The 2023-2024 NBA season has been nothing short of a surprise so far, with many teams and individual players exceeding initial expectations of them. Continuing with our award rankings, it is now turn for the sixth man of the year award, one of the most competed across the board. Who are the top candidates to take this prize? Here is the ranking.
5. Bogdan Bogdanovic – Atlanta Hawks
The Atlanta Hawks have been a disappointing team in pretty much every aspect of their season up to this point. However, Bogdanovic has been steadily progressing with them, putting up solid numbers night in and night out. He only needs to continue proving himself valuable to his team to be a candidate for the award.
23-24 Stats: 17.7 PPG, 3.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 44.8 FG%, 38.7 3P%, 10.1 PIE
4. Malik Monk – Sacramento Kings
Despite the Sacramento Kings having struggled to find consistency so far throughout the season, they are still a pretty solid team in the West, with a win percentage of .600% until now. Monk has been a fundamental player for them, Stepping up in crucial situations that ultimately have solidified him as one of the most important pieces on the Kings roster.
23-24 Stats: 14.1 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 5.2 APG, 42.9 FG%, 40.1 3P%, 10.9 PIE
3. Cole Anthony – Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic has seen an unreal performance boost across the board. Currently in fifth place in the eastern conference, with chances of clinching a solid playoff or play-in seed at the end of the season. Cole Anthony has been a huge part of this success, excelling at his role as the Sixth Man and being versatile on both ends of the court.
23-24 Stats: 14.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 3.6 APG, 44.5 FG%, 34.7 3P%, 11.6 PIE
2. Tim Hardaway Jr. – Dallas Mavericks
Hardaway Jr. has always been a great piece for the Dallas Mavericks, but he has drastically improved this season, especially with the absence of Kyrie Irving over the last few games. He has Been more than capable of running the second unit as the shooting guard, with good decision-making and excellent offensive shot selection.
23-24 Stats: 18.0 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 1.6 APG, 41.1 FG%, 36.2 3P%, 0.7 TO, 9.3 PIE
1. Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers
The trust that the Lakers have given Reaves has been extremely helpful for him in terms of his overall performance. Not only is he a solid defender, but he is also an incredible playmaker and offensive catalyst for the Lakers as the sixth man, not being afraid of taking over when it matters the most. Providing he continues with his incredible performance. The award will be his.
23-24 Stats: 15.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.0 APG, 62.5 FG%, 66.7 3P%, 1.7 TO, 11.8 PIE
Although this list might change as the season progresses, these five candidates have what it takes to take this Sixth Man of the Year award at the end of the regular season. All of them have been extremely valuable to their teams so far, and it all boils down to how the voting, winning record and overall performance plays out throughout the remainder of the season.
text sources: nba.com
