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 /

6 of 6

December 1, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Eric Gordon, Houston Rockets

It’s hard to ignore the work Eric Gordon is doing off the bench for the Houston Rockets. The ninth-year shooting guard is averaging 17.1 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game in a reserve role.

He is shooting 44.6 percent from the field and 42.1 percent from three-point land for the Rockets, who are 14-7 this season.

Gordon has stayed relatively healthy this season which bodes well for him on this Houston squad. He has yet to play a full 82 games in his career. He’s been a good change of pace with the Rockets young talent off the bench averaging 30.7 minutes per game.

Gordon has scored 20 points or more in six of 13 games and the Rockets are 10-3 with him off the bench. He recorded 23 points and five assists in the team’s 132-127 double overtime victory over the Golden State Warriors.

He shot 9-for-19 from the floor, connecting on four three-pointers in the game.

Next: NBA: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

Gordon has found a new groove in his reserve role with the Houston Rockets. If he can keep in it, look for him to steal the Sixth Man of the Year Award this season.