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NBA Awards Watch: The Andrew Wiggins breakout

By Brad Rowland

NBA -- Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) laughs during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
NBA -- Minnesota Timberwolves guard Andrew Wiggins (22) laughs during the fourth quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Trail Blazers 90-82. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Toronto Raptors guard Lou Williams (23) voices a complaint to referee Eric Lewis (42) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Cavaliers beat the Raptors 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Toronto Raptors guard Lou Williams (23) voices a complaint to referee Eric Lewis (42) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Air Canada Centre. The Cavaliers beat the Raptors 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

6th Man of the Year

  1. Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers – Crawford’s efficiency has, admittedly, tapered off in recent days, but his full-season performance is more than worthy of the top spot. The 34-year-old is leading all bench players in scoring at 16.1 points per game (in only 26.3 minutes per contest) and even an unsightly 41% shooting clip from the field is offset by nearly five free throw attempts per game at better than a 90% conversion rate. More than anything, the Clippers need Jamal Crawford’s creation ability, and he has been exceedingly valuable to a team that is jockeying for position in the loaded West.
  2. Lou Williams, Toronto Raptors – At age 28, Lou Williams is experiencing a renaissance north of the border. The former 76ers and Hawks combo guard is averaging 14.9 points per game in only 24 minutes, and when that is accompanied by a PER north of 20, the accolades follow. The biggest positive change in Williams’ game has come in getting to the line, which he is doing 4.7 times per game in that limited playing time, and his efficiency has skyrocketed as a result. Toronto is struggling at the moment, but Williams has been tremendous.
  3. Isaiah Thomas, Phoenix Suns – For all the scrutiny surrounding the Suns this season, they boast a quality 20-16 record and Thomas has played quite well when called upon to do so. The three-point guard rotation hasn’t gone quite according to plan, but the 25-year-old is averaging 14.6 points and 3.9 assists per game in 24.3 minutes per game with a strong PER of 19.85. Personally, I don’t believe that the former Kings guard is a great fit in Phoenix, but it is tough to argue with his per-minute production level.

Next: Defensive Player of the Year

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