NBA Awards Watch: LeBron James Rising

6th Man of the Year

1. Isaiah Thomas, PG Phoenix Suns – Things haven’t been perfect in Phoenix, with real balance concerns between three point guards, but Isaiah Thomas continues to be a strong performer off the bench. Thomas has yet to make a start on the season, easily qualifying him for consideration, and he is averaging 15.5 points and 4.1 assists per game in less than 24 minutes per contest. There are always questions about his overall efficiency, but as long as Thomas shoots 39.3% from three-point distance and posts a top-15 PER in the league, those concerns won’t prove warranted.
2. Lou Williams, PG/SG Toronto Raptors – The now 28-year-old Williams became an afterthought in some circles after injury concerns forced struggles in Atlanta, but since landing north of the border, he has been a revelation. Williams was a recent winner of Player of the Week honors in the Eastern Conference, and that was highlighted by a 36-point explosion against Cleveland on November 22. More than that, though, “Lou Will” has seen an efficiency spike thanks to 40% shooting from three and a welcome return to his aggressiveness in getting to the free throw line (4.8 FTA per game). Williams may fall out of contention for a bit if he garners “too many starts” while DeMar DeRozan is on the shelf, but he has been great thus far.
3. Jamal Crawford, SG Los Angeles Clippers – Crawford is a perennial contender here, and this season is no different. The argument against him will always be that he is a one-dimensional player (2.9 assists, 1.8 rebounds per game), but Crawford is very good at that dimension, and because of his role, that is just fine. Crawford’s shot-making capabilities (17.7 points per game, 37.4% 3-PT) are extremely valuable in LA, and as long as his efficiency remains, he’s a factor.

Next: Defensive Player of the Year