Staff NBA Award Predictions: MVP, Rookie of the Year, and More

Sixth Man of the Year

Writers' Perspective: Isaiah Thomas, Phoenix Suns

Isaiah Thomas was the easy pick - let's be real. And to a lot of us here, he was the only pick. IT2 took over 50% of the votes and more than doubled his next closest competitor. We all like Thomas to spell the likes of Bledsoe and Dragic in Phoenix. In fact, Thomas is worthy of a starting role on many other teams, but the Suns will utilize his productivity and energy from the bench. It's a steal for the Suns and an obvious pick for us to make as everyday basketball fans.

Numbers Perspective: Isaiah Thomas, Phoenix Suns

I can't find anything in the numbers that says differently. The only problem for Thomas whatsoever will be minutes. But it's hard to see Thomas failing to get 25 minutes on any given night.

He's too valuable.

Last year with the Kings, IT2 posted a nERD of 4.7 while averaging 20 points and 6 assists in 34 minutes a night. He's a productive sparkplug off the bench and will be one of the best, if not the best, bench players in the league. The numbers strongly support our prediction. Let's just hope he gets the minutes and proves us, and the numbers, right.