Sixth Man of the Year: Lou Williams
Was there ever any doubt? There’s a reason Drake–or one of his alleged ghost writers–wrote a song about him called “6 Man.” He can put the ball in the hoop.
Lou Williams is literally the only player in the NBA putting up more than 15 points (18.2) in less than 25 minutes per game. You need points in a hurry? He’s your guy.
Of course, anyone who knows Lou Will’s game also knows that he can be a problem. While his ability to get hot in a hurry has bailed the Lakers out in late-game situations several times this season, his score-first mentality has lost games for them too.
When his shots are falling, he becomes a one-man show. It’s one-on-five on offense, and four-on-five on defense. When his shots stop falling, not much changes.
The Lakers would be smart to test the market for Lou, not because he’s not a good player, but because he’s not the best fit for a young team trying to find their identity. Dealing him to a legitimate contender like the Wizards could give him a chance at competing for the actual Sixth Man of the Year award.
Honorable mention: Jordan Clarkson