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The Brooklyn Nets have the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year favorite

ByZak Musso|
Oct 12, 2023; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (8) warms up before a game against Maccabi Ra'anana at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 12, 2023; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Lonnie Walker IV (8) warms up before a game against Maccabi Ra'anana at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

When the Brooklyn Nets season began, many thought they had a contender for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Just under a month into the season, Brooklyn has the top contender for the award, but it’s not the player many would have thought.

Cam Thomas, who is averaging 26.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game but is currently on the shelf with a left ankle sprain, was expected to be a lead contender for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, but due to injuries, was forced into the starting lineup. Due to many factors, he’s not likely to be a contender.

Another Net is.

Lonnie Walker IV is the Sixth Man of the Year Favorite

This offseason, Brooklyn signed The 24-year-old to a veteran minimum, one-year, $2.34 million contract. In terms of bang for your buck, this is the best contract in basketball right now. Walker averages 16.6 points a game, third among NBA bench players (Tim Hardaway Jr. and ex-Net Caris Levert are one and two).

Since Thomas’s injury on November 8th, Walker has been the Nets’ best offense playmaker. In Sunday’s 121-99 loss to the Philadelphia 76ers at the Barclays Center, the Miami product dropped 26 points on 9-17 shooting (6-11 from three), with six rebounds and two assists.

Walker, an explosive athlete, dropped a disgusting dunk on Sunday on the entire Philadelphia team.

This dunk was so sick and nasty; you must watch the slow-motion replay the Brooklyn Nets social media team posted on Twitter.

Lonnie holds the keys to Brooklyn’s season

Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Ben Simmons, and Nic Claxton, Brooklyn’s core four entering the season, have all not taken the next step for various reasons, including injury.

Major contributions from unexpected sources, like Walker (and Thomas to some degree), have picked up the slack and kept Brooklyn on par with expectations.

If Walker continues this explosive scoring streak, Brooklyn becomes that much scarier. Despite being 24, he is already in his sixth NBA season. Sean Marks must look to extend him, as Walker there is likely even more untapped potential within Walker.

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