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NBA: 10 Candidates For Sixth Man Of The Year In 2015-16

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 8, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) defends during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Andre Iguodala (9) drives to the basket as Houston Rockets forward Donatas Motiejunas (20) defends during the first half at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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June 4, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson (13) shoots the basketball against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the first quarter in game one of the NBA Finals at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Cavaliers 108-100 in overtime for a 1-0 series lead. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

8. Tristan Thompson

As of right now, it’s not even guaranteed that Tristan Thompson will be suiting up for the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2015-16. With Thompson being a restricted free agent this summer, he and his agent Rich Paul are locked in a staring contest with the Cavs front office. After the deadline passed to sign a one-year qualifying offer that would’ve made him an unrestricted free agent next summer, the two sides are officially in a standoff.

Thompson is far from being worthy of a max-level contract, but if he’s back with the Cavs for the start of the season, he could earn some votes backing up Kevin Love off the bench. Given LeBron James‘ support of Thompson, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before the two sides come to an agreement of some sort.

Last season, Thompson only averaged 8.5 points and 8.8 rebounds per game — numbers that won’t help him stand out in a Sixth Man race. But he’s one of the best offensive rebounders in the league and made a name for himself in the playoffs as a beast on the boards. Now that the world is all too familiar with what he can do and what he’s worth, a breakout season from Thompson could enter his name in this conversation.

Next: No. 7