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NBA: Early Sixth Man Of The Year Candidates

By Jerran Anderson

December 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23), guard Patrick McCaw (0), and forward James Michael McAdoo (20) during the game at Oracle Arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 132-127 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
December 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23), guard Patrick McCaw (0), and forward James Michael McAdoo (20) during the game at Oracle Arena. The Rockets defeated the Warriors 132-127 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /
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As the NBA sees a shift in its youth movement, players have taken on new roles off the bench. See which players are making an early push for Sixth Man of the Year.

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The NBA season is well under way and teams are starting to figure out roles for their players. Bench play is always key when it comes to teams making a deep run in the playoffs.

So teams have started to bring their veterans off the bench for a spark on the offensive or defensive end or in some cases, both.

Typically as players get older, teams want to find minutes for their youth to get experience. Some players find themselves out of the rotation while others embrace the reserve role. While some struggle, others have thrived.

Guys like Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford and Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams have turned it into a niche of sorts. It’s not for everybody and not always easy but when the sixth man can lead the team to victory, it’s always an amazing feat to behold.

Also See: 25 Greatest Rookie Seasons Of All-Time

Enter a new breed of Sixth Man of the Year candidates, with one former winner on the list. This season’s list brings three former starters and two comfortable reserve artists to the mix. On each of their teams, they’ve been the spark they’ve been looking for.

Each player has the ability to raise the pace or raise team morale if things are flat.

Here are this season’s Early Sixth Man of the Year candidates.