Sheridan Hoops Sixth Man Rankings J.R. Smith over Jamal Crawford

RANK	PLAYER	RUNDOWN	RECENT
1		J.R. SMITH, G, NEW YORK: As the finish line to the regular season grows closer, Smith has shown no signs of letting up. His 24.3 points this week, along with a somewhat surprising 8.3 rebounds, gives the Knicks a reason to forget about Amar’e Stoudemire, for now.	1
2		JAMAL CRAWFORD, G, LA CLIPPERS: JCrossover had just two games this week, including a Staples Center showdown against the Lakers where he dropped 20 points on 6-of-13 shooting. The Clippers will need more games like that the rest of the way and in the playoffs.	2
3		GORDON HAYWARD, G-F, UTAH: If the Jazz lose the eighth spot to the Lakers, it won’t be Hayward’s fault. He has put up 16.6 points so far in April, including 17.6 points in three games this week. With two games against Andrei Kirilenko coming, his work will be cut out for him.	5
4		JEFF GREEN, F, BOSTON: The Celtics not falling off the face of the earth after injuries to Rajon Rondo, Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce has much to do with Green’s emergence. Not his best week since the break, but 14.3 points isn’t bad. And he is 21-of-39 from the arc since March 18.	3
5		COREY BREWER, G-F, DENVER: Better late than never, Brewer put up a huge week and has been instrumental in Denver’s emergence since it started winning at Heat-like levels. He averaged 25 points per game this week, and 14.6 points on the Nuggets’ current 20-2 run.	–

DROPOUTS: Kevin Martin, G, Oklahoma City (4)

FIVE TO WATCH: Ryan Anderson, F, New Orleans; Jarrett Jack, G, Golden State; Vince Carter, G-F, Dallas; J.J. Redick, G, Milwaukee; Nate Robinson, G, Chicago.

Tim Faklis is the editor of TJFHoops.com, and covers the NBA for SheridanHoops.com. Click here to follow him on Twitter.