LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 25: Montrezl Harrell #5 of the Los Angeles Clippers (Photo by Ashley Landis-Pool/Getty Images)
Montrezl Harrell is the Sixth Man of the Year.
Montrezl Harrell has become an indispensable member of Doc Rivers’ Los Angeles Clippers. Kawhi Leonard and Paul George might get all the accolades, but Harrell’s willingness to convert tough baskets inside while doing the dirty work in the paint is sorely needed. Harrell’s value to the Clippers was crystallized when the writers named him the best bench player in the NBA during a taxing 2019-20 season.
Harrell was named the 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year, narrowly edging out Clippers shooting guard Lou Williams and Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Dennis Schroder in the voting.
Montrezl Harrell’s ability to attack the rim is invaluable to the Clippers
Harrell, who left the Orlando bubble to attend to a family matter, returned with a vengeance that helped him take home the award. In 63 games this season, Harrell has recorded 18.6 points per game and 7.1 rebounds per game, both of which are career-highs for the former Houston Rockets draft pick. His dominance in the paint on LA’s league-best second unit is a major reason as to why they were able to snag the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference despite Leonard and George both missing time due to injuries.
Thunder fans are up in arms after Schroder was snubbed for Harrell. While they both had excellent seasons, Harrell’s role on a Clippers team with championship aspirations at the time votes were cast likely sealed Schroder’s fate.
While Schroder has a legitimate claim to this award, Harrell’s role on a Clippers team that thrives on depth and dominance in the paint ended up giving him the slightest of edges over Schroder. Time will tell if Harrell is able to sustain his award-winning play deep into the postseason and help the Clippers end up in the winner’s circle.