What is a Sixth Man in Basketball
The sixth man is the first substitute off the bench in basketball — typically the team's best non-starter, used to provide an immediate scoring or energy boost.
The sixth man is the first player to come off the bench when a starter is substituted out of a basketball game. The role is so important that the NBA has awarded the Sixth Man of the Year Award annually since 1983 — recognizing the best non-starting player in the league. A great sixth man can be as impactful as a starter and is often one of the most valuable players on a contending team.
Why the Sixth Man Role Matters
When starters need rest or get into foul trouble, the sixth man enters the game to maintain — or even increase — the team's offensive output. A true difference-making sixth man:
- Provides immediate offense — Doesn't require time to warm up; can score from their first possession
- Lifts energy — Often the most enthusiastic bench player, whose energy is contagious to teammates and the crowd
- Exploits second units — Entering when opponents' backups are on the floor creates favorable matchups
- Fits multiple lineups — Can play alongside both the starters and the bench unit
Sixth Man vs. Starter: Why Not Just Start Them?
Many sixth men are talented enough to start — and some teams deliberately keep a strong player in the reserve role as a strategic choice. The advantages of this arrangement:
- The bench unit gets an elite player anchoring it rather than being a complete drop-off in talent
- The sixth man often comes in at a natural momentum-shift moment in the first or second quarter
- The team can stagger when their best players share the court, keeping a quality player on the floor nearly all the time
NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award — Notable Winners
| Player | Teams | Years Won |
|---|---|---|
| Kevin McHale | Boston Celtics | 1984, 1985 |
| Ricky Pierce | Milwaukee Bucks | 1987, 1990 |
| Jamal Crawford | Multiple teams | 2010, 2014, 2016 |
| Lou Williams | Multiple teams | 2015, 2018, 2019 |
| Jordan Clarkson | Utah Jazz | 2021 |
The Sixth Man and Team Chemistry
The best sixth men embrace their role rather than resent not starting. Teams that have a star player who accepts the sixth man role — whether through ego management or genuine love of the team concept — often see that buy-in trickle through the rest of the roster.
The sixth man is one of basketball's most celebrated roles, and the debate over who deserves the award each season is a staple of NBA conversation from January through June. Shop officially licensed NBA gear at the NBA Store.