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NBA Award Watch: Quin Snyder sets the Jazz beat

By John Buhler

Dec 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talks with guard Raul Neto (25) during the second half against the Miami Heat at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Miami won 111-110. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 1, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder talks with guard Raul Neto (25) during the second half against the Miami Heat at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Miami won 111-110. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lou Williams (23) goes up to the basket against Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 2, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Lou Williams (23) goes up to the basket against Toronto Raptors center Lucas Nogueira (92) at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams

The Los Angeles Lakers having been hovering around .500 in the early part of the season for several reasons. They’re playing a freer form of basketball under first-year head coach Luke Walton.

Los Angeles is getting some of its young players like Jordan Clarkson and Julius Randle to elevate their level of play. The Lakers are getting key veteran like Lou Williams to thrive in their supporting roles.

Through the first week of December, Williams is the front-runner to win NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year. He edges out Oklahoma City Thunder center Enes Kanter for the 2016-17 honors.

Williams has the best PER of a non-starter in the NBA at 24.3. He’s averaging 18.7 points, 3.4 assists and 2.3 rebounds per game this season. Williams is shooting 45.7 percent from the field, 39.7 from three and 86. 4 percent at the line. This gives him an impressive 53.4 effective field goal percentage and 2.1 Win Shares this season.

This would be Williams’ second Sixth Man of the Year. He won the 2014-15 honors as the Toronto Raptors lethal 3-point shooter. Williams is shooting very well this year, but has elevated the rest of his offensive game considerably for the 2016-17 Lakers. If the Lakers hang around .500, this will be Williams’ award at season’s end.

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