NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Rankings: Major shakeup rocks this week's rankings

3. Tim Hardaway Jr.

Last week's rank: 2

Tim Hardaway Jr. is still the leader in bench points per game. But, he has seen a decline in play as of late. Also, the veteran guard missed half of last week with back spasms. Thus, a slight drop in ranking occurred.

In a brief October, Hardaway Jr. averaged 19.0 points and 5.0 rebounds on a +14.8 plus/minus. In November, his numbers normalized to 16.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and a -1.9 plus/minus.

The volume-shooting wing has cooled off in recent weeks from a scorching start. He hasn't shot above 50 percent from the field since November 15th. Although Hardaway Jr. tends to demonstrate more accuracy from behind the arc, his efficiency his tied to his three ball.

Hardaway Jr. is shooting 65.4 percent of his attempts from beyond the arc this season, a career-high. And this change in playstyle is helping the Dallas swingman. He's averaging the most points per game since the 2019 season. Albeit, in fewer minutes per game as a full-time reserve.

The 11-year pro is averaging 21.9 points per 36 minutes, the best mark of his career. The full-time move to the bench has revived some of Hardaway Jr.'s lost value. Furthermore, a bench spot does seem like the ideal fit for the unbashful gunslinger.

Amongst all players in the NBA, Hardaway Jr. ranks fifth in 3-pointers made per game. He's the only bench player in the top 10. Hardaway Jr.'s offense is a boon for Dallas, and his ranking will likely be predicated on his shooting ability.

However, his defense is extremely poor. He does some good, like drawing charges, but his defensive rating ranks in the bottom 13th percentile of the NBA.