Two Jazzmen Lead Sixth Man of the Year Race. Who Will Take Home the Hardware?
Jordan Clarkson (00) and Joe Ingles (2) celebrate in a win over the Houston Rockets
The Utah Jazz have multiple members of the team in the lead for different post-season awards for the 2020-2021 season. One award in particular has piqued the interest of many Jazz fans because of the number of Utah players that are in the running. Jordan Clarkson and Joe Ingles are currently the two frontrunners for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, and each have convincing reasons to why they deserve to win it.
The award's main qualification is self-explanatory. You have to play at a top level while coming off the bench in more games than you start.
So far, Clarkson (-670, 10/67) leads the betting line on VegasInsider.com, while Ingles (+600, 6/1) is in second place.
Jordan Clarkson:
Clarkson has been extremely effective off the bench for the Jazz, averaging 17.4 - points, including a 40-point game against the Philadelphia 76ers earlier this year. Clarkson has also averaged 2.2-assists and 3.9-rebounds, alongside averaging 25.9-minutes per game. Clarkson has led the Jazz in scoring in 8-games during the 2020-2021 season. His shooting ability has helped the Jazz tremendously this season, averaging 42.5% from the field and 38.4% from beyond the arc. He has also done well defensively, chalking up 0.9-steals per game and earning a 4.8 +/-.
He has been affectionately nicknamed "The Flamethrower" by the Jazz television and radio broadcasters, due to his ability to shoot the ball incredibly well from anywhere on the floor.
Jordan Clarkson (00) looks to make a play during a game earlier this season
Joe Ingles:
Ingles has been light's-out from beyond the three-point line, averaging 50% or higher at multiple points during the year. He has also averaged 12.3-points, 4.4-assists, and 3.7-rebounds for the Jazz. Ingles averages 27.1-minutes per game while shooting 52.2% from the field and 49% from three-point range. Defensively, Ingles is dangerous, adding 0.7-steals per game for the Jazz, alongside a 6.5 +/-.
Ingles is notoriously known for his trash-talking and getting under NBA star's skin. A few weeks ago, this aspect of his game showcased itself against the Sacramento Kings. DeAaron Fox seemed flustered as he and Ingles went head to head during the April 10 matchup.
Joe Ingles (2) yells during an intense moment
Others that are in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year Award include: Jalen Brunson (DAL), Montrezl Harrel (LAL), Chris Boucher (TOR), Terrence Ross (ORL), Thaddeus Young (CHI), and Shake Milton (PHI).
You can see the breakdown of the betting odds here.
Jordan Clarkson (00) and Joe Ingles (2) fight for possession against the Denver Nuggets
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