Washington Wizards: Handing out mid-season awards for 2019-2020

WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 22: Davis Bertans #42 of the Washington Wizards celebrates with Bradley Beal #3 after scoring against the Charlotte Hornets in the first half at Capital One Arena on November 22, 2019 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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Sixth Man: Davis Bertans

It’s hard to find a guy among the other 29 teams’ second units who’s contributed more for their respective club than Davis Bertans. Not only is he one of the best shooters in the league, but he’s been solid on defense for the Wizards as well.

Without doubt, he’s contributed the most for Washington off the bench, as he’s started just four games — all emergencies due to injury.

On the year he’s averaging a career-high 15.0 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. All while putting up a near-historic shooting split at .436/.424/.867.

Among the 11 players who’ve knocked down at least 150 3-pointers this season, Bertans ranks fourth in shooting percentage from deep, per Basketball-Reference.

The second half to that, and his Sixth Man of the Year argument?

Washington’s Latvian Laser has played the least minutes this year out of all of them and is the only guy to have started five or fewer games, and it’s conveyed to the Wizards second unit success.

Per NBA.com, the Washington bench is ranked second in points per game and leads the league in 3-pointers made nightly.

Bertans’ contributions in such a limited volume have exceeded that of hundreds of guys who see longer minutes. And for that reason, he’s the (mid-season) Sixth Man of the (mid-)Year.

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