The Best Sixth Men in NBA History

The six man is an important player on an NBA team. He usually has the skill to start but his game is better served off the bench. Their job is to come in and add some punch, either offensively or defensively. Each year since the 1982-83 season, the NBA has recognized the best bench player in the league by giving out the Sixth Man of the Year award.

Jamal Crawford won the award in 2010 and today he turns 34. Once a starter early in his career with the Bulls, Crawford is more dangerous when he's the first sub. His offensive fire power causes problems for an opponent's second string and he has the ability to change the course of the game one three at a time. Most of these guys played starter's minutes and were in the lineup during the fourth quarter of important games. Some game's first six men like John Havlicek and Bobby Jones helped their teams win titles with their willingness to come off the bench while guys like the aforementioned Crawford and Michael Cooper made a caree out of being the best super sub in the game. Check out the Best Sixth Men in NBA History.

Team(s): Trail Blazers, Clippers, Celtics
Stats: 13.3 PPG, 10.5 RPG, 3.4 APG, 2.2 BPG
Accolades: 2x NBA Champion, NBA MVP (1978), NBA Finals MVP (1977), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1986), 2x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team, 2x NBA All-Defensive Team

Although he played only 10 seasons, most of which were incomplete, Big Red is still one of the greatest NBA players ever. After being one of the best for the early part of his career, he bowed out gracefully with the '86 Celtics. He came off the bench to contribute quality minutes to a championship team which helped win the Sixth Man of the Year award. Certainly a great way to go out for anybody regardless of the circumstances.

Team(s): Warriors, Knicks, Bulls, Jazz
Stats: 12.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.6 APG, 1.1 SPG
Accolades: NBA All-Star (1994), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1997), NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1993)

Starks had more heart than skill but he was a big reason why the Knicks were contenders during the '90s. He always guarded the best player on the floor and electrified the home crowd with his style of play. He was streaky and choked though which frustrated those same fans that appreciated his hustle. He makes this list for being able to get under Reggie and Mike's skin even though it wasn't the smartest thing to do.

Team(s): Sonics
Stats: 14.6 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.4 SPG
Accolades: NBA Champion (1979), NBA All-Star (1976)

Originally a starter, the Sonics were at their best when Downtown Freddy Brown came off the pine (they reached the Finals in 1978 and won in 1979). He would've went down as one of the greatest three-point shooters in history had the arch been instituted earlier. He shot 44 percent the first season it was implemented and earned his nickname by taking long jumpers.

Team(s): Clippers
Stats: 15.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 3.7 APG
Accolades: NBA Sixth Man of The Year (2010)

Jamal's the perfect sixth man. His job is to come off the bench and let 'em go, and he's good at it. His deadly crossover mixed with his unlimited range and ability to get hot at a moment's notice makes him a headache for any offense. He's finally on a winning team with the Clippers and his ability to play both guard positions has given the teams he's played on an offensive advantage. L.A.'s other team is playing on all cylinders this year. Best believe Jamal is a big part of that.

Team(s): Sixers
Stats: 20.8 PPG, 10.1 RPG, 4.0 APG, 1.2 SPG
Accolades: NBA Champion (1967), 4x NBA All-Star, 4x All-NBA First Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team (1966)

The Kangaroo Kid came off the bench for the Sixers during the early part of his career. He helped the '67 Sixers win a then-record 68 games. He put up 17 and seven playing 27 minutes per game. Those are starter's numbers. And it helped that he was spelling guys like Wilt Chamberlain and Hal Greer. Teams that bring guys like Cunningham off the bench usually contend.

Team(s): Hawks, Mavericks, Celtics, Nets
Stats: 15.4 PPG, 2.6 RPG, 4.4 APG, 1.2 SPG
Accolades: NBA Champion (2011), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2009), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2000)

Terry was at his best when coming off the bench and was at his most dangerous as an off guard. He was the first man off the bench for some great Mavs teams and was the best player behind Dirk when they beat the Heat in the 2011 Finals. Jason and his headband broke many hearts with timely threes and veteran plays.

Player: Detlef Schrempf
Teams: Mavericks, Pacers, Supersonics, Trailblazers
Stats: 13.9 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 3.4 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1991 and 1992), 3x NBA All-Star, All-NBA Third Team (1995)

Detlef was tough. He didn't become a full-time starter until his ninth year in the L when he joined the Sonics. Schrempf made his name as the Pacers first man off the bench where he averaged 16 and eight in 32 minutes per game. And he made his first of three All-Star games in '93 after winning two consecutive Sixth Man of the Year awards.

