NBA Sixth Man of the Year Power Rankings: Tim Hardaway Jr. inches closer to top spot

1. Austin Reaves

Last week's rank: 1

Austin Reaves may not be the best in any given category amongst his peers in these rankings, but he remains the best all-around player here.

This year, Reaves is averaging 15.1 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game. He's doing so while shooting 47.7 percent from the floor, 35.7 percent from beyond the arc, and 87.7 percent from the free throw line.

Not to mention he's been a whole lot better as a reserve. Reaves started the first nine games of the season but looked out of sorts. Since his move to the bench, he's averaged more points and assists while shooting it better from the floor, 3-point range, and the free-throw line.

Reaves has ascended month-by-month as well. December was his best month of the young season. He averaged 17.3 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 5.0 assists in the last month of the year. December was also his only month with a positive plus/minus.

His on/off splits remain poor, but it's only a matter of time before they start to improve. In his first two seasons in Los Angeles, Reaves ranked in the 88th percentile or higher in efficiency differential. With Reaves on the court, the Lakers were a far better ball club.

In general, the Lakers starters are primarily the only players with a positive on/off split. Despite the lack of improvement with Reaves on the floor, he's held up in most advanced individual analytics. He ranks in the top 100 in win shares, box plus/minus, and value above replacement player (VORP).