When it comes to recognizing some of the greatest sixth men in NBA history, a few names stand out beyond others. These players are known for coming off the bench and making an incredible impact on their teams, often changing the dynamics of the game with their performances. Their contributions can be quantified by their impressive statistics, revolutionary gameplay, and the multiple awards they often collect. One cannot talk about sixth men without mentioning the likes of Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford, both of whom have won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award three times each – a feat that highlights their consistent excellence and ability to come in and make an instant difference on the court.
Jamal Crawford’s career is notable not just for his scoring ability but for how he excelled in his role. In over 1300 games, Crawford scored over 19,000 points, an impressive stat for someone who was rarely a starter. His incredible handle and three-point shooting made him a constant threat and allowed him to average 14.6 points per game over his career. On the night of April 9, 2019, at the age of 39, Crawford dropped 51 points against the Dallas Mavericks, becoming the oldest player in NBA history to score 50 or more points in a game.
Lou Williams, another name synonymous with the sixth man role, boasts his own impressive array of statistics. Williams, known for his clutch performances and ability to score in bunches, averaged 15 points per game over his career, with some seasons seeing him score well over 20 points per contest off the bench. His knack for getting to the free-throw line and his crafty shot creation have made him a perennial candidate for the Sixth Man of the Year Award, which he won in 2015, 2018, and 2019. Williams scored over 13,000 points in his career, despite often coming off the bench.
Manu Ginóbili revolutionized the sixth man role for the San Antonio Spurs, blending genius basketball IQ with a relentless competitive edge. In his 16-year career, Ginobili won four NBA championships and earned the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2008. Known for his Euro step, Ginóbili’s ability to break down defenses and his unselfish play embodied the Spurs' team-oriented philosophy. He played 1057 games and scored 14,043 points while maintaining a 44.7% field goal percentage, making significant contributions to his team's success.
Kevin McHale, before taking his talents to the coaching sidelines, was instrumental for the Boston Celtics during the 1980s. McHale won the Sixth Man of the Year Award twice, in 1984 and 1985, playing a major role in the Celtics’ championships during that era. In his career, McHale played over 960 games, scoring almost 18,000 points and pulling down over 7,000 rebounds. His low post scoring, shot-blocking, and defensive prowess made him one of the most versatile and effective sixth men in the history of the NBA.
John Havlicek, another Boston Celtics legend, established the blueprint for the sixth man role before anyone else. Havlicek, who spent his entire career with the Celtics from 1962 to 1978, scored 26,395 points, averaged 20.8 points per game, and won eight NBA championships. His stamina, having played in over 1,270 games, and enduring effectiveness throughout his 16-year career set the benchmark for all future sixth men.
Another notable name is Dennis Rodman, though primarily known for his defensive resilience and rebounding prowess, Rodman often came off the bench in his early years with the Detroit Pistons. Winning two consecutive NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, Rodman’s impact on the game came not from scoring but from his unparalleled ability to control the boards and anchor the defense, showcasing the diverse roles a sixth man can play.
It's impossible to talk about modern sixth men without mentioning Montrezl Harrell, who won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2020. Harrell's energy, hustle, and scoring ability off the bench were crucial for the Los Angeles Clippers. In the 2019-2020 season, he averaged 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game, demonstrating that the sixth man role is not just about scoring but also providing an all-around contribution to the team's success.
Each of these players brought something unique to their respective teams and helped redefine what it means to be a sixth man. Their abilities to change the game, often as soon as they stepped onto the court, cemented their places in NBA history. Worth noting, the role of the sixth man remains integral to a team’s success, providing depth, stability, and often a scoring punch that can turn games in their favor. Whether through prolific scoring like Lou Williams or defensive tenacity like Dennis Rodman, these players have left an indelible mark on the game.