NBA Sixth Man of the Year featuring Tyler Herro, Montrezl Harrell and more: February 4th, 2022

The race for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award has featured a number of impressive players throughout the year. With the season approaching the All-Star break, fans have been dazzled by the play of many teams.

The Western Conference has a number of teams that look like legitimate NBA Finals contenders, especially the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. Right behind them are the Memphis Grizzlies, who have been a pleasant surprise.

In the Eastern Conference, the Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers are battling for the top seed. But they will be challenged by the Milwaukee Bucks, Cleveland Cavaliers and Brooklyn Nets.

With another week of play behind us, it's time to take a look at the Sixth Man of the Year power rankings by Sportskeeda.

No. 5: Montrezl Harrell

Washington Wizards forward Montrezl Harrell

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

Last Week: Games played - 2; Games won - 0; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 44; Games won - 21; Games lost - 23

Last Week: PPG - 9.0, APG - 2.0, RPG - 6.0

Overall: PPG - 14.1, APG - 2.1, RPG - 6.8

Last Week: FG% - 66.7%, 3P% - N/A, FT% - 54.5%

Overall: FG% - 65.2%, 3P% - 26.7%, FT% - 71.6%

The Washington Wizards (24-27) have lost seven of their past nine games and have faded in the Eastern Conference. When the Wizards have been successful, they have gotten strong play off the bench from veteran forward Montrezl Harrell.

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A player known for his ability to provide energy, Harrell is an important rotation asset. He's been in the middle of the Sixth Man of the Year conversation throughout the first half of the year. Harrell is averaging 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds while shooting 65.2%.

No. 4: Jalen Brunson

Dallas Mavericks veteran guard Jalen Brunson

Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #3

Last Week: Games played - 4; Games won - 2; Games lost - 2

Overall: Games played - 51; Games won - 29; Games lost - 22

Last Week: PPG - 14.8, APG - 6.5, RPG - 4.0

Overall: PPG - 15.8, APG - 5.5, RPG - 3.8

Last Week: FG% - 52.0%, 3P% - 60.0%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 50.3%, 3P% - 33.8%, FT% - 80.3%

The Dallas Mavericks (29-23) are holding their ground in the Western Conference, currently in fourth place despite losing three of their past five games. Veteran guard Jalen Brunson has been one of their most important pieces. The "Brunson Burner" has been outstanding and remains in the mix for the Sixth Man award.

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With a number of players in-and-out of the lineup this season, Brunson has been a consistent contributor. He's played in 51 of 52 games, with 33 starts. In his last week, Brunson averaged 14.8 points, 4.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists per game while shooting 52.0% (60.0% from 3-point range).

No. 3: Kevin Love

Cleveland Cavaliers veteran forward Kevin Love

Previous week’s NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Ranking - #5

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

Overall: Games played - 44; Games won - 25; Games lost - 19

Last Week: PPG - 17.7, APG - 2.0, RPG - 9.0

Overall: PPG - 14.3, APG - 2.2, RPG - 7.5

Last Week: FG% - 50.0%, 3P% - 44.0%, FT% - 100.0%

Overall: FG% - 43.5%, 3P% - 39.4%, FT% - 87.1%

One of the most impressive teams throughout the first half of the season has been the Cleveland Cavaliers. After finishing with one of the league's worst records last year, Cleveland (31-21) is in fifth place in the East. The team has won nine of its last 12 games and is 1.5 games out of first place. Forward Kevin Love, in his 14th season, has started to really shine with his play off the bench.

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Although other players have been headliners for the Cavs, Love has thrived in his new role (44 games, two starts) and is increasingly touted in the Sixth Man conversation. In his last week, Love averaged 17.7 points and 9.0 rebounds while shooting 50.0% (44.0% from 3-point range).

No. 2: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Charlotte Hornets wing Kelly Oubre Jr has been buzzing in the Sixth Man of the Year race.

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 - 46; Games won - 24; Games lost - 22

Last Week: PPG - 24.0, APG - 1.5, RPG - 4.0

Overall: PPG - 16.6, APG - 1.1, RPG - 3.9

Last Week: FG% - 51.7%, 3P% - 52.2%, FT% - 75.0%

Overall: FG% - 45.1%, 3P% - 36.6%, FT% - 68.4%

The Charlotte Hornets (28-24) are in eighth place in the tightly packed East – 3.5 games out of fourth place and 4.5 out of first. When firing on all cylinders, Charlotte gets impressive production off the bench from veteran wing Kelly Oubre Jr.

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Oubre has built a reputation as a player who can come off the bench and contribute in a hurry. That's exactly what he's been doing, and it's resulted in Oubre becoming a serious candidate for the Sixth Man award. In his last week, Oubre posted averages of 24.0 points and 4.0 rebounds per game while shooting 51.7% (52.2% from 3-point range).

No. 1: Tyler Herro

Miami Heat shooting guard Tyler Herro is a favorite for Sixth Man of the Year.

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

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

Overall: Games played - 44; Games won - 27; Games lost - 17

Last Week: PPG - 15.0, APG - 4.0, RPG - 5.3

Overall: PPG - 20.1, APG - 4.0, RPG - 4.8

Last Week: FG% - 34.0%, 3P% - 30.4%, FT% - 85.7%

Overall: FG% - 42.6%, 3P% - 37.1%, FT% - 87.3%

The Miami Heat (33-20) have emerged as a force, tied the top spot in the Eastern Conference standings. One of the reasons for Miami's impressive season has been the play of sharpshooter Tyler Herro.

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Herro is considered the runaway favorite to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. It will be interesting to see if any other candidates can catch up with Herro as he's been consistently impressive all year. Herro is averaging 20.1 points, 4.8 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 42.6% (37.1% from 3-point range).