NBA Awards 2025/26: Which Bench Star Is Quietly Taking Control of the 2026 Sixth Man Race?

Overview of the Event

The NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award honors the league’s most impactful player coming off the bench. Established in 1982–83, the award recognizes high-efficiency scorers, energetic playmakers, and role players who transform second units with momentum-shifting production.

Winners often lead all bench players in scoring, usage, or playmaking while maintaining strong efficiency. Coaches rely on these players to stabilize rotations, close quarters, and anchor non-starter lineups — making their influence critical to team success.

For bettors, the 6MOTY race favors:

• High-volume bench scorers
• Reliable shooting efficiency (FG%, 3PT%)
• Players who close games despite starting on the bench
• Clear offensive roles in teams with winning records

The 2025/26 field features explosive scorers, veteran specialists, and emerging playmakers positioned for increased second-unit responsibility.

Recent Winner & Context

The most recent Sixth Man of the Year (2024/25 season) was awarded to an elite bench scorer who consistently shifted momentum and anchored one of the league’s top second units. Recent winners highlight a key trend: players who operate as “starter-level talents in reserve roles” tend to dominate the voting.

Heading into the 2025/26 season, multiple teams have restructured their rotations, placing several high-impact offensive weapons into designated bench roles — creating a fresh and competitive betting landscape.

Contenders to Watch

🏀 Malik Monk – Sacramento Kings
• Elite microwave scorer with instant offense
• High usage in bench lineups
• Major factor in Sacramento’s spacing and scoring bursts

🏀 Norman Powell – Los Angeles Clippers
• Efficient three-level scoring threat
• Proven veteran production in limited minutes
• Strong candidate if Clippers remain in playoff range

🏀 Immanuel Quickley – New York Knicks
• High-energy guard with shot-creation ability
• Valuable playmaking off the bench
• Knicks’ defensive identity boosts his visibility

🏀 Bennedict Mathurin – Indiana Pacers
• Explosive scorer adjusting to second-unit role
• Strong transition threat with increasing efficiency
• Pacers’ high-pace system amplifies his strengths

🏀 Austin Reaves – Los Angeles Lakers
• Versatile guard who can facilitate, score, and close games
• Plays with confidence and composure in pressure moments
• Enhanced role depending on Lakers’ rotation strategy

Key Factors to Consider

• Bench Role Consistency: Only players who regularly come off the bench qualify.
• Scoring Punch: High bench PPG continues to be the strongest predictor of 6MOTY success.
• Efficiency: FG%, 3PT%, and TS% matter heavily, especially for volume shooters.
• Impact on Second Units: Voters reward players who stabilize or elevate bench groups.
• Team Success: Frequent trend—award winners typically come from winning teams.
• Clutch Shifts: Players trusted to close games often gain narrative momentum.

Quick Summary

Event: NBA 2025/26 — Sixth Man of the Year Award
Most Recent Winner: Top bench scorer and momentum driver of 2024/25
Betting Focus: Scoring volume, role clarity, efficiency, team record
Ideal Profile: Instant-offense guards/wings with major usage off the bench