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 21, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Zach Randolph, Memphis Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies are 10-5 when forward Zach Randolph appears off the bench this season. He has missed the past four games to tend to a personal matter. Before his absence, Memphis was on a five-game winning streak.

In his 17th NBA season, Randolph is averaging 14.2 points amd 7.9 rebounds per game. He is shooting 47.9 percent from the floor. Z-Bo has scored in double figures in all but one appearance so far this season.

He is averaging 22.3 minutes per game while this is the first time since his rookie year that he’s come off the bench. Not too bad for the gritty 36-year-old forward.

He scored 22 points, grabbed eight rebounds, and three steals in the team’s 112-103 victory over the Wizards back on Nov. 30.

When Randolph returns, look for the Grizzlies play to elevate as well. Z-Bo has been a good secret weapon for them to have off the bench.