Bennedict Mathurin gets two third-place votes for Sixth Man of the Year, Indiana Pacers rookie finishes eighth in voting
The NBA announced the voting distribution for the 2022-23 Sixth Man of the Year award, and Indiana Pacers guard Bennedict Mathurin was among the vote getters.
Mathurin, who came off the bench in 61 of his 78 appearances this season, received two third-place votes for the John Havlicek Trophy. He finished eighth place among all vote getters, sitting just in front of Christian Wood and Russell Westbrook.
The rookie guard averaged 16.7 points per game this season, and only Norman Powell averaged more points per game among players eligible for the Sixth Man honor. The top-three vote getters all averaged fewer than 15 points per game, though they contributed more in other areas.
Mathurin averaged 16.1 points per game as a starter and 16.9 off the bench. He added 4.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per game as a reserve and swung many games in Indiana's favor with his second unit impact.
"He could be a top scorer in the league," Pacers forward Oshae Brissett said of Mathurin earlier this month. The sixth overall pick was nominated for Rookie of the Month every month this season, including one win.
In the end, former Pacer Malcolm Brogdon won the award. He averaged 14.9 points and 3.7 assists per game off the bench for the Boston Celtics. Brogdon's usage rate was a little too low in Milwaukee and a little too high in Indiana, but it has been just right with the Cetlics. His efficiency and defense, combined with his statistical output, made him a worthy candidate for the award.
The only Pacer to win the award is Detlef Schrempf, who took home the hardware in back-to-back seasons in 1991 and 1992.
Mathurin may never be eligible for Sixth Man honors again in his career. He moved into the starting five late in the Pacers season and could be a starter going forward. He will be in the mix for votes for Rookie of the Year as well and will make one of the two All-Rookie teams.
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