3. Earn Sixth Man of the Year Award
You probably won’t see anyone pick Ish Smith to be the Sixth Man of the Year in 2017-18. It may be the most difficult award to accurately predict.
The recipient is usually a member of a playoff team, but not necessarily a contender. Only four players (Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce, Detlef Schrempf and Jamal Crawford) have won it more than once.
The lone Piston to receive the honor was Corliss Williamson back in 2002. The small forward, better known as”Big Nasty”, averaged 13.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game. Williamson accomplished that feat while playing an average of 21.8 minutes a night. Ish will most likely hover around 25 minutes per game.
Smith’s supporting cast off the bench has been infused with perimeter scoring. Luke Kennard, Langston Galloway and Anthony Tolliver will be itching for catch and shoot opportunities. Those additions should help his assist totals.
With a few adjustments, it’s not inconceivable to think that Smith could make a run at Sixth Man of the Year.
Now, here’s a trip down memory lane.