At the end of every regular season, each league in America gives out awards to the top players. These awards range from the Cy Young award in the MLB for the best pitcher, to the MVP for most outstanding player, which is given out in every league. But some leagues go above and beyond in giving out stupid awards. I’m looking right at that Sixth Man of the Year award on your mantle, J.R. Smith.
Awards are supposed to be given out to the players who were that best player in the entire league, or the best at a certain position. I’m even okay with the Comeback Player of the Year award. But Sixth Man of the Year is just dumb!
Why are we giving awards to players who aren’t even good enough to start on their own team?! There are 32 NBA teams, and each team starts 5 players. That means that 160 players start in the NBA. But we need to give an award to the 161st best player in the NBA?
At least J.R. Smith seems excited to accept his award?
Source: ESPN.com
They do this in college basketball. This past season, Will Sheehey of Indiana won the Big Ten’s Sixth Man of the Year designation. Maybe Indiana was hoarding talent and he is an excellent player that didn’t play because of lack of experience? Think again. Sheehey was a junior, and a freshman started on that team. OH, and Sheehey didn’t even make the Big Ten’s first, second, or third team. Nor did he even receive a measly honorable mention.
The Sixth Man of the Year award seems to be shooting a free throw. How fitting.
Source: NBA.com
Let’s start rewarding the top of the class. Most underrated player of the year? I’m on board with that! But awarding a player for being the best player who wasn’t good enough to be top 5 on his own team? That’s just stupid!
Sportpidity 