An NBA sixth man is considered one of the most important players pof a basketball team. Whether it's providing instant offense or spark coming off the bench through defense or hustle, a sixth man brings that much-needed energy off the bench.
Here are the 10 greatest sixth men in NBA history:
10. Robert Horry
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Robert Horry won seven championships with three different teams. The Los Angeles Lakers (two rings), the San Antonio Spurs (two rings) and the Houston Rockets (two rings). Horry may not have won any Sixth-Man-of-the-Year awards, but whatever his team needed, he was able to deliver every time.
Horry is known for hitting some of the biggest shots in NBA history. His first game-winning jumper was against the Seattle Supersonics in Game 1 of the 1995 Western Conference Finals. Coined the nickname "Big Shot Rob" his most famous game-winner came against the Detroit Pistons in Game 5 of the NBA Finals for the 3-2 lead.
9. Lou Williams
Winner of three Sixth-Man-of-the-Year awards (2015, 2018 and 2019), Lou Williams was an offensive threat in the second unit. Williams played for the Atlanta Hawks, Toronto Raptors, Los Angeles Lakers, Houston Rockets, and LA Clippers.
He is a career-average 13.9 points per game (PPG) with 41.9% shooting, including 35.1% from 3-point range. His best season was during the 2017-18 season. He averaged 22.6 PPG (43.5% shooting, including 35.9% from 3-point range) and 5.3 APG.
8. Jason Terry
Nicknamed "The Jet," Jason Terry won the Sixth-Man-of-the-Year award (2009) and an NBA championship (2011) with the Dallas Mavericks. Terry is one of the best players that jumpstarted his team's energy every game with the level of production he brought.
He is a career-average 13.4 PPG (44.4% shooting, including 38.0% from 3-point range). His best season was during the 2008-09 season, wherein he averaged 19.6 PPG (46.3% shooting, including 36.6% from 3-point range).
7. Jamal Crawford
Jamal Crawford was recognized as an instant bucket getter during his time playing in the league. He played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, Golden State Warriors, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, LA Clippers Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, and Brooklyn Nets.
Crawford won three Sixth-Man-of-the-Year awards (2010, 2014 and 2016). He is a career-average 14.6 PPG (41.0% shooting, including 34.8% from 3-point range). His best season was during the 2013-14 season, he averaged 18.6 PPG (41.6% shooting, including 36.1% from 3-point range).
6. Ricky Pierce
Similar to Jamal Crawford, Ricky Pierce was automatic offense coming off the bench. He played for the Detroit Pistons, San Diego Clippers, Milwaukee Bucks, Seattle Supersonics, Golden State Warriors, Indians Pacers, Denver Nuggets, and the Charlotte Hornets.
Pierce is a career-average 14.9 PPG (49.3% shooting, including 32.2% from 3-point range). During the 1989-90 season, he had his best season while averaging 23.0 PPG (51.0% shooting, including 34.6% from 3-point range). He secured the Sixth-Man-of-the-Year award in 1987 and again in1990.
5. Toni Kukoc
Kukoc played alongside two giants in Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen, while being recognized as the third player to give the ball to. He played for the Chicago Bulls, Philadelphia 76ers, Atlanta Hawks, and the Milwaukee Bucks. Toni Kukoc won the NBA Sixth-Man-of-the-Year award in 1996 and three championships with the Chicago Bulls (1996-1998).
Kukoc is a career-average 11.6 PPG (44.7% shooting, including 33.5% from 3-point range). During the 1995-96 season, he had his best season as a sixth man averaging 13.1 PPG (49.0% shooting, including 40.3% from 3-point range).
4. Michael Cooper
Coming off the bench for the Los Angeles Lakers, Michael Cooper won five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988). Cooper also won the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1987.
Cooper is a career-average 8.9 PPG (46.9% shooting). He had his best season during the 1981-82 season, averaging 11.9 PPG (51.7% shooting).
3. Vinnie Johnson
Vinnie Johnson was a career-average 12.0 PPG (46.4% shooting) and played for the Seattle Supersonics, Detroit Pistons, and the San Antonio Spurs.
He had his best season during the 1982-83 season, averaging 15.8 PPG (51.3% shooting). Johnson won two championships with the Detroit Pistons (1989 and 1990).
2. Manu Ginobili
Recognized as one of the greatest sixth men in the NBA, Manu Ginobili was one of the most reliable players in the Spurs' second unit. He won four championships in San Antonio (2003, 2005, 2007 and 2014) and the Sixth-Man-of-the-Year award in 2008.
