Travis Outlaw: Sixth Man or Not, Here He Comes

Jason Terry may be a lock for the sixth man of the year award, but Travis Outlaw has already won something far more valuable this season. He has won the trust of his team and Trailblazer fans everywhere.

Gone are the days of holding your breath when he touches the ball. Gone too are the days of gasping when he elevates for a jump shot. No longer do fans question why Nate drew up "that play for Travis."

He is after all "Big Shot Trav" aka "Mr Fourth Quarter".

Outlaw's season has been filled with many highs. His 9 20 plus point performances this year have bolstered his average to 12.7 points per game he is the Blazers' third-leading scorer. He has scored in double figures in 54 games this year. Oh, by the way, he is doing that in less than 28 minutes per outing.

His success goes hand and hand with the team's success. In Trailblazer wins he averages 13.4 ppg, as opposed to 10.8 ppg in losses. The Trailblazers are an impressive 8-1 when Outlaw scores 20 or more.

He is shooting a career high 45 percent from the field this season, a very good number for a jump shooter.

His defense has improved as well. The majority of his 55 blocks this season have been absolute highlight reel material bringing the Rose Garden crowds to their feet.

Today's NBA finds guys like Outlaw and Terry coming off the bench, but getting more minutes then the person they replace.

The traditional roles of starters and reserves gets blurred by such players. Outlaw may not be a "starter" but he definitely has thrived in his "reserve" position.

Outlaw is the key reserve on bench filled with key reserves. Combined with Rudy Fernandez, Sergio Rodriquez, Greg Oden, Channing Frye and Jerryd Bayless, Portland's bench is outscoring opposing benches by over eight ppg.

 At 6'9” and 207 lbs, Outlaw is the perfect utility player serving as the backup Small forward as well as the back up Power Forward. His speed, athleticism and shooting range are a nightmare for opposing big men. His size and strength is overwhelming for smaller swing men. His versatility has allowed Coach Nate McMillan to play small or big and still maintain maximum talent on the floor.

Outlaw jerseys are popping up more and more around Portland. Fans love the fearless way he approaches the game.

Its hard not to pull for the 24-year-old from Starkville, Miss. His smile is contagious and genuine. His demeanor is calm and collected on and off the court.

His jumper is nearly impossible to block which makes him an obvious option to take game winning shots, which he takes and makes as much as anyone in the league including teammate and All-Star Brandon Roy.

So the accolades may be headed to Jason Terry by the voters this year and that's fine, because really Travis Outlaw is a starter on this team. He just happens to come off the bench.