When you think about NBA sixth men, a few names come to mind immediately. These players have single-handedly changed games and seasons, all from coming off the bench. For instance, Manu Ginobili played for the San Antonio Spurs for 16 seasons and won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award in 2008. Ginobili averaged 13.3 points per game in his career, but his impact stretches beyond numbers. With a knack for game-changing plays and incredible basketball IQ, Ginobili's presence was felt whenever he hit the floor, no matter the minute mark.
Another name that can't be ignored is Jamal Crawford. Over his 20-season career, Crawford won the Sixth Man of the Year award three times (2010, 2014, and 2016), something no other player has achieved. Crawford holds the record for the most points scored off the bench in NBA history, tallying over 11,000 points. His ability to instantly generate offense made him invaluable to multiple teams, from the Los Angeles Clippers to the Phoenix Suns.
Lou Williams, often nicknamed "Sweet Lou," has been another dominant force. With three Sixth Man of the Year titles under his belt (2015, 2018, and 2019), Williams has cemented himself as one of the best in this specialized role. He averaged 14.5 points per game over 17 seasons and scored 50 points off the bench in a single game, once for the Clippers. Williams' ability to score at will and his stellar playmaking make him a quintessential sixth man.
Jason Terry, known as "The Jet," soared as a sixth man, particularly with the Dallas Mavericks. Over his 19 seasons, Terry averaged 13.4 points and helped the Mavericks secure an NBA Championship in 2011. Winning the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2009, Terry made clutch shots and exhibited exceptional leadership in crucial moments, often turning the tide for his team.
Another legend who graced the sixth-man role was Kevin McHale of the Boston Celtics. During his career, McHale won two Sixth Man of the Year awards (1984 and 1985). What sets McHale apart isn't just his 17.9 points per game average, but his efficient shooting percentage, which stood at an impressive .554 over his 13 seasons. McHale's low-post moves and defensive prowess contributed enormously to the Celtics’ dominance in the '80s.
Thoroughly deserving mention is Tony Kukoc, the Croatian Sensation, who played a crucial role for the Chicago Bulls during their second three-peat era. Kukoc won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1996. While his averages of 11.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game might not seem astronomical, his versatility and ability to fill up the stat sheet in various ways made him an indispensable asset for the Bulls.
John Havlicek, one of the original and perhaps the most revolutionary sixth man, played his entire career with the Boston Celtics, winning eight NBA championships. During his 16 seasons, he averaged 20.8 points per game, a remarkable feat considering he started as a sixth man. Havlicek's work ethic and clutch performances became lore in NBA history.
Even though he didn't have as long a career as some, Dell Curry, often known as the father of current NBA superstar Stephen Curry, made his mark as a sixth man for teams like the Charlotte Hornets. Dell won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1994. Over his 16-season career, Dell Curry averaged 11.7 points and was one of the deadliest three-point shooters of his time, connecting on over 40% of his attempts from beyond the arc.
Another strong candidate for top sixth men has to be Detlef Schrempf, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 1991 and 1992 while playing for the Indiana Pacers. Schrempf's all-around game, including averages of 13.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 3.4 assists over 16 seasons, made him a highly dependable option off the bench, influencing European talent in the NBA.
Lastly, one can't overlook the modern contributions of players like Montrezl Harrell, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award in 2020. With averages of 12.6 points and 5.2 rebounds per game in his career so far, Harrell’s energy and effort have been crucial, especially noted during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers. His hustle plays and consistent scoring have made him a bench powerhouse.
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