Ginobili is a career-average 13.3 PPG (44.7% shooting, including 36.9% from 3-point range). His best season was during the 2007-08 season, averaging 19.5 PPG (46.0% shooting, including 40.1% from 3-point range).
1.John Havlicek
An eighth-time champion with the Boston Celtics (1963-1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976), John Havlicek defined was the standard for an NBA sixth man. Since the 2022-23 season, the award was named after him for what he was able to show during his time playing in the league.
Throughout his career, he averaged 20.8 PPG (43.9% shooting) and 6.3 RPG. Havlicek had his best season during the 1970-71 season, averaging 28.9 PPG (45.0% shooting), 9.0 RPG and 7.5 APG.
Malcolm Brogdon wins the NBA's John Havlicek Sixth-Man-of-the-Year award
Malcolm Brogdon posted an average of 14.9 PPG (48.4% shooting, including 44.4% from 3-point range). He was a tremendous spark off the bench for the Boston Celtics and provided instant offense and excellent offensive pace.
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FAQs
Who is the greatest 6th man in NBA history? ›
- Jason Terry. ...
- Jamal Crawford. ...
- Ricky Pierce. ...
- Toni Kukoc. ...
- Michael Cooper. ...
- Vinnie Johnson. ...
- Manu Ginobili. ...
- 1.John Havlicek. An eighth-time champion with the Boston Celtics (1963-1966, 1968, 1969, 1974 and 1976), John Havlicek defined was the standard for an NBA sixth man.
- 1 of 25. Jamal Crawford. Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports. ...
- 2 of 25. Lou Williams. Gary A. ...
- 3 of 25. Kevin McHale. Malcolm Emmons - USA TODAY Sports. ...
- 4 of 25. Manu Ginobili. Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports. ...
- 5 of 25. Robert Horry. ...
- 6 of 25. Andre Iguodala. ...
- 7 of 25. James Harden. ...
- 8 of 25. Vinnie Johnson.
| NAME | GP | MIN |
|---|---|---|
| Lou Williams | 936 | 23,017 |
| Jamal Crawford | 1326 | 38,987 |
| Detlef Schrempf | 1136 | 33,597 |
| Ricky Pierce | 969 | 23,665 |
Ricky Pierce has the most points per game by a Sixth Man of the Year in a season, with 23.0 per game in 1989-90.
Who is the best 6th man currently? ›Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon bests Immanuel Quickley and Bobby Portis to take home the inaugural John Havlicek trophy.
Who has #6 in the NBA? ›Yes, the NBA retired No. 6 league-wide to honor Russell, which marked the first time in league history a number was retired across all organizations. For the players who were already wearing No. 6, the NBA grandfathered their jerseys, meaning they can still choose to wear it until they retire or swap to a new number.
Who are the top 5 NBA leaders? ›- LeBron James: 38,424.
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar : 38,387.
- Karl Malone: 36,928.
- Kobe Bryant: 33,643.
- Michael Jordan: 32,292.
- Dirk Nowitzki: 31,560.
- Wilt Chamberlain: 31,419.
- Shaquille O'Neal: 28,596.
There's Never Been a Better All-Around NBA Superstar Than LeBron James. More than any superstar we've ever seen, James has illustrated his greatness by shape-shifting the scope of not only his scoring, but his game as a whole.
Has an MVP ever won 6th man? ›The second and last Hall of Famer on this list, Bill Walton is the only player in NBA history to win an NBA Finals MVP, regular-season MVP and a Sixth Man award in his career. In the 1985-86 season, Walton played in a career-high 80 games, avoiding injury and providing a backup for Kevin McHale.
What is the highest award ever? ›The Medal of Honor is the nation's highest award for military valor. It is generally presented by the president in the name of Congress.
Who is the Sixth Man of the Year? ›
Ben Gordon (USA) of the Chicago Bulls (USA) is the first-ever rookie to win the NBA Sixth Man Award, honoring the league's top player in a reserve role.
Has anyone ever scored 3,000 points in a season? ›Wilt Chamberlain unsurprisingly holds the record for most points scored in a season with 4,029, which he did back in 1961-62 with the Philadelphia Warriors. Michael Jordan is the only other player to score at least 3,000 in a season, a feat Chamberlain accomplished three times.
Who had 100 points in one game? ›Cherry calls it the "ultimate picture" of Wilt Chamberlain. Chamberlain's 100 points is widely considered one of basketball's greatest records. Decades after his record, many NBA teams did not even average 100 points as fewer field goals per game were being attempted.
