Jan 15, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Reggie Jackson (15) shoots the ball between Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) and guard Corey Brewer (33) in the second quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas B. Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Sixth Man of the Year: Reggie Jackson
Honorable Mention: Anthony Morrow, Kendrick Perkins
It’s no secret that Reggie Jackson has had a tough year in Oklahoma City. Between not getting an extension worked out in the summer and the Dion Waiters trade in early January, Jackson’s role seems to be diminishing by the second. Despite all that, however, Jackson’s contribution as the primary playmaker when Westbrook and Durant were out and his heady contributions off the bench since the dynamic duo returned cannot be ignored.
Though Morrow’s long-range marksmanship has been huge for the Thunder’s spacing and Kendrick Perkins appears to be having a defensive renaissance coming off the bench, Jackson has still been the most crucial bench cog, averaging nearly 15 points per game along with 4.8 assists and 4.2 assists in a reserve role.
And lest we forget when he murdered OKC trade target Brook Lopez earlier this season:
Furthermore, the talk of Jackson regressing is largely overstated. Despite playing more minutes than ever this year, his per 36 minutes numbers are up across the board, averaging 17.4/5.5/4.9 on .486 shooting versus his 2013-2014 marks of 16.6/5.2/4.9 on .477 shooting. While Jackson’s time in the Sooner State may soon be coming to a close, he’s still been the best reserve Oklahoma City has had this season.
Next: Thunder Defensive Player of the Year