NBA: Top 10 candidates for 2017-18 Sixth Man of the Year Award

5. Tyler Johnson

James Johnson isn’t guaranteed to come off the bench, but barring injury, that will be Tyler Johnson‘s role for the Miami Heat in 2017-18. Coming off a career year in which he averaged 13.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game in his third season, he could be poised to make the leap and put up some serious numbers off the bench.

Miami’s well-balanced roster could hinder his chances, but Johnson is only 25 years old and has improved every season so far in his young career. With continuity on their side, the Heat will be able to build on everyone’s role from last season, which could yield positive results for one of the leaders of the second unit like Johnson.

As a career 37.4 percent shooter, Tyler Johnson has the range and the skill-set to throw his name into the ring. The question is whether he’ll have a large enough role on such a deep team to get there.