The Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) competition is getting interesting every week. 11 weeks have already passed in the 2023–24 NBA season, and the 6MOTY power rankings have new candidates now. While a player’s performance is an important statistic to consider, overall team performance also plays an important factor in the power rankings. Let’s have a look at the current top 5 candidates for the 6MOTY award.
5) Cole Anthony
The Orlando Magic are currently in a great position in the Eastern conference with an impressive record of 21-15. The team also ranks fourth in the NBA in bench-scoring points, averaging 42.6 points per game on 47.3 percent shooting, and Cole Anthony has been the important factor behind it. He has come off the bench 35 times, averaging 14.3 points, 4.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists.
4) Austin Reaves
Moving Austin Reeves off the bench hasn’t been effective so far. However, it is not Reaves who has been ineffective off the bench, but the LA Lakers game plan that has not worked. Currently, the Lakers are 19th in the NBA in points scored off the bench. Their bench is averaging 32 points per game on 45.4 percent shooting. The team has played 37 games so far this season, and Austin has come off the bench 25 times, averaging 15.4 points, 5.3 assists and 4.4 rebounds.
3) Malik Monk
The Sacramento Kings are currently in fifth place in the Western Conference. Malik Monk has become one of the star players for the team. The Kings’ idea of moving Monk off the bench has been an effective strategy for the team’s success this season. Monk has come off the bench 34 times, averaging 14.7 points, 5.4 assists and 2.6 rebounds.
2) Bogdan Bogdanovic
The Atlanta Hawks are not having a very good season, as they are currently sitting in 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 14-21 record. However, their shooting guard, Bogdan Bogdanovic, is having a season of his own off the bench. Bogdanovic has been excelling and as a result, the Hawks are 13th in the NBA in bench scoring, with 35 points per game. He has started 31 of 35 games, averaging 17.6 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
1) Tim Hardaway Jr
Dallas Mavericks’ shooting guard Tim Hardaway has been a starter for most of his NBA career. However, since the arrival of Kyrie Irving, Hardaway’s role has shifted to the bench, but he is everything the team wanted. Tim has come off the bench 30 times for the Mavericks this season, averaging 17.2 points, 3.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists. Thanks to him, the Mavericks are currently fifth in the league in points scored off the bench.
Also Read: 5 Fastest NBA Players To Reach 10,000 Points
