NBA: Early Sixth Man Of The Year Candidates Emerge

NBA: Early Sixth Man Of The Year Candidates

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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Nov 27, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Wilson Chandler, Denver Nuggets

Wilson Chandler is having a great return in his 11th season for the Denver Nuggets. He missed all of last season with a hip injury. This season, Chandler is averaging 18.2 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.7 assists per game.

He is off to the best start of his career, shooting 47.7 percent while averaging a career-high in scoring. Chandler has three double-doubles and the Nuggets are 7-10 with him off the bench this season.

In 30 minutes per game, Chandler has been a useful source of production for Denver. He scored 32 points with 11 rebounds, four assists and a block against the Thunder back on Nov. 25. Unfortunately, the Nuggets lost 132-129.

Chandler did put up another double-double in a victory for Denver. He had 28 points, 11 rebounds, five assists, a block and a steal in a 120-104 win over the Suns.

If the Nuggets find themselves in the playoff picture by season’s end, Chandler could be the reason. Look for him to get some Sixth Man of the Year recognition as the season progresses.