Sixth Man of the Year:
Rowland: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Prior to missing the majority of the season with a herniated disc in 2013-2014, Anderson may have been the front-runner for this award. He fits the formula of a player who is almost certainly going to come off the bench but still play starter-level minutes, and Anderson is capable of averaging nearly 20 points per game with incredible shooting numbers.
Bourguet: Isaiah Thomas, Phoenix Suns
This award is Thomas’ to lose. In the last decade, only one forward has won the award over a bunch of shot-happy guards, and since the Suns will rely on Thomas to put up points in a hurry off the bench, he’s tailor-made for this award. If Taj Gibson’s two-way excellence was overlooked last year, I don’t expect things to be much different this season, especially since we’re talking about a point guard who put up 20 points per game against other team’s starters. Though I will say Ryan Anderson is another strong candidate if he can just stay healthy.
Olin: Taj Gibson, Chicago Bulls
With Derrick Rose, Pau Gasol, and Doug McDermott added to the Bulls, Gibson might see his minutes cut down, but his impact will be far greater than in the past. Gibson should get plenty of run against second-string big men, which should increase his production in all aspects of the game.
Watson: Isaiah Thomas, Phoenix Suns
He’s really more valuable as a spark off the bench than he is as a defensive liability as a 35-minute-a-night guy and he’ll show that this season.
Ogden: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
The New Orleans Pelicans have one of the best defensive interiors in the NBA with Omer Asik and Anthony Davis. The unsung hero of that unit is sharpshooter Ryan Anderson. The 2011-12 Most Improved Player will stuff the stat sheet as a scorer and rebounder, thus placing his name in the conversation. What will separate Anderson is his proficiency as a shooter. It’ll be close, but the 26-year-old will earn his second career postseason award.