CLEVELAND, Ohio -- When it's time to vote for the 2014-15 NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, Cavaliers power forward Tristan Thompson shouldn't go unnoticed.

He's the top rebounder in the league coming off the bench and is the team's most versatile interior defender who often finishes games. At 24 and averaging 8.4 points and 8.0 rebounds, the 6-10 forward has made the transition from starting to super-sub come off smooth and effortless.

Thompson said he would be truly flattered if he won the prestigious reserve accolade.

"Any award the NBA gives you, whether it's on the court or off the court, it's definitely an honor," Thompson told Northeast Ohio Media Group. "That means the ones up top recognize what you're doing in the community or on the court. Being considered for Sixth Man is definitely something that is pleasing. Leading reserves in terms of rebounding is something that I hang my hat on, but consideration or real consideration doesn't matter to me as long as we win."

His head coach is certainly vouching for him.

"Tristan most definitely should be considered," David Blatt said. "You have to look at what he has brought to this team off the bench. His rebounding, his defense and his energy is something this team needs on a nightly basis and he provides that and some. He definitely should be considered for the Sixth Man award."

The award typically goes to players who provide a scoring punch off the bench, but Thompson is just as impactful in that area. He's fifth in the league in offensive rebounds at 3.3 a night, which translates to extra offensive possessions for LeBron James, Kyrie Irving, Kevin Love and others.

Whether or not Thompson is doing the actual scoring, his relentless hustle on the glass helps aid in the manufacturing of points. Members of the selected NBA media have a deadline of Thursday to cast their ballot for postseason awards.

Thompson hopes they take into account the entirety of what the player brings to the table and how it transfers to winning basketball games.

"I think it's up to the media and what they find more important," Thompson said. "When you look at not just for Sixth Man but also for any award in the NBA even when it comes to the MVP, you should look at their impact to their team.

"What that individual brings to the table. Some guys have to score more off the bench because that's what their team needs. But some other teams need someone that's going to assist or rebound. It all depends on what he brings to that team and how much it helps their win-loss record and how much they change their team."

Thompson will be a restricted free agent this upcoming summer. For many players, accepting a reduced role at this juncture would have been terrifying experience considering what could be at stake.

But he handled the alteration like a true professional and did his best to learn how to best be effective entering the contest while everyone else was already in the flow of the game.

"You have to get a feel for it," he said. "It was a little tough. It's just understanding how to stay ready. When you're starting, you go with the flow of the game. Coming off the bench, you have to watch, see how things are going and you have to get yourself started. That may mean a hot-pack or riding a bike because when you come in, they need you right away to bring that energy and punch the clock in. That's only thing I would say is tough, having to get yourself ready mentally right away."

It's going to be an intense and competitive off-season for acquiring frontcourt talent with Greg Monroe of the Pistons and Draymond Green of the Warriors hitting the open market as well. Both are expected to seek the max, or close to it.

Thompson said his only focus is trying to finish out the season strong and getting prepared for a championship run.

So while Isaiah Thomas of the Celtics and Jamal Crawford of the Clippers will presumably receive the bulk of the Sixth Man votes, Thompson's candidacy should be mulled over extensively. The Cavaliers' Big 3 deserve the praise for the team's turnaround, but they'll tell you it's glue guys like Thompson that propel them to another level.

"He's a very valuable player to our team," Irving said. "The things he does for us are hard to measure. We're not the team we are without him. He's that important to what we're doing."