Some of the greatest sixth men of all time include Manu Ginobili, Jamal Crawford, and Lou Williams and we are currently in an era whereby sixth men have elite roles on NBA teams. More so than in other years, some teams’ best-performing players are coming off the bench.
We will name the 10 leading candidates for the 2023-24 Sixth Man Of The Year award as there are a host of talented players leading the race including Lakers guard Austin Reaves, the resurgent Tim Hardaway Jr, and athletic guard Malik Monk.
1. Austin Reaves
2023-24 Statistics: 15.2 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 4.9 APG, 0.9 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Austin Reaves is making a strong case for the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year Award, showcasing his versatility and consistent impact off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers. Averaging an impressive 15.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game, Reaves has become a well-rounded contributor. His ability to score efficiently, shoot 36.4% from three-point range, and create opportunities for teammates illustrates his offensive prowess.
Additionally, his commitment to defense is evident through his 0.9 steals per game. Despite starting only 9 out of 28 appearances, Reaves has maintained consistency and adaptability, proving his value in various roles. The $50 million contract he signed in the summer underscores the high expectations placed on him, and he has lived up to the investment with impactful performances off the bench. If Reaves sustains this level of play, he is poised to be a leading candidate for the prestigious Sixth Man of the Year Award, contributing significantly to the Lakers’ success.
2. Tim Hardaway Jr.
2023-24 Statistics: 17.4 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 1.5 APG, 0.4 SPG, 0.0 BPG
Tim Hardaway Jr. has firmly asserted himself as a prime contender for the coveted Sixth Man of the Year Award in the ongoing 2023-24 NBA season. Demonstrating a potent scoring touch, he has averaged an impressive 17.4 points per game, showcasing his ability to be a dynamic offensive force off the bench for the Dallas Mavericks. Notably, Hardaway Jr. has exhibited increased efficiency with a commendable 36.2% shooting from beyond the arc, contributing significantly to his team’s offensive prowess.
His consistent performance throughout the season underscores his reliability as a key contributor to his team’s success. While facing stiff competition, particularly from Austin Reaves, Hardaway Jr.’s historical context, harking back to his standout 2019 season, highlights his resilience and commitment to improvement. Recognized as arguably the third-best player on his team, behind luminaries like Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving, he has become an integral part of the squad, impacting both ends of the floor.
3. Malik Monk
4. Cole Anthony
2023-24 Statistics: 15.0 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 3.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Cole Anthony has emerged as a key contributor off the bench for the Orlando Magic in his fourth season in the league. His well-rounded game has been a bright spot for the surprising 16-10 Magic, with Anthony averaging an impressive 15.0 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game. Notably, he has displayed excellent shooting proficiency, boasting a 37.5% accuracy from three-point range. Anthony’s impact extends beyond individual statistics; he is recognized as one of the best players on the team, contributing significantly to Orlando’s success.
The guard’s confidence in scoring and distributing the ball is evident. With an average of 25.1 minutes per game, he has been entrusted with ample opportunities to control the second unit. Anthony’s valuable contributions and pivotal role in the Magic’s unexpected record position him as a strong contender for the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
5. Immanuel Quickley
2023-24 Statistics: 15.0 PPG, 2.8 RPG, 2.7 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.1 BPG
Immanuel Quickley has once again asserted himself as a leading candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award for the New York Knicks. Despite falling short of last season’s accolade, Quickley has elevated his game, maintaining a significant impact off the bench for his team. Averaging 15.0 points per game (PPG), he has demonstrated scoring prowess, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting at an impressive 38.3%. In the context of team dynamics, Quickley has solidified himself as the third-most reliable scorer, trailing behind Jalen Brunson and Julius Randle.
His offensive contributions go beyond scoring, as he also provides 2.8 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game (RPG and APG). Quickley’s consistent performances make him a valuable asset for the team’s second unit, reaffirming his status as a top-tier candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award if he keeps it up.
