Hoops Habit
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Dwyane Wade Joins the MVP Race In The NBA Awards Watch

By Ben Nadeau

Dec 5, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) is pressured by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat guard Dwyane Wade (3) is pressured by Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 99-84. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford during a break in play against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Jamal Crawford during a break in play against the Detroit Pistons during the fourth quarter at Staples Center. The Los Angeles Clippers won 101-96. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

Sixth Man of the Year

1. Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans (Last Week: 1, –)

After a dreadful Week 6, Ryan Anderson got back on track and even helped secure a crucial overtime victory against the Cavaliers on Friday. Despite not matching those 30-point outbursts from a few weeks back, Anderson looks like he’s righted the ship for now. When Anderson was drafted by the New Jersey Nets in 2008 to play alongside Brook Lopez, the franchise didn’t expect him to do much rebounding and just wanted him to fire away from downtown.

Today, however, with New Orleans Pelicans dealing with quite a few injuries, they’ve actually needed Anderson on the boards as well. Although they’re about to embark on a roadtrip in which they’ll play six of their next seven in tough cities like Chicago, Portland, and Utah, the matchups offer some great opportunity for Anderson to build on his early season success.

Anderson’s Line of the Week: 12/4 vs. CLE — 18 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 3 turnovers, 5-12 FG%
Week Grade: B

2. Alec Burks, Utah Jazz (Last Week: 2, –)
With only three games for the Jazz in Week 6, it was difficult to get a real gauge on Burks’ continued success or lackthereof. Against the Orlando Magic on Thursday, Burks scored 21 points on 6-12 shooting, but the Jazz lost. However, in their gritty overtime win against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday, Burks went 3-11 and scored just 9, so, uh, this one is a tough situation. However, given that Burks has scored 20+ in three of his last five, we’re going to give him the benefit of the doubt while the Jazz look to work things out without Rudy Gobert leading that stout defense.

Burks’ Line of the Week: 12/9 vs. SAC — 18 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 turnover, 6-15 FG%, 2-6 3PT%
Week Grade: B-

3. Jamal Crawford, Los Angeles Clippers (Last Week: –, Up 1)

Even at the old age of 35, the crafty, former Sixth Man of the Year still has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. Having won five of their last six, the Los Angeles Clippers have started to float back towards the surface and some of that success is thanks to Jamal Crawford’s consistent scoring off the bench. For a team that seems to find dysfunction around every corner, Crawford’s contributions off the bench are necessary if the Clippers want to hop back in the Western Conference races.

Bounced Out: Andre Iguodala, Golden State Warriors

Honorable Mentions: Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls; Tristan Thompson, Cleveland Cavaliers; Andre Iguodala; Paul Pierce, Los Angeles Clippers; Lou Williams, Los Angeles Lakers; Zach LaVine, Minnesota Timberwolves

Week 1: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Week 2: Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Week 3: Isaiah Thomas, Boston Celtics
Week 4: Alec Burks, Utah Jazz
Week 5: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Week 6: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans
Week 7: Ryan Anderson, New Orleans Pelicans

Next: The Takeover Continues