When talking about the best sixth men in NBA history, one can't ignore the impact players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams have had. Crawford, for example, has won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award three times (2010, 2014, and 2016), a testament to his ability to come off the bench and change the game. Scoring over 19,000 points in his career, he's one of the greatest offensive threats off the bench. This kind of instant offense is crucial in maintaining or changing the tempo of a game, making him an invaluable asset to any team he played for.
On the other hand, Lou Williams, often nicknamed "Sweet Lou," has also captured the Sixth Man of the Year Award three times (2015, 2018, and 2019). His ability to create shots for himself and others is uncanny, and his craftiness around the basket is exceptional. In the 2017-2018 season, he averaged a career-high 22.6 points per game, proving that he could lead a team in scoring even when starting from the bench. This level of production is not only impressive but also illustrates the vital role a sixth man can play in a team's overall success.
Another player worthy of mention is Manu Ginobili. Unlike Crawford and Williams, Ginobili spent his entire career with the San Antonio Spurs and was key to their success during the 2000s and 2010s. Manu was more than just a scorer; he was a playmaker, a defender, and an overall game-changer. His career averages of 13.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game don't fully capture his impact, but advanced metrics like Win Shares and Player Efficiency Rating (PER) show how efficient and valuable he was. In the 2007–08 season, he averaged 19.5 points per game, proving once again that a sixth man can be one of the top scoring options on a championship-contending team.
Let's not forget about Kevin McHale, who many consider the original sixth man. Coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics in the 1980s, he helped lead the team to three NBA championships in 1981, 1984, and 1986. McHale's size and skill in the post made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Over his career, he averaged 17.9 points and 7.3 rebounds per game, but in the playoffs, he was even more effective, showing the importance of having a reliable scorer off the bench in high-stakes games.
Detlef Schrempf is another name that often comes up in discussions of great sixth men. Though he started his career with the Dallas Mavericks, it was with the Indiana Pacers and Seattle SuperSonics that he truly shined as a sixth man. Schrempf won the Sixth Man of the Year award twice (1991 and 1992) and was known for his versatility, being able to play multiple positions and contribute in various aspects of the game. In the 1994-95 season, Schrempf averaged 19.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists per game, showing his all-around ability and proving that a sixth man can be a multi-faceted player.
It's hard to talk about sixth men without mentioning Michael Cooper, a key part of the Showtime Lakers in the 1980s. As a defensive specialist and three-point shooter, Cooper won the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1987 and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Team eight times. His role in the Lakers' five championships during that decade was vital, providing the team with a defensive anchor and a reliable shooter from beyond the arc.
Another standout performer off the bench was Toni Kukoc, who played a crucial role in the Chicago Bulls' second three-peat from 1996 to 1998. Known for his versatility and basketball IQ, Kukoc could play multiple positions and was often called upon to be the team's primary ball-handler. In the 1995-96 season, he averaged 13.1 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game, showcasing his ability to contribute in multiple areas and help the team succeed in various ways.
Lastly, we have John Havlicek, arguably the greatest sixth man in NBA history. While he eventually became a starter, Havlicek started his career coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics, helping them win eight NBA championships in the 1960s and 1970s. His relentless energy, scoring ability, and defensive prowess made him a nightmare for opponents. Over his career, he averaged 20.8 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game, showing that a sixth man can have Hall of Fame-worthy stats and a profound impact on the game.
These players have not only embraced the role of the sixth man but have excelled in it, showing that coming off the bench doesn't mean not being a starter; it means being a game-changer. They have set the standard for what it means to be a vital part of a team's success. If you want to know more about the best sixth men in NBA history or any other basketball-related topics, check out arena plus