NBA Offseason: 2013-14 Top 5 Sixth Man of the Year Candidates

 3. Harrison Barnes/Klay Thompson

May 16, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors small forward Harrison Barnes (40) reacts during the third quarter in game six of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Spurs defeated the Warriors 94-82. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Barnes 2012-13 stats: 9.2 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 1.2 APG, 43.9 FG%, 35.9 3P%, 11.08 PER

Thompson 2012-13 stats: 16.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 2.2 APG, 42 FG%, 40 3P%

Harrison Barnes is a player that may potentially be no. 1 on this list by the time the 2013-2014 season ends.  Barnes proved last season that he can not only play in this league, but also produce.  After All-Star David Lee went down, Barnes stepped up and the Golden State Warriors did not seem to lose stride.  Watching him in the playoffs against San Antonio, Barnes looked composed beyond his years and played well despite the 2nd round exit.  With Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, Lee, Andrew Bogut and newly acquired Andre Igoudala, the Warriors look to show the NBA that they are more than just a young, jump-shooting team.  Barnes adds to that recipe of starting talent to possibly come off the bench, and put up numbers in a hurry.

May 12, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors shooting guard Klay Thompson (11) dribbles the ball during the third quarter in game four of the second round of the 2013 NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Spurs 97-87 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Klay Thompson may have to come off the bench depending on what Golden State decides to do.  While bringing in Igoudala, who’s to say Andre won’t play his old spot at the shooting guard position.  Thompson can come off the bench and immediately impact a game with his 3-point shooting and his driving ability.  If the Warriors do decide to bring in Thompson off the bench, they just add another dynamic element to their already loaded roster.  The Warriors also lost 6th man of the year candidate Jarrett Jack to the Cleveland Cavaliers, while trading Richard Jefferson, Brandon Rush, and Andris Biedrins to the Utah Jazz in a salary dump move.  Golden State now find themselves with a seemingly weak bench, so their choice of 6th man will be vital this upcoming season.