div align = "center" MASON REDD VAN EXEL KIRILENKO WILLIAMSON PPG - SEASON 13.9 14.8 11.7 12.9 11.6 RPG 6.4 4.4 2.8 5.6 4.4 APG 1.4 1.5 4.4 2.2 1.3 MPG 33.4 28.9 26.4 27.1 25.0 FG % .448 .471 .395 .538 .429 PPG - WEEK 13.3 16.7 11.8 12.3 12.0 RPG 5.3 3.0 2.0 7.0 5.5 APG 2.0 1.3 3.0 2.3 1.0

Michael Redd has been hot from the perimeter. David Liam Kyle/NBAE

THE SKINNY
Officially, the poor performances across the board by top sixth men two weeks ago were flukes. They bounced back this week, with each at least performing near their season marks. Milwaukee’s Michael Redd is the hot up-and-comer this week – not that he hasn’t played well all season. With the Bucks gaining ground in the Eastern Conference playoff race, Redd has been key. He had 22 points and three three-pointers on ESPN last Friday as the Bucks held on for a 99-95 victory at Philadelphia, and was easily in double-figures in each of Milwaukee’s other two games. The success of Redd’s team will help increase his visibility, a key consideration.

The other four top Sixth Man Award candidates generally held their ground. Seattle’s Desmond Mason had a big effort last Friday as the Sonics snapped a six-game losing streak against Memphis, finishing with 20 points. He was much quieter in an win over Nick Van Exel and the Dallas Mavericks, though he did rebound at Minnesota. Van Exel probably needs to pick up his play if he is going to continue being tracked, especially with a surge by Chicago’s Marcus Fizer and the new eligibility of Indiana’s Al Harrington. Van Exel scored well last week, topped by 16 points and four three-pointers on TNT against Philadelphia, but has not been setting up his teammates lately.

Quietly, Andrei Kirilenko continued going about his business in Utah as the team beat New Jersey. In that game, Kirilenko added 10 rebounds to go along with his consistent 12-13 point scoring for a double-double. Corliss Williamson was more hit-and-miss. He was little factor in a home-and-home set with Central Division-leading Indiana, but finished the week with 20 points and six rebounds in a loss to Philadelphia.

Nick Van Exel has fit in well in Dallas. William R. Sallaz/NBAE

THE SCOUTING REPORT -
NICK VAN EXEL, G, DALLAS
Through the first eight and a half seasons of his NBA career, Nick Van Exel came off the bench just 21 times in 623 games. At the helm of the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets, Van Exel faced the responsibility of getting himself and his teammates going early in games. On February 21, 2002, everything changed for Van Exel when he was part of a seven-player trade that sent him to the Dallas Mavericks. With All-Star Steve Nash entrenched at the point for the Mavericks, Van Exel knew he would be facing a reduced role off the bench.

Instead of pouting about his misfortune, Van Exel has embraced the opportunity to play for a championship contender. “My spirits are up,” Van Exel told ESPN.com earlier this season. “I'm just feeling good about everything. It's a good feeling going into arenas now where you're expected to win.” Van Exel’s attitude was reflected in his continued good numbers. Despite getting less looks and minutes, Van Exel averaged 13.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game with the Mavericks. During the playoffs, he played heavily and even started against the Sacramento Kings in a small lineup.

This season, with the Mavericks rolling to a 33-8 record, Van Exel has concentrated more on setting up his teammates and less on scoring. After sitting out nine games with a knee injury, he’s returned strong with averages of 11.7 points and 4.8 assists this season. Still, to Van Exel, the important thing is his team’s success. “It's not going to be easy, but we feel very confident about our chances.”

In terms of sixth men league-wide, Van Exel is a bit of an anomaly. Many are gunners who enter the game thinking of getting only themselves shots. Van Exel can’t do that, instead having to balance his own offense with that of his teammates. So far this season, he’s struck an excellent balance, which is why he’s in the running for the Sixth Man Award.

WHY HE’LL WIN THE SIXTH MAN AWARD
Van Exel definitely has visibility on his side. With the Mavericks atop the Midwest Division and holding the NBA’s best record, they are constantly in the minds of fans and frequently on national TV. Backers of Van Exel can also point to his unmatched combination of passing and scoring off the bench, as he will certainly have a far better assist average than other top Sixth Man competitors.

WHY HE WON’T WIN THE SIXTH MAN AWARD
After starting the season very hot, Van Exel’s shooting has slumped lately. He’s making just 39.5%, an extremely low mark relative to other competitors and one of the worst of his career. His scoring average is also on the low side for a top sixth man and will hurt him in the head-to-head comparison with others. Another concern is newly-acquired Dallas point forward Antoine Rigaudeau. The Frenchman has taken away minutes from Van Exel so far, which won’t help his numbers.

ABOUT THE SIXTH MAN AWARD
Most recent winner: Corliss Williamson, Detroit (complete list of winners)

No Sonic has ever won the Sixth Man Award, though several honorees have played for the Sonics (Eddie Johnson, Ricky Pierce, and Detlef Schrempf). The best Sonic finish was by current Coach Nate McMillan, who placed second during the 1993-94 season to Charlotte’s Dell Curry.

Eligibility: In order to be eligible for Sixth Man voting, a player must come off the bench for more games than he starts in.

PAST SIXTH MAN CENTRALS