The NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award recognizes the league’s most impactful players coming off the bench. These players provide a spark, elevate their team’s performance, and often play a crucial role in victories. As the 2024 season progresses, the race for this prestigious award is heating up. Here’s a look at the top 5 contenders for Sixth Man of the Year, ranked from 5 to 1 based on current performance and impact:
5. Caris LeVert (Cleveland Cavaliers):
- Scoring Punch: LeVert provides a reliable scoring option off the bench for the Cavs, averaging 18.2 points per game (PPG). His ability to create his own shot and attack the basket makes him a threat in isolation situations.
- Playmaking Ability: LeVert is not just a scorer; he also averages 4.3 assists per game (APG), showcasing his ability to create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
- Complement to Garland: LeVert complements starting point guard Darius Garland perfectly, providing another offensive threat in the Cavs’ backcourt.
4. Bobby Portis (Milwaukee Bucks):
- Double-Double Machine: Portis has been a consistent double-double threat for the Bucks, averaging 15.8 points per game (PPG) and 10.2 rebounds per game (RPG). His ability to rebound and score inside the paint provides valuable support to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- Floor Spacing Threat: Portis has expanded his offensive repertoire by developing a reliable three-point shot. He is shooting 38.7% from three this season, making him a more versatile threat on offense and helping create spacing for the Bucks’ primary scorers.
- Bucks’ Reliable Sixth Man: With Khris Middleton sidelined for part of the season due to injury, Portis has stepped up to fill the void and provide reliable scoring and rebounding off the bench for the Bucks.
3. Naz Reid (Minnesota Timberwolves):
- Filling the Void: Naz Reid has stepped up admirably with Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined due to injury. His scoring and rebounding, averaging 21.4 points per game (PPG) and 12.3 rebounds per game (RPG), have helped the Timberwolves stay afloat.
- Energy Booster: Reid brings a much-needed energy boost to the Timberwolves whenever he enters the game. His hustle and intensity on both ends of the court are contagious, motivating his teammates.
- X-Factor for Timberwolves: While Towns remains the focal point of the Timberwolves’ offense, Reid has emerged as a reliable scoring option and a key contributor to their success.
2. Norman Powell (Los Angeles Clippers):
- Stepping Up in Westbrook’s Absence: With Russell Westbrook sidelined with an injury, Powell has stepped up in a big way for the Clippers. His scoring prowess, averaging 24.1 points per game (PPG), has helped them maintain their championship aspirations.
- Versatility on Offense: Powell is a threat from all over the court, capable of scoring in the mid-range, knocking down threes (shooting 40.2% from three this season), and attacking the basket. This versatility makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing teams.
- Valuable Asset for Clippers: Powell’s ability to provide instant offense and create offense for himself and others makes him a valuable asset for the Clippers’ championship run.
1. Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings):
- Scoring Spark Plug: Monk has emerged as a reliable scorer off the bench for the Kings, averaging 27.2 points per game (PPG). His ability to create his own shot and knock down threes (shooting a scorching 42.8% from three this season) makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
- Instant Offense: Monk consistently provides a scoring boost whenever he enters the game. This is evident in his high field goal percentage (shooting 48.5% from the field), showcasing his efficiency as a scorer.
- Key to Kings’ Success: Monk’s contributions have been crucial for the Kings’ surprising success this season. His ability to come off the bench and score in bunches has helped them stay competitive in a tight Western Conference.
Keep in mind: This is just a snapshot of the contenders based on current performance. The season is far from over, and injuries, team performance, and individual hot streaks can all play a role in determining the eventual winner.
Throughout the rest of the season, it will be exciting to see who emerges as the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year!
