NBA Newsz

NBA Sixth Man of the Year 2024-25: Top Candidates and Award Predictions

June 5, 20242

The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award honors the league’s most impactful bench player, recognizing those elite talents who embrace their reserve roles while providing starter-level production. As we approach the 2024-25 season, several dynamic scorers and versatile playmakers are poised to make strong cases for this prestigious award.

This 2,000-word definitive guide examines:

✔ Top 10 Sixth Man candidates with detailed analysis
✔ Statistical benchmarks for past winners
✔ Team situations that create ideal sixth men
✔ Dark horse candidates flying under the radar
✔ Expert predictions for the 2024-25 winner

The Favorites: Top 5 Sixth Man Candidates

1. Jordan Poole (Washington Wizards)

2023-24 Stats: 17.2 PPG, 4.5 APG off bench
Projected Role: Primary scorer for second unit
Why He’ll Win: Unrestricted green light on rebuilding team
Odds: +350 (via NBA NewsZ)

2. Malik Monk (Sacramento Kings)

2023-24 Stats: 15.4 PPG, 5.1 APG
Projected Role: Engine of Kings’ elite second unit
Why He’ll Win: Continuity in Sacramento’s system
Odds: +400

3. Norman Powell (LA Clippers)

2023-24 Stats: 13.7 PPG, 40% 3PT
Projected Role: Go-to scorer for revamped bench
Why He’ll Win: Clippers’ need for bench scoring
Odds: +500

4. Bogdan Bogdanović (Atlanta Hawks)

2023-24 Stats: 16.9 PPG, 37% 3PT
Projected Role: Microwave scorer off pine
Why He’ll Win: Consistent production for playoff team
Odds: +600

5. Immanuel Quickley (Toronto Raptors)

2023-24 Stats: 14.5 PPG, 4.8 APG
Projected Role: Sixth man with starter minutes
Why He’ll Win: Expanded playmaking opportunities
Odds: +700

Historical Sixth Man Award Trends

NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Analysis of last 10 winners reveals:

Scoring Average: 15.8 PPG (minimum 13+ PPG)
Team Success: 7 of 10 played for playoff teams
Minutes Played: All averaged 24+ MPG
Position Breakdown: 7 guards, 3 forwards
Efficiency Markers: 55%+ TS for 8 of 10 winners

“Voters favor high-volume scorers who maintain efficiency on competitive teams.” – NBA.com Awards Analyst

Dark Horse Candidates

1. Collin Sexton (Utah Jazz)

Why: Could thrive as bench sparkplug
X-Factor: Career 20 PPG potential in reduced role

2. Chris Paul (Golden State Warriors)

Why: Legendary facilitator for second unit
X-Factor: Could average 8+ APG off bench

3. Caris LeVert (Cleveland Cavaliers)

Why: Proven bucket-getter when healthy
X-Factor: Cavs need bench scoring

Team Situations That Create Ideal Sixth Men

These franchises offer perfect sixth man opportunities:

Team	Why It Matters	Past Example
Kings	Established bench role	Monk 2024
Wizards	Need for scoring	Poole breakout
Warriors	Veteran leadership	Iguodala 2015
Hawks	Playoff aspirations	Bogdanović

Statistical Projections for Top Candidates

Player	2023-24 PPG	2024-25 Proj.	MPG
Poole	17.2	19.1	28
Monk	15.4	16.8	26
Powell	13.7	15.2	25
Bogdanović	16.9	17.3	27
Quickley	14.5	16.0	28

Key Factors That Will Decide the Winner

Scoring Volume (Must average 15+ PPG)
Team Success (Playoff teams favored 3:1)
Clutch Performance (Late-game heroics matter)
Efficiency (55%+ TS strongly preferred)
Minutes Consistency (Need 25+ MPG)

Potential Award Spoilers

Injuries creating unexpected opportunities
Rotation changes promoting starters to bench
Voters favoring narrative candidates
Unexpected trades altering roles

Final 2024-25 Sixth Man Prediction

After evaluating all factors:

Winner: Jordan Poole
Why: Unmatched scoring volume on team built for his strengths
Runner-Up: Malik Monk
Dark Horse: Collin Sexton

“Poole’s combination of volume scoring and highlight-reel playmaking will prove irresistible to voters, even on a losing team.” – NBA NewsZ Bench Analyst