Why the NBA's Sixth Man Award is the ultimate test of bench depth
In short: Since 1983, the NBA has honored the league's most impactful substitute with the Sixth Man of the Year award. While starters often dominate the spotlight, this accolade recognizes the specialized talent required to change a game's momentum from the sidelines. It is a unique measure of versatility and professional endurance.
The Sixth Man of the Year, or 6MOY, is awarded annually to the player who provides the most significant contribution while coming off the bench. To qualify, a player must appear as a substitute in more games than they start. The selection process involves a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters from the United States and Canada, who rank their top three candidates. Points are weighted, with five points for a first-place vote, three for second, and one for third, ensuring the winner is the player with the highest cumulative score.
The award's history is marked by diverse paths to excellence. Bobby Jones claimed the inaugural honor in the 1982–83 season. Since the 2022–23 season, the trophy has been named after John Havlicek, an eight-time NBA champion. While many winners are established veterans, the award has occasionally recognized unique achievements. Ben Gordon, for instance, remains the only player to win the award during his rookie season. Others, like Jason Terry in 2008–09, demonstrated such high value that they averaged 33.7 minutes per game, the highest playing time for any winner in the award's history.
The list of recipients reveals a fascinating cross-section of basketball talent. Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams stand alone as three-time winners, while Kevin McHale, Ricky Pierce, and Detlef Schrempf have each won twice. The award also highlights global influence, with players like Manu Ginóbili, Leandro Barbosa, and Toni Kukoč representing those trained entirely outside the United States. Furthermore, the award bridges different tiers of basketball success; while only a few winners like Bill Walton and James Harden have also secured NBA MVP honors, others like John Starks, Darrell Armstrong, and Nazreon Hilton Reid achieved the distinction despite being undrafted. This diversity underscores that impact is not defined by a starting role or a specific entry path into the league.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: NBA Sixth Man of the Year
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