| | By Eric Karabell
ESPN.com
|  | | The high-flyin' McGrady did plenty of damage off the bench this season. |
With the fine of play of Tracy McGrady and Rodney Rogers being part of the reason, we decided to make Week 6 in our Decision 2000 series about sixth men. Sure, we know that McGrady is currently starting, but when the season ends he will still be eligible for the award, according to NBA rules.
There are a lot of good choices for this award and, frankly, there is a lot of debate as well about who might win. We've heard no less than five names mentioned as legitimate winners in only the last few weeks. Do you go with the youth of the Raptors' McGrady, who came off the bench most of the year, or the scoring of the Suns' Rogers? The boardwork of Indiana's Austin Croshere and Detroit's Jerome Williams, or maybe the Knicks' Marcus Camby? Tough choices. Just remember that even though a guy might start now, you're voting for him based on when he wasn't starting.
This forum is just for the users. We don't give our opinions (for a change), we just give you the options and let you vote and flood our e-mail box.
Check out our Decision 2000 results file to see what you thought the last week about Europeans, and check for the results of this week's topic, sixth men, next week. The 12 sixth men (we again couldn't narrow it this week to 10) are listed in alphabetical order. Enjoy.
Who is the best sixth man in the NBA?
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MARCUS CAMBY
Key Stats: 10.2 pts, 7.9 rebs, 1.9 blks
Age: 26
Team: Knicks
One of the league's top shotblockers, Camby has battled injuries throughout his career, but he can take over when he wants. His minutes this year have been up and down. Tortured the Sonics for 18 points and 19 boards this week. Averaged 3.7 blocks in 1997-98 but injuries have held him back.
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CEDRIC CEBALLOS
Key Stats: 17 pts, 6.9 rebs, .838 FT
Age: 30
Team: Mavs
This guy is in the league for one reason: scoring. When he's healthy, he's been able to do it pretty well for the Suns, Lakers and now Mavs. Finger injury affecting his play now. Averaged 21.9 points and 9.3 boards in January, when he mostly started. More slasher than shooter. |
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AUSTIN CROSHERE
Key Stats: 10.4 pts, 6.5 rebs, .832 FT
Age: 24
Team: Pacers
Has really come from nowhere to become a valued rebounder for the Pacers. Providence guy is having his best month now, mostly as a starter, with 12.7 points and 8.3 boards, but his play has been spotty. Good touch for a big man. Hits free throws and threes well
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CHRIS GATLING
Key Stats: 12.6 pts, 6.1 rebs, 22.2 minutes
Age: 32
Team: Nuggets
Amazing stat is how many teams he's been on -- but how he always produces. Was key player for Magic (second-leading scorer) before trade to Denver. Averaging 13.1 points, 6.2 rebs in March, and pending free agent will be doing this for his eighth team (in 10 years) next season.
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ROBERT HORRY
Key Stats: 5.9 pts, 4.8 rebs, 1.2 stls
Age: 29
Team: Lakers
The numbers are not impressive, but the compliments are. Phil and Kobe have each said Horry might be the team's key player. Horry, who has two title rings, plays great D and can hit a shot, block a shot, and make steals. A great role player who knows the role and has experience.
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TRACY McGRADY
Key Stats: 14.8 pts, 6.1 rebs, 1.9 blks
Age: 20
Team: Raptors
Put simply, the guy's gonna be a star. Watch where he goes this offseason. A 6-8 leaper with emerging range that gives energy on both ends. Projects as a top-10 scorer and shotblocker, and all from shooting guard. Averaged 13.9 and 5 rebs in 45 games off the bench.
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CUTTINO MOBLEY
Key Stats: 15.1 pts, 1.2 stls, .846 FT
Age: 25
Team: Rockets
Rhode Island guy isn't shy about shooting, and has prime point-per-minute numbers. Started seven games, but played much better off bench. Averaged 9.9 points last year as a rookie. Gets to the line a lot and is among leaders in percentage. Has six games with 25 or more points.
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RODNEY ROGERS
Key Stats: 13.9 pts, 5.4 rebs, .501 FG
Age: 28
Team: Suns
Exiled Clipper is among league leaders in three-point percentage in breakout season. Has really saved Suns this year with big games and consistent frontcourt scoring as teammates have fallen. After decent first three months, averaged 18.5 and 58 percent shooting in Feb.
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JOE SMITH
Key Stats: 9.8 pts, 5.9 rebs, 1.1 blks
Age: 24
Team: Wolves
Sure, the numbers are weak for a former first overall pick (Warriors, 1995), but Smith is only 24 and he's filling an important role. Has been solid 15 and 7 guy through career, could easily do that as starter. Wolves need punch off bench, Smith delivers in 25 minutes.
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PREDRAG STOJAKOVIC
Key Stats: 11 pts, 3.5 rebs, .868 FT
Age: 22
Team: Kings
Natural shooter makes our list for second straight week. Fills key scoring role off bench, though projects as Drazen Petrovic-type 18-point scorer as starter. Doesn't miss free throws and has been consistent all season. A definite keeper and possible top 10 scorer in league someday.
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TIM THOMAS
Key Stats: 11.6 pts, 4 rebs, .463 FG
Age: 23
Team: Bucks
Former lottery pick and Sixer is finally becoming valued scorer after lost sophomore season. Can hit the three and might be a star at small forward if learns defense. Averaging 15.5 points, 4.5 rebs and .487 shooting in March. Has six games with 20 or more points this year.
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JEROME WILLIAMS
Key Stats: 8.1 pts, 9.8 rebs, .568 FG
Age: 26
Team: Pistons
Former Hoya finally got the minutes last season in third year. Now he's among leaders in boards and shooting. At 6-9 isn't center by any means, but mixes it up and never takes a play off. Numbers are slightly down after sizzling start (10.7 pts, 10.6 rebs, .644 FG in Nov.).
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ALSO SEE
NBA Decision 2000 Results: Europeans
NBA Decision 2000 Results: Young point guards
NBA Decision 2000: Young point guards
NBA Decision 2000 Results: Lunch-pail players
NBA Decision 2000: Lunch-pail player
NBA Decision 2000 Results: Defenders
NBA Decision 2000: Defenders
NBA Decision 2000 Results: It's Shaq
NBA Decision 2000: MVP watch
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