While the MVP race is a hot topic in the NBA, many forget the other award races going on in the association. Let's take a look at my favorites for the following award races- Rookie of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year
Rookie of the Year
Andrew Wiggins (Minnesota SF)- Wiggins is averaging
14.5 points and
4.2 rebounds a game for the Timberwolves, but is starting to show signs of his true potential. His athleticism and raw talent are matched by none in this rookie class, and the award is his to lose. Wiggins is putting up
21.7 points,
5.7 rebounds and
2.8 assists on
49% shooting in the month of January.
Nikola Mirotic (Chicago PF)- The 23-year-old power forward for the Bulls is recording
8.0 points and
5.1 rebounds a game, despite playing behind Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol. He has stepped up whenever either one of those big men have been injured, and will continue to play a vital bench role in head coach Tom Thibodeau's rotation.
K.J. McDaniels (Philadelphia SG)- For a guy taken in the second round (32nd overall), McDaniels is proving every team that didn't take him in the first round wrong. His athleticism and defensive prowess has been a positive sign for the 76ers this year, offense is coming along game-by-game. He is receiving steady minutes and should continue to do so for the rest of the season, making him a great dark horse for ROY. If McDaniels' can have a solid three months on offense, he could steal the award from Wiggins.
2014 Rookie of the Year Results
Sixth Man of the Year
Manu Ginobili (San Antonio SG)- Ginobili seems to be on the ballot every year, and he continues to put up strong numbers for the Spurs. He is scoring
12.5 points, and dishing out
5.0 assists a game, which will be a career-high if that number holds for the 37-year-old. His
42% shooting could be a little better, but Ginobili is hitting
37% of his 3-point attempts, and barring an injury, will be in the sixth man conversation come April.
Taj Gibson (Chicago PF)- Gibson finished second behind Jamal Crawford last season for the Sixth Man award, and his hustle and rebounding will one day earn him a starting job. For now, he his putting his talents to good use off the bench, putting up splits of
11.6/
6.9/
51% (Pts, Reb, FG%) in just under 29 minuets a game.
Jamal Crawford (Los Angeles SG)- Much like Ginobili, Crawford is a name synonymous with top sixth men and he was also last years' winner of the award. His 3-point shooting and overall scoring ability remains constant for the Los angeles Clippers, and he will be contending for his third Sixth Man of the Year award in the Spring.
2014 Sixth Man of the Year Results
Stay tuned for another article on the following award races- Most Improved, Defensive Player and Coach of the Year.
Check out bunow.com for local and national stories will by Bloomsburg University students.
*All stats courtesy of ESPN
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