Who was the best 6th man of the 90s? ›| Sixth Man of the Year | ||
|---|---|---|
| YEAR | PLAYER | TEAM |
| 1992 | Detlef Schrempf | Indiana Pacers |
| 1991 | Detlef Schrempf | Indiana Pacers |
| 1990 | Ricky Pierce | Milwaukee Bucks |
Despite being the only sixth man as an All-Star starter, Kobe Bryant didn't win the 1998 6MOTY honors. In that 1998 All-Star Game, Kobe Bryant was not only the youngest player on the hardwood but was also the only 6th man who started the prestigious event.
Who is 6th man of the year 2023? ›Boston Celtics guard Malcolm Brogdon was named the 2023 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, the league announced Thursday. Here's what you need to know: He beat out the New York Knicks' Immanuel Quickley and Milwaukee Bucks' Bobby Portis for the honor.
Who is the only rookie to win 6th Man of the Year? ›Ben Gordon hit the league running in 2005.
Did Kobe win 6th Man of the Year? ›Bryant was the runner-up for the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year Award, and through fan voting, he also became the youngest NBA All-Star starter in NBA history.
Who will win most improved player NBA 2023? ›Lauri Markkanen beat out Shai Gilgeous-Alexander in a tight race to win the NBA Most Improved Player award during the 2022-23 regular season. Markkanen made his first NBA All-Star team after averaging just shy of 26 points and nine rebounds per game on 50% shooting from the field.
Why is 69 banned in NBA? ›
The NBA does not allow the number 69 to be worn by players as it carries a sexual connotation and could offend some fans. Despite Dennis Rodman seeking permission to use it when he joined the Mavericks in 1997, the league declined and he had to settle for wearing #70 instead.
Who was 6 on the Lakers? ›#1 Michael Jordan
Arguably the greatest player in NBA history for many, Michael Jordan is easily the greatest player in NBA history with a height of 6'6''.
So, Who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT)?
Both were exceptional: Jordan won six championships, five MVPs, and ten scoring titles. Meanwhile, LeBron captured four championships, four MVPs, and four Finals MVPs with three teams, while also becoming all-time leading scorer in 2023.
LeBron James: The man who would be king
In the case of LeBron James it's no different and dates back to a time before he even set foot on an NBA court. Indeed, the nickname “King James” appeared to have come from the days when he was still only in high school and being hailed as a future star of the NBA.
Stephen Curry has buried the most career threes, with 3,390 three-pointers.
Who is the most accurate NBA player? ›Steph Curry
Steph Curry has shattered every 3-point shooting record known to man to claim the title as “the greatest shooter ever to play.” His ability to shoot with distance, accuracy, and flair changed the game of basketball and has altered the development of grassroots hoops.
1. Michael Jordan. Ten scoring titles, nine All-Defensive First-Team nods, six Finals MVPs, five MVPs, and got his first one in 1988 when he was also the All-Star Game MVP and the Defensive Player of the Year.
Who is #1 in the NBA? ›| Team | w | LAST10 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Bucks - e | 58 | 6-4 |
| 2 Celtics - a | 57 | 8-2 |
| 3 76ers - x | 54 | 5-5 |
| 4 Cavaliers - x | 51 | 7-3 |
Howley was also named the MVP of Super Bowl V and is the only player on a losing team to receive the award. He will be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023. Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
Has anyone won MVP 3x in a row? ›
However, only three have successfully achieved the MVP three-peat: Bill Russell: 1960-63. Wilt Chamberlain: 1965-68. Larry Bird: 1983-86.
Who has 9 MVPs? ›Ice hockey player, Wayne Gretzky, has been named MVP more times than any player in the history of the other three North American major professional leagues (MLB, NBA, and NFL). He won the award a record nine times during his career, eight consecutively.
What is the most coveted award in the world? ›The Nobel Peace Prize
THE NOBEL PRIZE is perhaps the world's most prestigious, well-known, and well-known prize! Just very few hundred thousand people have ever received the Nobel Prize. These awards are granted in physics, chemistry, medicine, literature, peace, and economics.
As of 2022, Katharine Hepburn maintained her lead as the actor with the most Oscar wins of all time. While the "Guess Who's Coming to Dinner" star scored four acting accolades during her career, six fellow actors tied for the second spot with three wins each.
What are the 4 biggest awards? ›The Grammys are the first of the Big Three networks' major music awards held annually, and are considered one of the four major annual American entertainment awards with the Academy Awards (for films), the Emmy Awards (for television), and the Tony Awards (for theater).
Why is the 6th man important? ›The presence of a good sixth man is often a sign of team excellence. It usually means that a team has excellent depth, as the sixth man is usually more than talented enough to start for most teams.
