Can Nick Young Win The ‘Sixth Man Of The Year’ Award?
- Updated: December 4, 2014
Los Angeles Lakers’ Nick Young reacts after dunking the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second half of an NBA basketball game Friday, Nov. 28, 2014, in Los Angeles. The Timberwolves won 120-119. (AP Photo/Danny Moloshok)
The Los Angeles Lakers don’t have much of a scoring threat, or anyone who can create their own shot this year, other than Kobe Bryant and Nick Young. Yes, we can look out for our occasional Linsanity moments, but those are a rarity. Other than that, we have Kobe and Young who are our two consistent scorers, and who have been notorious for putting up points in previous years. This is a perfect time for Nick Young to step up and take this years 6th man of the year award.
First off, Nick Young also known as Swaggy P, had an impressive season last year averaging 18 points a game off the bench. Young also had 30 points at least 12 times while playing 64 games last year, and put up two 40-point outings. He averaged 24.1 points a game during the last month of the season, while contributing to the team’s wins.
Secondly, Young will have a green light to score as much as possible when Kobe Bryant is on the bench. Young has already helped Kobe with the scoring load so far, and the way the Lakers roster is looking now days, he may be in for another great scoring outing like last year. This is just what he needs to take this year 6th man of the year award.
But here’s a look at the top 3 players so far that play the same sixth man position, whose stats, and play on the court, will give Nick Young a run for his money.
1. Taj Gibson 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1.1 blocks
Taj Gibson has stepped up a tremendously since Derrick Rose’s uncertainty from game to game. His impact on the game doesn’t translate on the stat sheet, but you want him coming off your bench with the heart and passion he plays with. Taj never gives up on a play, and always hustles every second he’s on the court. Not to mention his defensive prowess has been amazing this year.
2. Isaiah Thomas 15.5 points, 4.1 assist, 2.4 rebounds
Isaiah Thomas has played a major role in helping the Phoenix Suns grab the eighth seed in the tough Western Conference so far. Thomas creates scoring threats any given moment while he’s on the court. He’s a major contributor to the Suns recent success, and was also the reason to some of the success of the Sacramento Kings last year when he was apart of the team. This is why he’s in this year’s conversation for 6th man of the year. Thomas is just a major factor and a valuable sixth man off the bench, plain and simple.
3. Jamal Crawford 17.7 points, 2.9 assist, 1.8 rebounds
Jamal Crawford is the reigning 6th man of the year. Crawford is practically in the discussion for this award every year. It’s a given that he will be in contention this year once again, as he’s been previous years. He does just about everything you need from a sixth man. He scores, creates his own offense, and is a viable three-point shooter. He’s the perfect back up scoring threat when you can’t seem to buy a bucket.
4. Nick Young 14.1 points, 0.6 assist, 2.4 rebounds
Nick Young has some stiff competition so far, needless to say we’re only about 18+ games in, but you can see the potential, and reasons as to why these 3 players are serious contenders.
Young’s chances for winning this year’s award are great. So far he’s averaging 14.1 points in 8 games this year. The Los Angeles Lakers were 1-9 without Young, and since his return to the Lakers lineup they have been 4-4. They could easily be 5-3 but, that’s neither here nor there. The point is, Nick Young has had a huge impact on the team thus far, and will have a huge impact in the near future. As I mentioned before their lack of depth on the roster is why he has every bit of chance of winning the award. It’s going to allow him to come off the bench and do most of the work and show off his talents.
His numbers may not seem as flashy as everyone else’s right now, but his impact on the team coming off the bench has proven why he is in the discussion. Let’s not forget that Young was sidelined for 8 weeks with a thumb injury and has only played in 8 games so far. This injury alone is going to take him a handful of more games to get back into the flow and get his shooting touch back. Nick Young, if there was ever a chance to win this award, here it is. Take what could have been yours last year.
What do you think about Nick Young’s chances? Feel free to comment below, or leave feedback.
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