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

8 of 11

Photos by Mark Sobhani/NBAE via Getty Images /

4. Jordan Clarkson

Magic Johnson has been very vocal about his Sixth Man of the Year expectations for Jordan Clarkson, and as the 25-year-old heads into his fourth NBA season, that goal seems attainable.

Last year was the first season Clarkson had to adjust to a primary bench role with the Los Angeles Lakers, and his numbers dipped from 15.5 points and 4.0 rebounds per game the season before to 14.7 points and 3.0 rebounds per game in 2016-17. He shot an mundane 44.5 percent from the field and a paltry 32.9 percent from 3-point range.

However, with that first adjustment season out of the way, Clarkson will be in charge of leading a young bench unit and enjoy a large number of shot attempts. If he can be a touch more efficient and put up career numbers in his fourth season, Clarkson may be able to meet Magic’s expectations.