NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Rankings: Austin Reaves rises, Malik Monk falls

5. Austin Reaves

Last week's rank: N/A

Los Angeles' next big thing surely looks better off the bench. Austin Reaves averages 14.8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game as a reserve as opposed to 13.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists as a starter. Additionally, his shooting percentages have soared since he started to come off the bench.

When Reaves doesn't begin the ball game, he shoots 51.1 percent from the floor and 41.9 percent from distance. A far cry from the 41.6 percent and 27.8 percent splits he shot when he started.

He's also getting to the free-throw line more often and shooting it with great efficiency. The Lakers guard is shooting 85.7 percent from the line when coming off the bench as opposed to 80.8 percent as a starter.

Reaves looks like an entirely different player over the past nine games. His move to the bench has also helped the Lakers. Los Angeles is 7-2 when Reaves begins the game as a reserve.

With the second unit, Reaves can focus more on playmaking and initiating the offense. Just last night, the young guard recorded 10 assists off the bench.

Despite the increased percentages and counting stats, Reaves' usage rate has actually decreased as a reserve. Coming off the bench, Reaves' usage rate is now 20.8 percent. He isn't getting as many touches, but he's doing far more in his new role.