Team(s): Nuggets, Sixers
Stats: 11.5 PPG, 5.5 RPG, 2.4 APG, 1.4 SPG, 1.3 BPG
Accolades: NBA Champion (1983), NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1983), 4x NBA All-Star, 9x NBA All-Defensive Team

Bobby was the first winner of the Sixth Man award in 1983. Jones was a handful. He helped the Sixers by doing all the dirty work and was instrumental off the bench on their historic 1983 championship run. The wiry forward used his length to disrupt offenses and create fast break opportunities.

Team(s): Pistons, Clippers, Bucks, SuperSonics, Warriors, Pacers, Nuggets, Charlotte Hornets
Stats: 14.9 PPG, 2.4 RPG, 1.9 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1987 and 1990), NBA All-Star (1991)

Big Paper Daddy put up starter's points playing a substitute's minutes. The 6'4" combo guard used his smooth shot and post game to provide a much-needed scoring punch off the bench for Milwaukee. There were a couple seasons where he was the second-leading scorer on a stacked Bucks squad. He used his muscular 205-lbs. frame to beat up on smaller guards and to compete against bigger forwards. He was efficient as well with a career shooting percentage of 49 and a PER of 17.7

Team(s): Supersonics, Pistons, Spurs
Stats: 12.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 3.3 APG
Accolades: 2x NBA Sixth Man of the Year

The Microwave Vinne Johnson. He earned his nickname during Game 4 of the 1985 Eastern Conference Semifinals by scoring 22 of Detroit's 26 points to defeat the Celtics. Boston guard Danny Ainge was the one that coined it. His only job was to score when Zeke and Joe need rest, and he was good at it. Once he got going he couldn't be stopped, hence the nickname.

Team(s): Spurs
Stats: 14.7 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 4.0 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA Champion, 2x NBA All-Star, 2x All-NBA Team, NBA Sixth Man of the Year (2008), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (2003)

Manu is a pro. Efficient enough to start, he still has no problem coming off the bench. The Spurs have won titles with him in the starting five (2003) and with him as a sixth man (2005 & 2007). He's proof that there's no "I" in team. Manu will sacrifice minutes for the greater good. His energetic style of play and high basketball IQ allowed him to come in and change a game.

Team(s): Bulls, 76ers, Hawks, Bucks
Stats: 11.6 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 4.2 APG
Accolades: 3x NBA Champion, NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1996), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1994)

It's really unfair when a team like Jordan's Bulls were bringing a guy like Toni off the bench. Scottie or Mike would sit and they wouldn't miss a beat offensively. Kukoc stretched the defense, could handle the rock, and was clutch. He came in with high expectations but he still had a solid NBA career with three rings as proof.

Team(s): Celtics
Stats: 17.9 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.7 BPG
Accolades: 3x NBA Champion, 2x NBA Sixth Man of the Year (1984 and 1985), 7x NBA All-Star, All-NBA First Team (1987), 6x NBA All-Defensive Team, NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1981)

People tend to forget that McHale started as a sixth man. During his first several seasons in Boston he came off the bench, won three titles, and won two Sixth Man of the Year awards. That strategy proved to be an unfair advantage as McHale was able to use his arsenal of offensive moves on second string big men. Can you imagine a Hall of Famer willingly coming off the bench? It's no coincidence that he always won.

Team(s): Lakers
Stats: 8.9 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.2 SPG
Accolades: 5x NBA Champion, NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1987), 8x NBA All-Defensive Team

Coop never won a Sixth Man Award, which is a travesty, because he made eight All-Defensive teams and was a valuable piece on five championship teams. He also won a Defensive Player of the Year award in 1987, playing only 27 minutes per game. And Larry Bird said he was the best defender he ever played against.

Team(s): Celtics
Stats: 20.8 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 4.8 APG
Accolades: 8x NBA Champion, NBA Finals MVP (1974), 13x NBA All-Star, 11x All-NBA Team, 8x NBA All-Defensive Team, NBA All-Rookie First Team (1963)

The sixth man position was invented by Hondo's coach Red Auerbach, and Havlicek's success made it necessary for successful teams to have fire power off the bench. His stamina was second to none and that gave defenders fits especially if they've been in the game awhile. Hondo's high energy and ability to score was a deadly combination and that helped the Celtics win eight titles.