Point guard Jeremy Lin has been delivering great numbers in his first year as a reserve for the Houston Rockets, making him among the hot favorites for the Sixth Man of the Year award at the end of the 2013-14 Season.

The 25-year old Lin might have lost his starting job to Patrick Beverley, but his presence as the Rockets primary weapon off the bench has been huge for the up-and-coming Western Conference contender.

Lin, who is averaging at least 13 points and 4 dimes per game, is getting comfortable with his new role after being a full-time starter last year. With an improved shooting stroke and defense, the former Harvard stud showcased flashes of the Linsanity era by putting up monster games, such his 34-point, 12-asssits performance against the Philadelphia 76ers in November and his first triple-double game (15 points, 11 rebounds and 10 dimes) against the Cleveland Cavaliers in February.

Sixth Man of the Year Race

In the latest Sixth Man of the Year ranking on Sheridan Hoops, Phoenix Suns power forward Markieff Morris occupied the top spot by having strong numbers this past week. Utah Jazz shooting guard Alec Burcs, Los Angeles Lakers guard Nick Young, Chicago Bulls forward Taj Gibson and Portland Trail Blazers guard Mo Williams rounded out the top five reserves.

Lin could have squeaked into the top five but he scored just 2 points on 1-for-6 shooting in the Rockets' win against the Minnesota Timberwolves. On Wednesday, he jacked up his production, delivering 16 points and 5 assists in another win by the Rockets against the Washington Wizards.

Stories over Stats

Lin's stats might be inferior in comparison with the production Morris, Young and Burcs, but his compelling story could eventually help him win the most prestigious award for reserve players.

Bleacher Report beat writer John Wilmes says Lin is a prime candidate for the Sixth Man award, not only because of his impact he brought in every game but the appeal of his story.

"And like all awards, Sixth Man honors are highly driven by their stories. They're selected by journalists who weave a sort of sociological afghan for a profession, not by stats-crashers and talent appraisers who scrutinize a player's every move. Lin, in this light, is a prime candidate," Bleacher Report stated.