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

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Oct 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) shoots against Los Angeles Clippers guard Lance Stephenson (1) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

6. The Los Angeles Clippers’ Bench Mob

Okay, so maybe I’m cheating here, but can you really pick just one sixth man candidate from the Los Angeles Clippers‘ bench? The answer is no, you cannot. At the top of the list is obviously Jamal Crawford, who has won the Sixth Man of the Year Award twice in his career for his razzle dazzle heat checks off the bench. Last season, however, his field goal percentage dropped to 39.6 percent.

If head coach Doc Rivers stands by Wesley Johnson as his starter at the 3, Paul Pierce could throw his name into the ring as well. He may not be as spry as he once was, but the Truth was a huge addition to the Washington Wizards last season, knocking down clutch shots and providing the type of veteran leadership the Clippers will now enjoy. Now Pierce just needs the stats to back up his intangible value.

Paul Pierce said he's open to what role Doc Rivers is willing for him to play whether it's a starter or coming off the bench.
— Ben Bolch (@latbbolch) September 25, 2015

Finally, there’s the dynamic (or potentially dastardly) duo of Josh Smith and Lance Stephenson. Smoove proved last year that in the right environment, he could thrive off the bench. Born Ready has a long way to go to prove he’s still the player who led the league in triple-doubles in 2013-14. Either way, the Clippers’ improved bench has four players who could compete for these votes by season’s end.

Next: No. 5