A sixth man is a crucial piece for any team. By definition, this is a player who normally does not start the game but comes off the bench and plays significant minutes within the game. The roles of a sixth man can be observed either offensively, defensively, or both.
- Offensively.
- Scoring spark
The sixth man is brought in to provide a scoring spark when the team is having a hard time getting baskets. The sixth man in this case has to be an excellent playmaker, whether by scoring or otherwise. Once a gap is identified, the coach subs in the sixth man to fill in the gap through his playmaking. For example, the team might be struggling in driving to the rim, hence needing a player that can fill this gap by continuously attacking the basket and putting pressure on the defense. A good example of such a sixth man in the NBA is Jordan Clarkson who has been a key player for the Utah Jazz for multiple seasons as a sixth man.
- Rebounding
A sixth man may also be crucial for a team requiring a rebounder. While this can be useful defensively as well, a powerful rebounder who can get offensive boards can generate plenty of points for the team, whether by scoring put backs or kicking the ball out for a better shot.
- Defensively
- Locking down key players
Defensively, the sixth man may be called in purely for his defensive skills. Such a player is used to frustrate opponents who are having an easy time controlling the floor with minimal opposition from the current line-up. Frustrating the defence can be through aggressive defence, dirty/sneaky plays (highly shunned upon), sticking to the key offensive player to neutralize him, and basically being a menace to the other team’s offensive structure. A good example of such a player is Davion Mitchell of the Miami Heat. During his time in Sacramento, his key role coming off the bench was locking down guards and getting them uncomfortable as he is a very aggressive defender with good on-ball pressure. Additionally, though, he is also a good offensive player and this made him effective offensively as well.
- Rebounding
As mentioned earlier, a good rebounder may be crucial for a team both offensively and defensively. Such a player is normally subbed in when a team is getting out-rebounded on the defensive side. Getting out rebounded means the opponents get multiple scoring chances. A good rebounder will be able to close this gap.
- Both
- Versatility
The ideal sixth man is someone who is versatile, someone who can do a little bit of everything. While a sixth man who excels at one aspect is important, a sixth man who can contribute in multiple aspects is gold. A good example of a versatile player is Jonathan Kuminga of the Golden State Warriors. While coming off the bench for his team, Kuminga was a key contributor as he could score, pass, set screens and defend multiple positions due to his size and mobility.
- Relieving Starters
One of the more key roles of a sixth man is resting the starting players. Due to the intensity of games, it is near impossible for players to play full games without subbing out. The sixth man then comes in to give a starting player a few minutes/seconds of rest while ensuring the team’s productivity doesn’t drop by much, if at all. They ensure the team’s momentum doesn’t fall, and might even add on to it by bringing in a fresh pair of legs to improve the team’s efficiency. Additionally, the starter might be having a rough night and may need a quick break to set his/her mind right before going back in. Understandably, this is one of the most used function of the sixth man.
The NBA recognised the importance of this role and begun awarding the best sixth man in the league every season, beginning from the 1982/1983 season. Bobby Jones was the first winner of the award.
The following are some of the best sixth men in the NBA in the last 10 years (listed from oldest to most recent):
- Lou Williams. He is arguably one of the best sixth men in NBA history, averaging 22 points and 5 assists per game during his best season in the NBA (2017/2018). He also won 3 sixth man of the year awards.
- Jamal Crawford. He also won the award thrice in the NBA, and was especially productive during the playoffs coming off the bench. Additionally, he ranks 12th in the NBA’s list of 3 pointers made.
- Tyler Hero. Currently starting for the Miami Heat, Tyler Hero provided a crucial scoring spark for the Miami Heat coming off the bench in his initial years, even helping the Heat get to the playoffs in 2020 for the first time since 2014. He won the sixth man of the year award in 2022.
- Naz Reid. Currently playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, Naz Reid is arguably the most skilled big man coming off the bench in the league. He averaged 13 points and 6 rebounds for the Wolves in 2024, when he won sixth man of the year.