Lakers: Montrezl Harrell deserves Sixth Man of the Year over Jazz players

ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers screams after scoring a basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 26: Montrezl Harrell #15 of the Los Angeles Lakers screams after scoring a basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center on April 26, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Menendez/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers
(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images) – Los Angeles Lakers

1. Montrezl Harrell and Joe Ingles are much more efficient offensively than Jordan Clarkson

When you look at the overall offensive numbers it is really easy to consider Jordan Clarkson as the best of the three players in the running. However, in reality, Clarkson should probably be the third player mentioned when it comes to offense because of pure efficiency.

Sure, Clarkson averages more points per game than both Harrell and Ingles but he is doing in more shots. Clarkson is simply asked to do more and while he has been really good this season, he does not come close to Harrell and Ingles in terms of efficiency.

Ingles has been extremely efficient as he has been one of the best three-point shooters in the entire league this season. His 68.2 eFG% is not only higher than Harrell’s 62.1 eFG%, but actually leads the entire NBA.

Harrell is averaging slightly more points per game, more rebounds and fewer assists. All of this balances out and Ingles and Harrell are really similar offensively. Ingles has the better offensive rating (132 to 127) but that is also indicative of the team’s performance.

Harrell has accumulated 4.2 offensive win shares this season, Ingles has accumulated 4.3. Ingles does have a bigger advantage in Offensive Box Plus/Minus with a 3.2 compared to Harrell’s 2.4.

Ingles does have a slight advantage overall offensively but the fact remains that he and Harrell blow Clarkson out of the water. Then we get to defense, where Harrell ironically gets a bigger edge over Clarkson and surpasses Ingles.