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The Sixth Player of the Year Award, which goes to the most valuable bench player in the league, is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the impact bench players can truly have on a team in so many different situations.
Chennedy Carter of the Chicago Sky is an obvious front-runner halfway through the season, but she’s so deserving of the award that she’s actually shifted to the starting five and played six games as a starter. She’s still eligible for the award considering she’s come off the bench more times (12) than she’s started, but it’s certainly trending the other way for her.
The 25-year-old is leading the team with 17.2 points per game, and next closest is Angel Reese at 13.5. She’s shooting at a 51.8 percent clip per game.
You don’t demote a player making this kind of impact at this pace, especially one who has made strides after some disciplinary issues in the past. Carter always had the potential to be who she has become, and after some time away from the game and growth, it’s time to let her cook and see what happens.
Now that brings us to Aces guard Tiffany Hayes. The 2017 All-Star came out of retirement to sign with Las Vegas in May, as Chelsea Gray’s absence left the back-to-back champions struggling early this season.
Hayes was crucial as the Aces regained their footing. And with Gray now back, 34-year-old provides the champion depth that has Las Vegas back on top and aiming for a three-peat.
She’s averaging 8.0 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, and while Carter is crushing any Sixth Player contender, she’s earned a different role at this point.
Hayes is truly a depth player who stepped up to keep a contender afloat, and she deserves credit for the Aces’ resilience.
