OKC Thunder: Dennis Schroder is in a dog fight for the Sixth Man award
The top three candidates
In terms of how realistic Schroder’s shot at winning the award the ESPN article offered up some early insight. A panel of 20 offered their choices for key awards and Schroder lost out to Harrell by a measure of nine to seven in the closest of all the major award categories voted on.
Now, there is time for cases to be presented regarding this triumvirate of players that could shift voters’ minds. Recency bias likely hurts Lou Williams in the race while being seeded fifth compared to second hurts Schroder.
In terms of sheer production, it’s a close call between the trio with each having specific strengths to back their argument. Harrel has the benefit of position to bolster his rebound and block tallies, Williams being the primary playmaker pads his assist total while Schroder’s 3-point shooting and scoring are strengths.
| Rk | Player | Season | MP | FGA | FG | 3PA | 3P | 2PA | 2P | FTA | FT | DRB | TRB | AST | PTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Montrezl Harrell | 2019-20 | 27.8 | 12.9 | .580 | 0.3 | .000 | 12.6 | .593 | 5.6 | .658 | 4.5 | 7.1 | 1.7 | 18.6 |
| 2 | Dennis Schröder | 2019-20 | 31.0 | 15.0 | .468 | 5.1 | .381 | 9.9 | .512 | 3.7 | .839 | 3.4 | 3.7 | 4.1 | 19.0 |
| 3 | Lou Williams | 2019-20 | 29.3 | 14.7 | .416 | 4.9 | .363 | 9.8 | .442 | 5.4 | .863 | 2.6 | 3.1 | 5.7 | 18.7 |
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 7/21/2020.
Consideration, however, should be given to other factors such as the on-off court effect of the players. As per NBA stats, the Clippers score an additional 1.3 points with Harrell on the floor but hold opponents to 0.9 fewer points when he sits for a net differential of plus 0.3 points. Offensively, the Clippers score 0.1 fewer points with Williams on the floor and hold opponents to 3.5 fewer points when he sits for a net differential of minus 3.5 points.
Isolating the fourth quarter of these stats offer a greater perspective. The Clippers score an additional 10.8 points with Harrell on the floor but hold opponents to 1.3 fewer points when he sits for a net differential of plus 9.4 points. Offensively, the Clippers score 13.4 additional points with Williams on the floor and hold opponents to 4.8 fewer points when he sits for a net differential of positive 8.6 points.
Clearly, the two have played a major role in closing out games which are reflected in their fourth-quarter stats.
Schroder meanwhile makes a distinctive mark particularly defensively. His on-court offensive stats for the full game are a negative 1.1 points but when he sits the team allows 10.5 additional points by opponents for a net differential of plus 9.6 points.
Move to the fourth quarter and there’s a strong precedent for why he deserves the award over Harrell. In the fourth quarter, Schroder’s on/off court statistics are phenomenal. When he is on the court the team scores 4.5 additional points, and defensively the Thunder allows 14.9 fewer points when he is on the court for an impressive net differential of 19.3 points.