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 26, 2016; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Enes Kanter, Oklahoma City Thunder

Enes Kanter is still a serviceable big man, especially for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite playing just 19 minutes per game, Kanter leads all bench players with six double-doubles. He is averaging 12.8 points and six rebounds per game for Oklahoma City, who are 14-8 this season.

Kanter is shooting 56.4 percent from the field despite the limited minutes he’s being given this season. He’s scored in double figures in 15 games for the Thunder so far this season. Against the Knicks, he put up best numbers of the season.

He scored a season-high 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in the team’s 112-103 victory. Six of the boards were of the offensive variety.

The Thunder are 5-1 when Kanter records a double-double. Their lone defeat was a two-point loss to the Los Angeles Clippers, 110-108. The key has been Kanter’s ability to crash the offensive glass.

If Oklahoma City can find their way to the top of the Western Conference, look for Kanter to earn some Sixth Man of the Year accolades.