6. Bogdan Bogdanovic
2023-24 Statistics: 17.6 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.6 APG, 1.4 SPG, 0.3 BPG
With impressive statistics, including 17.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, Bogdan Bogdanovic has been a consistent force on the court. His scoring has been a linchpin for the Hawks, maintaining an average of at least 14 PPG since the 2020-21 season. Notably, his three-point shooting has been a highlight, with an efficient 41.3% from beyond the arc, showcasing his prowess as a floor-spacer.
In an ambitious attempt to contribute to the team’s offensive firepower, Bogdanovic is launching over 8 three-point attempts per game in just 28.0 minutes of play. Despite the Hawks’ disappointing 12-15 record, Bogdanovic’s individual performance stands out as a bright spot, making him a key contributor and a noteworthy candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award. If he continues to maintain his scoring efficiency and playmaking, Bogdanovic is likely to remain a prominent figure in the award race throughout the season.
7. Bennedict Mathurin
2023-24 Statistics: 14.2 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.1 APG, 0.6 SPG, 0.2 BPG
As the Indiana Pacers are exceeding expectations and holding a 14-12 record in the Eastern Conference, Mathurin’s individual performance has been a key factor in their success. Averaging 14.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game, Mathurin has showcased his versatility and impact on both ends of the floor.
His offensive efficiency is evident, shooting an impressive 45.2% from the field and 38.9% from beyond the arc. Standing at 6’6″, Mathurin brings a dynamic element to the Pacers’ lineup with his ability to slash and shoot, making him a valuable asset off the bench. As the Pacers continue their impressive campaign, Mathurin is poised to remain a top-10 candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, providing a consistent and impactful presence for his team throughout the season.
8. Caris LeVert
2023-24 Statistics: 15.4 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 3.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.4 BPG
Caris LeVert has solidified his status as one of the premier bench players in the NBA during the 2023-24 season, making a significant impact for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Averaging 15.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game, LeVert has showcased his offensive prowess and playmaking abilities. Despite some inconsistencies in his shooting percentages (41.7% FG, 32.5% 3-PT FG, 75.0% FT), LeVert remains a formidable offensive threat off the bench.
At 29 years old, he may not see significant improvement, but his experience and raw talent make him a key player for the Cavaliers, who have raised expectations for the season. LeVert’s scoring ability and versatility contribute to the team’s success, and his role as a sixth man adds a crucial dimension to the Cavaliers’ lineup.
9. Naz Reid
2023-24 Statistics: 13.4 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.7 SPG, 0.6 BPG
Naz Reid has established himself as an impactful backup big man for the 2023-24 NBA season, showcasing versatility and skill despite his slightly undersized stature for a center at 6’9″. Averaging 13.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, Reid has been a key contributor off the bench, providing the Minnesota Timberwolves with a reliable and dynamic presence in the frontcourt.
Reid’s standout attribute is his above-average shooting for a center, particularly from beyond the arc, where he is shooting an impressive 38.6%. This skill adds an element of floor spacing to the Timberwolves’ lineup and makes him a scoring threat even as a backup center. Additionally, his contribution on the boards with 4.5 rebounds per game demonstrates his ability to impact the game in multiple facets. While Reid may not have the sheer defensive impact of a starting center like Rudy Gobert, his versatility and scoring ability make him an excellent option as a backup big man.
10. Russell Westbrook
2023-24 Statistics: 11.1 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 4.7 APG, 1.1 SPG, 0.5 BPG
Russell Westbrook’s decision to transition to a bench role for the Los Angeles Clippers has proven to be a strategic move that has contributed to the team’s success in the 2023-24 NBA season. Despite being a former MVP and accustomed to starting, Westbrook demonstrated flexibility and a team-first mentality by requesting to come off the bench to accommodate James Harden’s ball-dominant playstyle. In his new role, Westbrook has played a crucial part in the Clippers’ exceptional 9-1 record over the past 10 games.
Averaging 11.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game off the bench, Westbrook has shown his ability to make a significant impact even in a reduced role. His willingness to adapt to the team’s needs and contribute in various facets of the game highlights his maturity and dedication to team success. As a former MVP, Westbrook’s leadership and versatility off the bench have undoubtedly played a role in the Clippers’ recent surge.