What is the 6th man rule in the NBA? ›A 6 man basketball team is made up of six players on the court at one time, with a “6th Man” who does not play during certain periods of games. Having a 6 man team allows for an extra defender when there are more than 5 opponents on the court, making it easier to win against tougher competition.
Who was the first NBA MVP ever? ›54: Bob Pettit, 1956. The first NBA MVP, the St. Louis Hawks' power forward Bob Pettit was the first player to receive the prestigious award after posting a second consecutive double-double average in only his second season in the league.
Has anyone won a ring as a rookie? ›Howie Dallmar won a championship in his rookie season in 1946-47.
Has anyone won MVP as a rookie? ›It is a common misconception that NBA rookies can't win the NBA MVP award. It has happened twice in NBA history. Wilt Chamberlain, being 23 years old, received the NBA MVP award for the first time in 1960.
Who has the most 90 point games? ›
Wilt Chamberlain had the most games with 90+ points, with 1 game.
Who has the most 70 point games in a season? ›Wilt Chamberlain has the most games with 70+ points in a season, with 3 games in 1962-63 and in 1961-62.
Has any NBA player scored 90 points? ›1: Wilt Chamberlain Sets NBA Record with 100-Point Game. No player has even scored 90 in a contest, much less matched Chamberlain's record of 100 points.
Who scored 73 points in a game? ›Wilt Chamberlain - 73 points - San Francisco Warriors on Nov. 16, 1962.
Has any NBA player shot 100% in a game? ›Wilt Chamberlain has dropped the most points in a game with a field-goal percentage of 100.0, with 42 points against the Baltimore Bullets on February 24, 1967.
What is the lowest scoring NBA game of all time? ›Lowest Scoring Game: Pistons vs.
22, 1950 than there were points scored on the court. In the lowest scoring game of all time, the Fort Wayne Pistons beat the Minneapolis Lakers 19-18 that day.
Did the NBA retire the number 6? Yes, the NBA retired No. 6 league-wide to honor Russell, which marked the first time in league history a number was retired across all organizations.
Who has won MVP and 6th man of the Year? ›The second and last Hall of Famer on this list, Bill Walton is the only player in NBA history to win an NBA Finals MVP, regular-season MVP and a Sixth Man award in his career. In the 1985-86 season, Walton played in a career-high 80 games, avoiding injury and providing a backup for Kevin McHale.
Who is the greatest all around NBA player? ›There's Never Been a Better All-Around NBA Superstar Than LeBron James. More than any superstar we've ever seen, James has illustrated his greatness by shape-shifting the scope of not only his scoring, but his game as a whole. LeBron James broke the NBA's all-time record for scoring on Tuesday night.
Who banned the number 69 in the NBA? ›Additionally, some numbers have been retired by the NBA, including Michael Jordan's #23, Kobe Bryant's #24 and 23, and the Los Angeles Lakers' #8. When Rodman requested the 69 jersey, NBA commissioner David Stern rejected it and told Mark Cuban that it should not be allowed.
Why is number 6 banned in NBA? ›
Number 6 was recently retired across the entire NBA to honor the late Bill Russell and for good reason. He was a pivotal force not only in the basketball court in the early 60s, but also helped fight for the civil rights of his fellow African Americans. The other number no player will ever wear in NBA history is 69.
Who wore 6 on the Lakers? ›6 After Bill Russell's Death.
Who won MVP 3 years in a row? ›Wilt Chamberlain (center) won the award four times in his career. Bob Pettit was the first player to win multiple MVP awards. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar won the award a record-setting six times in his career. Larry Bird was the last player to win the award in three consecutive years.
Is LeBron better than Michael Jordan? ›So, Who is the Greatest of All Time (GOAT)?
Both were exceptional: Jordan won six championships, five MVPs, and ten scoring titles. Meanwhile, LeBron captured four championships, four MVPs, and four Finals MVPs with three teams, while also becoming all-time leading scorer in 2023.
Michael Jordan Tops LeBron James, Kobe Bryant as NBA GOAT in Anonymous Player Poll. Michael Jordan is still the greatest of all time—at least according to an anonymous group of NBA players. The Athletic surveyed 103 NBA players, 58.3 percent of whom said Jordan would top their overall rankings.
Is LeBron the best all around player ever? ›Currently, James is number one in All-time scoring, All-time NBA Honors, first-team All-NBA honors, playoff scoring, playoff wins, Player of the Month awards, Player of the Week Awards, and is tied for the most All-star selections.