Awards Predictions 2012: Sixth Man

This year, we've got a PTI situation for the Awards Predictions where myself (DG) and basketball analyst Patrick Choi (PC) discuss counter-arguments for each award. Some winners are more clear-cut than others, so decide for yourself as the awards are handed out throughout the playoffs to find out who was right. We'll be rolling them out twice per day for the next few days until each of the awards are covered. Enjoy!

Sixth Man of the Year

DG - James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder

No player in the NBA  made more of an impact off the bench this year than James Harden. The third-year shooting guard averaged 16.8 points per game (the most of any bench player in the L), 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists on effective 49-39-85 shooting percentages from the field, three, and foul line respectively. That efficiency gave Harden the fourth-highest true shooting percentage in the league. Though Lou Will averages 14.9 in 26 minutes and 20.3 per 36 minutes to Harden's 19.3 per 36, Lou shoots just 41 per cent from the field. Harden may be the best shooting guard in the league after Kobe and Wade, and the way he controls the game and runs the second unit allow the Thunder to not only maintain a lead, but usually build on it while Durant and Westbrook rest. He makes emotional, game-changing, smart plays while on the court and though he doesn't start games he often finishes them.


James Harden scored 51 points in a summer-league game

PC - Lou Williams, Philadelphia 76ers

Although it's pretty clear that James Harden of the Thunder is this years' front-runner for the sixth man of the year award, my bid for the award goes to Lou Williams. He's the leading scorer for his team coming off the bench, the last time a player led his team in scoring without starting a single games was in the 1993-94 season when Dell Curry did it for the Charlotte Hornets. Williams is averaging 14.9 ppg and 3.5 apg in 26 minutes of action for the eighth seeded Philadelphia 76ers. Playing for one of the top defensive teams, Williams is so vital to the team's success because he serves as the team's top shot creator. No player in the starting rotation has enough of an offensive arsenal to lead the team in scoring so Williams comes off the bench to be the guy responsible for taking and making most of their shots. 

Lou Will scored 51 points in a summer-league game, too