2016-17 NBA Awards Season: Top 10 Sixth Man Of The Year Candidates

Dec 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Rockets guard Eric Gordon (10) points the the bench after making a three pointer in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center. The Rockets won 111-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 5, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) celebrates a three point basket in the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center. The Heat won 112-99. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

6. James Johnson

Ironically enough, James Johnson lands in the same spot on this list — No. 6 — as he does in our top 10 for Most Improved Player of the Year: His numbers don’t really leap off the page, with the 30-year-old veteran averaging 12.8 points, 4.9 rebounds, 3.6 assists, 1.1 blocks and 1.0 steals per game.

But there’s no question he was an intrinsic part of the Miami Heat‘s dramatic midseason turnaround, serving as the team’s point forward off the bench to anchor a second unit that gained steam as the year went on.

Eric Gordon'll likely win Sixth Man of the Year, despite the fact that James Johnson's the better defender, passer, rebounder and sixth man. pic.twitter.com/6VlNHk2tFW
— Andy Bailey (@AndrewDBailey) March 30, 2017

After starting the season 11-30, James Johnson’s playmaking and defensive versatility was a big reason the Heat were able to close on a 30-11 tear. Miami wound up missing the postseason, but Johnson’s production was consistent all season and he still managed to pick it up down the stretch.

After being an afterthought in the Toronto Raptors’ rotation last year, James Johnson’s play off the bench for the Heat was exemplary for any player, let alone one having a career year in his eighth NBA season.