The 2024-25 NBA season has arrived and following our breakdown of the likely Most Improved Player, we will continue to name the best sixth men in the league. This year’s Sixth Man of the Year race is packed with elite scoring threats and game-changers off the bench. Last year’s winner Naz Reid will return to his role as an elite floor-spacer and there will be stiff competition this season from major threats including Malik Monk and potentially Russell Westbrook. Let’s dive into the rankings of the top Sixth Man of the Year candidates for 2024-25, broken down into tiers based on their projected performance and influence on the court.
True Candidates
Malik Monk, Naz Reid, Benedict Mathurin, Jaime Jacquez Jr.
Malik Monk was electric for the Sacramento Kings off the bench last season, and his dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities make him a top contender for Sixth Man of the Year in 2024-25. Averaging 15.4 points and 5.1 assists per game in 2023-24, Monk has proven to be a microwave scorer who can ignite his team’s offense in a hurry. With his quick release from three and ability to attack the rim, Monk is poised to be a major spark plug for the Kings once again.
Naz Reid is coming off a breakout year for the Minnesota Timberwolves, averaging 13.5 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in limited minutes. Reid’s versatility as a big man who can shoot from deep, create off the dribble, and protect the rim makes him a unique weapon off the bench. If Reid continues his upward trajectory, he could be one of the most impactful reserves in the league, helping the Timberwolves contend in the tough Western Conference.
After a strong rookie season with the Indiana Pacers two seasons ago, Benedict Mathurin struggled with his health as he only appeared in 59 games. Still averaging 14.5 points per game last season, Mathurin’s ability to score in bunches and his fearless approach make him a top-tier candidate for Sixth Man honors. If he can stay healthy, Mathurin will have a major impact for the Timberwolves.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. is entering the league with a polished game and a high basketball IQ, making him a standout candidate for Sixth Man of the Year (11.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 2.6 APG). If Jaquez can earn significant minutes and contribute right away, his all-around impact could put him in serious contention for the award in his second season.
Big Threats
Donte DiVincenzo, Caris LeVert, Bobby Portis, Russell Westbrook
Donte DiVincenzo’s defensive intensity, combined with his ability to knock down threes and facilitate the offense, makes him a valuable asset for his new team, the Minnesota Timberwolves. Averaging a career-high 15.5 points and 1.3 steals per game last season, DiVincenzo’s versatility as a two-way player could propel him into the race, especially if he thrives in his new role.
Caris LeVert is a proven scorer off the bench, capable of taking over games with his shot creation. With the Cleveland Cavaliers’ deep roster, LeVert will be expected to lead the second unit while providing scoring and playmaking. After putting up 14.0 points and 5.1 assists per game last season, LeVert has the potential to become one of the league’s top sixth men if he stays healthy and finds consistency in his role.
Bobby Portis is a fan favorite in Milwaukee, and his hustle, energy, and ability to score and rebound off the bench make him a constant threat for Sixth Man of the Year. Coming off a season where he averaged 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds per game, Portis’ impact goes beyond the box score. His toughness and leadership on the second unit, combined with his ability to stretch the floor, make him a formidable candidate in the 2024-25 race.
Despite being a former MVP, Russell Westbrook has embraced his role as a reserve and could be a sneaky contender for Sixth Man of the Year with the Denver Nuggets. The Nuggets needed to find another body to replace the departed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and they feel Westbrook can be enough off the bench to push for another NBA championship. That bodes well for the point guard who averaged 11.0 points and 4.5 assists per game last year.
Dark Horses
Miles McBride, Jordan Clarkson
Miles McBride is a defensive specialist with the potential to make a bigger impact in the Knicks’ rotation. With DiVincenzo gone, McBride could see increased minutes and responsibility this season. If he can improve his offensive output while continuing to be a lockdown defender, McBride might emerge as a dark horse candidate for Sixth Man of the Year.
Jordan Clarkson is no stranger to the Sixth Man of the Year conversation, having won the award in 2021. A prolific scorer off the bench, Clarkson averaged 17.1 points and 5.0 assists per game last season for the Utah Jazz. While Clarkson is expected to take on a larger role with the Jazz, if he continues coming off the bench and scoring at a high clip, he could find himself back in the running for another Sixth Man award.
Highly Unlikely
CJ McCollum, Norman Powell
Buddy Hield is one of the NBA’s best shooters, and his ability to provide instant offense off the bench makes him a dangerous Sixth Man of the Year candidate. Hield averaged 12.1 points per game last season while shooting 38.6% from three, and his floor-spacing will be crucial for the Indiana Pacers. We will not know if Hield will start every game for the Warriors but only time will tell.
CJ McCollum is well positioned in a starting role with the New Orleans Pelicans, making it unlikely he will seriously contend for Sixth Man of the Year. While McCollum is a proven scorer and leader, his role as a likely starter over next season limits his eligibility and chances of taking home the award. The Pelicans might decide to have McCollum as a sixth man all year and that could make him a threat regardless.
Norman Powell is an effective scorer off the bench for the Clippers, but with the team’s depleted roster, it may be tough for him to stand out enough to win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Powell averaged 13.9 points per game last season and remains a key part of the Clippers’ rotation and he will likely be the third option on the roster behind Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.
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