NEW YORK, April 29 (UPI) -- Sacramento Kings guard Bobby Jackson, the best player on the deepest bench in the NBA, was named the winner of the Sixth Man Award on Tuesday.
Providing a spark on both offense and defense, Jackson became just the second point guard to win the award, joining Orlando's Darrell Armstrong, who was honored in 1999. He is the first member of the Kings to win the award.
Jackson began the season as a starter, was sidelined by an injury and returned to the rotation as a reserve. In 59 games, he averaged a career-high 15.1 points.
The 6-1 Jackson began the season in place of injured starter Mike Bibby and averaged 20.2 points in 26 games. He assumed his usual reserve role upon Bibby's return and suffered an injury himself, breaking his hand and missing 23 games in the middle of the season.
Upon his return, Jackson backed up Bibby, leading a bench that includes Jimmy Jackson, Keon Clark, Scot Pollard, Hedo Turkoglu. He helped the Kings win 59 games and their second straight Pacific Division title.
