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As the NBA season approaches the All-Star break, the race for the Sixth Man of the Year continues to be competitive. The season has brought forth a number of fascinating storylines, especially with the league's trade deadline rapidly approaching.
The Phoenix Suns continue to improve on their lead in the Western Conference, but the Golden State Warriors and Memphis Grizzlies are close behind. In the Eastern Conference, a battle for the top spot has emerged involving the Miami Heat, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.
With another week of NBA action behind us, it's time to take a look at the updated Sixth Man of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.
No. 5: Kevin Love
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - N/A
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 2; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 41; Games won - 24; Games lost - 17
Last Week: PPG - 11.0, APG - 3.7, RPG - 6.3
Overall: PPG - 14.2, APG - 2.1, RPG - 7.2
Last Week: FG% - 40.9%, 3P% - 18.2%, FT% - 76.5%
Overall: FG% - 43.9%, 3P% - 40.8%, FT% - 87.3%
The Cleveland Cavaliers (30-19) are taking the NBA by storm with their shockingly impressive play. The Cavs find themselves third in the Eastern Conference. Though Cleveland has had a number of impressive players in their starting lineup, veteran forward Kevin Love has had a major impact off the bench.
Love has been a productive piece and makes his first debut in the power rankings. Love is averaging 14.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 43.9% (40.8% from 3-point range). If Cleveland continues its run, it wouldn't be a surprise if Love starts to heat up as a Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
No. 4: Montrezl Harrell
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #3
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 1; Games lost - 3
Overall: Games played - 41; Games won - 20; Games lost - 21
Last Week: PPG - 11.3, APG - 1.8, RPG - 4.8
Overall: PPG - 14.1, APG - 2.1, RPG - 7.0
Last Week: FG% - 65.4%, 3P% - 33.3%, FT% - 83.3%
Overall: FG% - 65.2%, 3P% - 28.6%, FT% - 72.9%
After a strong start to the season, the Washington Wizards (23-25) have slid to 10th in the Eastern Conference. Although the team has struggled lately, veteran forward Montrezl Harrell continues to be a crucial component off the bench.
Harrell has built a reputation as an energetic presence with his rebounding and scoring ability. Harrell is averaging 14.1 points and 7.0 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 65.2%.
No. 3: Jalen Brunson
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #4
Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 3; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 48; Games won - 28; Games lost - 20
Last Week: PPG - 13.5, APG - 4.0, RPG - 3.5
Overall: PPG - 15.8, APG - 5.6, RPG - 3.8
Last Week: FG% - 44.4%, 3P% - 12.5%, FT% - 100.0%
Overall: FG% - 50.1%, 3P% - 33.8%, FT% - 80.2%
The Dallas Mavericks (28-21) have been steady in the Western Conference, currently in fifth place. The team has won seven of its last 10 games, and veteran guard Jalen Brunson continues to be one of the more underrated assets in the entire league.
Brunson continues to be a solid force, and his name is heating up in Sixth Man of the Year conversations. Brunson is averaging 15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game while shooting 50.1%.
No. 2: Kelly Oubre Jr.
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #2
Last Week: Games played - 3; Games won - 2; Games lost - 1
Overall: Games played - 45; Games won - 24; Games lost - 21
Last Week: PPG - 12.7, APG - 0.0, RPG - 4.3
Overall: PPG - 16.7, APG - 1.2, RPG - 4.0
Last Week: FG% - 36.6%, 3P% - 18.2%, FT% - 44.4%
Overall: FG% - 45.5%, 3P% - 37.1%, FT% - 66.1%
The Charlotte Hornets (27-22) continue to slowly climb the ranks in the Eastern Conference and are in seventh place. The team has won seven of its last 10 games. Veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr. continues to be one of the NBA's more underrated bench assets, and his play this year has stood out.
Oubre has become a serious Sixth Man of the Year candidate and finds himself second in this week's power rankings. Oubre is averaging 16.7 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 45.5% (37.1% from downtown).
No. 1: Tyler Herro
Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #1
Last Week: Games played - 1; Games won - 1; Games lost - 0
Overall: Games played - 39; Games won - 25; Games lost - 14
Last Week: PPG - 23.0, APG - 3.0, RPG - 4.0
Overall: PPG - 20.7, APG - 4.0, RPG - 4.9
Last Week: FG% - 50.0%, 3P% - 33.3%, FT% - 100.0%
Overall: FG% - 43.0%, 3P% - 39.0%, FT% - 87.5%
The Miami Heat are one of the hottest teams in the NBA. After working around a string of injuries, Miami (31-17), leading the East, finally looks to be getting healthy at the perfect time. Sharpshooting wing Tyler Herro continues to be one of the top players for the Heat this year, and he's become a favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award.
Herro played only one game last week, finishing that game with 23 points, four rebounds and three assists. With the Heat winning eight of their last 10 games, it looks as if Herro's resume for Sixth Man of the Year is only solidifying. Herro is averaging 20.7 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 43.0% (39.0% from 3-point range).
