NBA award predictions: How many Sixers are in the running?
NBA award predictions — Sixth Man of the Year
- Tyler Herro
- Jordan Clarkson
- Kevin Huerter
Tyler Herro had a dominant preseason run and is expected to see plenty of minutes off the bench in Miami. After struggling somewhat in his sophomore campaign, the Kentucky product is primed for a reemergence as Miami looks to ascend the ladder of contenders in the East.
Miami has arguably the best coach in the NBA making calls, and that offense will only look better with Kyle Lowry, P.J. Tucker, and Victor Oladipo (eventually) joining the ranks. Herro can score both on and off the ball, with a silky 3-point stroke, some burgeoning point guard skills, and the kind of unshakable confidence we’ve come to expect in scoring guards who dominate the 6MOY conversation.
He’s young and could even start, depending on how the season shakes out, but right now Herro is positioned as the Heat’s sixth man and my favorite for Sixth Man of the Year.
As for second and third place — Jordan Clarkson is not my favorite Jazz “sixth man,” but he won last season and scores the most of any Utah bench player. That’ enough to put him in the conversation, as I expect the Jazz to finish at or near the top of the West again next season.
The Hawks have a ton of depth and not many minutes to go around, but Kevin Huerter is a legitimately good two-way wing who fits perfectly in that offense next to Trae Young. He’s on the rise, just signed a $65 million extension, and should have his name in this conversation.
Do the Sixers have any Sixth Man of the Year candidates?
Not really. Tyrese Maxey is the only player with a sliver of potential, frankly, but that would require a significant second-year leap and enough buy-in from Doc Rivers, who still clearly subscribes to the Shake Milton fan club. Maxey will be productive and important for the Sixers this season, but it’s unreasonable to expect the kind of production necessary to win this award on a consistent basis. That’s more of a third or fourth-year goal. And, there’s also the chance Maxey starts, which would nullify his chances entirely.