NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Rankings: Austin Reaves shoots up the board

3. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Last week's rank: 3

Tim Hardaway Jr. had a very good week as the Mavericks blew out two rebuilding squads, the Utah Jazz and the Portland Trail Blazers.

Against the Jazz, Hardaway Jr. complied 17 points and four rebounds. Two nights later in Portland, Hardaway Jr. scored 20 points and grabbed four boards. In 37 minutes of action, he ranked second on the team in plus/minus at plus-15.

In those two contests, Hardaway Jr. did what he does best. He knocked down eight 3-pointers at a 38 percent clip. On the season, the Dallas guard is knocking down 3.5 trey-balls per game at a 38.4 percent clip.

Hardaway Jr. ranks fifth in the NBA in 3-pointers made per game. He's the only bench player to rank in the top 10. The former Wolverine has been excelling in his role as a full-time bench player. Leading the league in bench points per game, Hardaway Jr. has fully embraced his sixth-man role.

The Dallas guard exemplifies what the Sixth Man Award has been in the past. A shot-hunting gunner, who ranks as the second or third-best scorer on the team. Although the award was given to more of an all-around talent a season ago, Hardaway Jr. still has a good shot to win the honor.

His defense has been poor, but Hardaway Jr. does provide a very unique skill. Hardaway Jr. has drawn 11 charges this year, good for third in the entire league. Oddly enough, Hardaway Jr. has racked up more charges this year than steals.

Despite his propensity to take charges, Hardaway Jr. doesn't provide much else on the less glamorous end. He ranks second to last in the NBA in defensive box plus/minus.