The leading scorer among eligible players typically wins Sixth Man of the Year, and this season is no exception.
Clippers guard Jamal Crawford, who who averaged 18.6 points per game, will take the honor.
Marc Stein of ESPN:
Story going online now: ESPN has learned that Clippers G Jamal Crawford is the NBA's Sixth Man Award winner for second time in his career
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) April 30, 2014
Gary Washburn of the Boston Globe:
By the way, league source says all @NBA awards were postponed this week because of Sterling controversy. Will resume next week.
— gary washburn (@GwashburnGlobe) April 29, 2014
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Crawford, who also won in 2010 with the Hawks, joins Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce and Delef Schrempf as the only two-time Sixth Man of the Year winners.
Crawford’s overall shooting percentage (41.6) is hardly impressive, but that’s buoyed by a high 3-point-attempt rate and a solid 3-point percentage (36.1). If you’re just looking at how many of Crawford’s shots went through the rim, you’re missing a key point: A lot of them were worth three points.
He also proved integral to maintaining the Clippers’ league-best offense. They scored just as much per possession with him on the court as off – no easy task considering he played most of his minutes without Chris Paul.
It could have been a shame the Donald Sterling mess delayed Crawford from receiving the trophy, but the Clippers are guaranteed at least one more home game. So, Crawford will have a chance to celebrate the honor with his fans as long as the NBA doesn’t delay an official announcement. Considering this news leaked, I think Crawford will get that moment.
