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

By Gerald Bourguet

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
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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Sixth Man of the Year
Apr 10, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) prepares to shoot the ball as Charlotte Hornets center Cody Zeller (40) defends during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Greg Monroe

Greg Monroe is a dark horse for the 2016-17 Sixth Man of the Year award, and his candidacy deserves a little more attention than it’s received. Giannis Antetokounmpo dominated the headlines all year long, and Malcolm Brogdon‘s Rookie of the Year case, Jabari Parker‘s season-ending injury and Khris Middleton‘s return probably didn’t help matters down the stretch.

But Monroe was one of the most consistent performers for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, averaging 11.7 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 steals in just 22.5 minutes per game. Though his numbers don’t stack up to some of our candidates (including Z-Bo at No. 5), Monroe was a focal point for the Bucks whenever he entered the game.

Operating from the elbow, Monroe orchestrated the offense for Milwaukee’s second unit, and his defense was actually passable for once. He also shot 53.4 percent from the field, the highest mark of his career since shooting 55.1 percent as a rookie.

Playing in 81 games gives him a slight edge over someone like Z-Bo, especially since every single one saw Monroe coming off the bench. He probably won’t win, but Moose deserves to finish somewhere in the top three of voting for finally embracing his sixth man role and owning it.