It’s funny how people get so caught up in the chase for history.
Every time people see me, they start asking: “Are they going to do it?” “Is it going to happen?” “Who would win if they played today?”
Of course, you know what I’m talking about. It involves winning, a Curry and something that hasn’t been done since the mid-1990s.
But I mean, it’s almost getting boring now.
Everybody knows that Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton can make history by becoming the first player from a team that missed the playoffs to win the Sixth Man Award since Dell Curry did it with the Charlotte Hornets back in 1994.
And like … I get that this column is so outstanding that it’s generating more interest for the Sixth Man Award and all, but can we start talking about something else? There’s more to this NBA season than just obsessing over what one team does every night.
Yes, it is pretty remarkable that Barton has emerged as the leading candidate for the award on a team that is currently 22-33. And even if he doesn’t win the award, it could end up going to Darren Collison or Omri Casspi of Sacramento, which is 23-31. Or even Jrue Holiday of New Orleans, which is 21-33.
So yeah, it’s an historic year in the NBA.
But all this Curry-mania stuff has gone a little too far. And all the comparisons. I mean, the guy retired 14 years ago. All he wants to do is chill with his team in Charlotte.
You know what? Let’s just move on. To the rankings.
1. Will Barton, G, Denver Nuggets: “Will The Thrill” aka “Who calls him that?” is coasting towards this award, averaging 15.7 points and 7.0 boards while shooting 53 percent from the field this month. He’s also one of our Most Improved Player candidates, and would be in serious contention for that award if it weren’t for Draymond Green and C.J. McCollum. He’s like that annoying kid in your high school that kept getting all of the scholarships.
2. Darren Collison, G, Sacramento Kings: The speedy guard was one of the few players who actually gave a crap during the Kings’ 114-110 almost-loss to the Sixers on February 10, scoring 25 points. It was the second time in four games he put up 25. He also scored 17 in Sactown’s win over Denver on Friday with Casspi and Mrco Belinelli out with tooth extractions. For the month, Collison is averaging 18 ppg on 59 percent shooting.
3. Enes Kanter, F-C, Oklahoma City Thunder: He’s averaging 11.9 points and 7.7 boards in just 20 minutes per game this season and has four double-doubles in his last seven games. If he could learn how to play better defense, this guy would be starting in OKC. Still, he has been an asset to Billy Donovan off the bench and plays well alongside starter Steven Adams in some lineups.
4. Omri Casspi, F, Sacramento Kings: It doesn’t make sense that the Kings have two players on this list, yet they are 23-31. But most things with the Kings don’t make sense. Like how they fired Michael Malone, hired Vlade Divac to be their GM, hired George Karl, almost fired George Karl, randomly fired an assistant coach, and continue to stink despite having a talented roster and arguably the best big man in the game.
5. Jeremy Lin, G, Charlotte Hornets: LINSANITY IS BACK! (in the rankings), as he has helped Charlotte win five of six and move all the way up to the seventh spot in the Eastern Conference. Maybe Lin wants to keep his TV color guy Dell in the record books, because if he makes a big run and wins the award, the Hornets will likely make the playoffs.
Kels Dayton is a freelance writer whose work has also appeared in SLAM Magazine. You can check out more of his work at RoundballDaily.com and SportzEdge.com. Follow him on Twitter @KelsDayton.
Barton …hands down