger to being a super sub as he won the award in 2009 and is a threat to win it seemingly every year.
Despite an endless number of injuries to the Mavericks, including some to stars Caron Butler and Dirk Nowistzki, the Mavericks have remained a Western Conference power house, thanks in large part to the play of Terry.
Despite being the Mavericks’ second best scorer, Terry selflessly volunteered to Coach Rick Carlisle to return to his role as the team’s first off the bench. In fact, Terry went so far as to make it his goal to become the league’s top substitute in an interview at the beginning of the season.
“My goal is to be sixth man of the year again.Last year I was second and that’s not good enough,” said Terry.
The Mavericks’ spark plug may or may not reach his early season goal, but he has put in quite the bid for the award. To this point in the season, Terry has given the Mavs 16.4 points per game, good for the second best output on the team. Terry has also dished 4.2 assists per tilt.
With the return of Caron Butler in doubt, the Mavericks will need Jason Terry to produce the way he has all season once the playoffs come around. Terry’s season and history speaks for itself, so expect Terry to not only be a major factor in the Sixth Man of the Year voting but also the Maverick’s championship hopes.
Next: Lamar brings “The Goods” to the City of Angels
With all due respect to Terry and Crawford, the man who David Stern should present the Sixth Man award to is Lamar Odom. The do everything Point Forward of the Lakers has done it all this season and is perhaps in the midst of the best season of his 11-year career.
Odom has been nothing short of great this season, whether it be as a starter or as the leader of The Renegades. The Candyman has averaged 14.3 points, 8.7 rebounds and 3 assists per contest for the World Champs. Odom has also been efficient, shooting a career best 54 percent from the field.
Yes, Odom’s stats are great, but perhaps his true value outweighs those stats. Odom has been a true professional, as he has been willing to take a backseat to the star of Pau Gasol and the potential of Andrew Bynum for the past few seasons, something many players wouldn’t do. But when Odom has been called upon to step up, he has been ready.
Lakers coach Phil Jackson recently spoke of the value of Odom to the Lakers.
“He’s been very productive, it’s invaluable. We made a decision as an organization two years ago to sign Lamar, which put us into a difficult cap situation, yet we were convinced that without him we wouldn’t win a championship again. That was a good decision by the organization,” The Zen Master said.
Odom has played like this in the past, but what sets this season apart is his consistency. In a season of many ups and downs for the champs, Odom has been one of the constants, at times even being the most consistent Laker.
Odom’s effort in the Lakers’ thrilling triple-overtime victory over the Suns is the perfect example of his great season. Odom had a monster performance scorching the Suns with 29 points, 16 rebounds and 5 assists in an astonishing 55 minutes on the floor. All while stepping in while Andrew Bynum served his suspension.
After the game, Kobe Bryant stated that Odom has his vote for Sixth Man and come time to vote, Bryant shouldn’t be alone. After being one of the major all star snubs this season, winning the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award would give Odom the individual accolade he deserves.
Even after taking your forum blue and gold glasses off, the clear view is that Odom is the league’s best sub. Yes, Terry and Crawford have been very good, but Odom has equaled their production and then some. Many expect to see purple and gold confetti for a third straight season and Odom is one of the major reasons why. The championship could be won in June, but for now it appears that Odom will finally get some hardware for his individual efforts.