List of NBA Sixth Man of the Year Winners
The NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award is presented annually to the league's best player coming off the bench. This award highlights players who provide significant offensive or defensive contributions without starting games. Winners are often crucial to their team's success, providing instant offense or defensive intensity.
The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has a rich history, celebrating players who excel in a reserve role and significantly impact their team's performance. These athletes are often the spark plugs off the bench, providing scoring bursts, defensive intensity, or playmaking that shifts the momentum of games. Unlike starters who consistently face opposing teams' top defenders, sixth men often exploit matchups against tired starters or less experienced reserves, making them invaluable assets. Recent winners like Naz Reid, Malcolm Brogdon, and Tyler Herro exemplify the modern interpretation of this role. Reid's emergence with the Minnesota Timberwolves showcased his versatile scoring ability and improved defensive presence, proving he could be a primary offensive option even as a reserve. Brogdon, during his tenure with the Boston Celtics, brought veteran leadership, efficient scoring, and crucial playmaking, demonstrating how a seasoned player can elevate a contender's bench. Tyler Herro's consistent scoring prowess for the Miami Heat has made him a perennial candidate, highlighting his ability to carry the offensive load when called upon. Looking at the broader landscape, players like Jordan Clarkson and Montrezl Harrell have also earned this distinction through their consistent and impactful performances. Clarkson's dynamic scoring ability and ability to create his own shot have been vital for his teams, while Harrell's relentless energy, rebounding, and interior scoring provided a significant boost. The award is not just about raw statistics; it's about the impact a player has on winning and how effectively they fulfill their role as the "first off the bench." The criteria for winning often involve a blend of scoring efficiency, overall offensive impact, and defensive contributions, all while coming primarily from the bench. Voters consider how much better a team is when that player is on the floor, even if they aren't in the starting lineup. The evolution of team strategies has also influenced the role of the sixth man, with some teams utilizing them as primary ball-handlers or even as closers, further solidifying their importance in the modern NBA.
| # | Name |
|---|---|
| 1 | Naz Reid Minnesota Timberwolves |
| 2 | Malcolm Brogdon Boston Celtics |
| 3 | Tyler Herro Miami Heat |
| 4 | Jordan Clarkson Utah Jazz |
| 5 | Montrezl Harrell Los Angeles Clippers |
| 6 | Lou Williams Los Angeles Clippers |
| 7 | Lou Williams Los Angeles Clippers |
| 8 | Eric Gordon Houston Rockets |
| 9 | Jamal Crawford Atlanta Hawks |
| 10 | Lou Williams Los Angeles Clippers |
| 11 | Bobby Jones Philadelphia 76ers |
| 12 | Kevin McHale Boston Celtics |
| 13 | Bill Walton Boston Celtics |
| 14 | Ricky Pierce Milwaukee Bucks |
| 15 | Roy Tarpley Dallas Mavericks |
| 16 | Eddie Johnson Phoenix Suns |
| 17 | Detlef Schrempf Indiana Pacers |
| 18 | Clifford Robinson Portland Trail Blazers |
| 19 | Dell Curry Charlotte Hornets |
| 20 | Anthony Mason New York Knicks |
| 21 | Toni Kukoč Chicago Bulls |
| 22 | John Starks New York Knicks |
| 23 | Danny Manning Phoenix Suns |
| 24 | Darrell Armstrong Orlando Magic |
| 25 | Rodney Rogers Phoenix Suns |
| 26 | Aaron McKie Philadelphia 76ers |
| 27 | Corliss Williamson Detroit Pistons |
| 28 | Bobby Jackson Sacramento Kings |
| 29 | Antawn Jamison Dallas Mavericks |
| 30 | Ben Gordon Chicago Bulls |
| 31 | Mike Miller Memphis Grizzlies |
| 32 | Leandro Barbosa Phoenix Suns |
| 33 | Manu Ginóbili San Antonio Spurs |
| 34 | Jason Terry Dallas Mavericks |
| 35 | Lamar Odom Los Angeles Lakers |
| 36 | James Harden Oklahoma City Thunder |
| 37 | J. R. Smith New York Knicks |
| 38 | Payton Pritchard Boston Celtics |
This list is compiled from verified public records and reference sources. Last verified: March 14, 2026.
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