When the Brooklyn Nets season began, many thought they had a contender for Sixth Man of the Year. Just under a month into the season, Brooklyn has the leading contender for the award, but it’s not the player many would have thought.
Cam Thomas, who averages 26.9 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, but is currently on the shelf with a sprained left anklemust have been alleading contender for Sixth Man of the Year, but due to injuries he was forced to join the starting lineup. Due to many factors, he is unlikely to be a contender.
Another Net is.
Lonnie Walker IV is the favorite sixth man of the year
This offseason, Brooklyn signed the 24-year-old to a one-year minimum contract worth $2.34 million. In terms of value for money, this is the best contract in basketball right now. Walker averages 16.6 points per game, third among NBA bench players (Tim Hardaway Jr. and ex-Net Caris Levert are one and two).
Since Thomas’ injury on November 8, Walker has been the Nets’ best offensive playmaker. In Sunday’s 121-99 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at Barclays Center, the Miami product dropped 26 points on 9-17 shooting (6-11 from three), with six rebounds and two assists .
Walker, an explosive athlete, threw down a disgusting dunk on the entire Philadelphia team on Sunday.
That dunk was so sick and nasty; you need to watch the slow-motion replay posted by the Brooklyn Nets social media team on Twitter.
Lonnie holds the keys to Brooklyn’s season
Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Ben Simmons and Nic Claxton, Brooklyn’s four main players entering the season, have all not taken the next step for various reasons, including injuries.
Major contributions from unexpected sources, like Walker (and Thomas to some extent), took over and kept Brooklyn living up to expectations.
If Walker continues this streak of explosive goals, Brooklyn becomes even scarier. Despite being 24 years old, he is already in his sixth NBA season. Sean Marks should look to extend him, as Walker likely has even more untapped potential in Walker.
