New York Knicks: Brandon Jennings Will Win Sixth Man Of The Year

Feb 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Brandon Jennings (55) looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Brandon Jennings (55) looks on against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Dallas Mavericks 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Knicks team president Phil Jackson has challenged point guard Brandon Jennings to win Sixth Man of the Year. Here are five reasons he can.


The New York Knicks took a calculated risk on point guard Brandon Jennings. He could make it pay off in a major way with the Sixth Man of the Year award. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The New York Knicks took a calculated risk on point guard Brandon Jennings. He could make it pay off in a major way with the Sixth Man of the Year award. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The New York Knicks have played home to some of the greatest super-subs in NBA history. Three Knicks players have won Sixth Man of the Year, all of whom helped New York achieve a significant measure of success during that season.

Current team president Phil Jackson is of the belief that recently signed point guard Brandon Jennings can follow in said players’ footsteps.

The first member of the Knicks to win Sixth Man of the Year was the late great Anthony Mason in 1994-95. After Mason, it was Knicks legend John Starks who earned the award in 1996-97.

Most recently, it was the incomparable J.R. Smith who won Sixth Man of the Year during the unforgettable 2012-13 season.

The common theme in all three of those seasons is that the Knicks’ super-sub helped the team win 50-plus games. New York went 54-28 during the 2012-13 season, 55-27 in 1994-95, and 57-25 in 1996-97.

Though it’s hard to project such a complicated award—an injury to a starter can push reserves into starting roles and out of consideration—Jennings has a legitimate opportunity to cash in.

Here are five reasons Jennings could win Sixth Man of the Year in 2016-17.