NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 1 ft. Buddy Hield
With Week 1 of the 2024-25 NBA season in the books, several players have begun generating early 2025 Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) buzz.
A couple of sharpshooters have been lighting it up from 3-point range, giving their squads much-needed scoring sparks off the bench. Meanwhile, a few big men have been providing well-rounded production, including last season's 6MOTY winner.
On that note, here are the top five 6MOTY candidates so far.
Top 5 2024-25 NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) candidates after Week 1
#5. Naz Reid
While not the biggest standout reserve from Week 1, Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid's early-season output is on par with his 2024 6MOTY campaign.
Reid remains one of the NBA's better shooting big men, providing complementary scoring and serviceable rebounding. His week was highlighted by his 19-point, 13-rebound performance with four triples on 60.0% shooting during Thursday's 117-115 win over the Sacramento Kings.
Through three games, Reid is averaging 13.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.7 assists and 2.0 3-pointers per game, shooting 48.0% and 46.2% from deep. Meanwhile, Minnesota is 2-1.
#4. Bobby Portis
While the Milwaukee Bucks have gotten off to a disappointing 1-2 start, big man Bobby Portis has been thriving.
Last year's third-place 6MOTY finisher, Portis has given Milwaukee efficient scoring, rebounding and floor spacing, nearly averaging a double-double.
Across three appearances, Portis is averaging 13.7 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 2.0 apg, 1.0 spg, 0.7 bpg and 1.0 3pg, shooting 54.5% and 37.5% from long distance.
#3. Onyeka Okongwu
Still playing behind veteran center Clint Capela, Onyeka Okongwu has been the Atlanta Hawks' top big man.
The 2020 No. 6 draft pick has contributed efficient scoring, rebounding and interior defense for a Hawks squad sitting at 2-1. His week was highlighted by his career-high 28-point outing on 91.7% shooting during Wednesday's 120-116 opening-night victory over the Brooklyn Nets.
Through three contests, Okongwu is averaging 16.3 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.7 spg, 1.0 bpg and 0.7 3pg, shooting 63.0% and 50.0% from 3.
#2. Jordan Hawkins
The New Orleans Pelicans suffered an early-season blow, losing star point guard Dejounte Murray to a fractured left hand in their first game. Fortunately for New Orleans, sophomore shooting guard Jordan Hawkins has stepped up to carry a heavier offensive workload in Murray's absence.
Hawkins has scored 13-plus points each game, providing elite 3-point shooting and solid rebounding for his size. Meanwhile, the banged-up Pelicans have started 2-1.
Over three outings, Hawkins is averaging 18.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 1.3 apg and 3.0 3pg, shooting 52.9% and 52.9% from beyond the arc.
#1. Buddy Hield
Coming off a down offensive campaign with the Indiana Pacers and Philadelphia 76ers, sharpshooter Buddy Hield has thrived to begin his Golden State Warriors tenure.
The nine-year veteran has fit seamlessly into coach Steve Kerr's movement and 3-point-heavy offense, consistently moving without the ball to receive open looks. Thus, he has replaced most of recently departed aging star shooting guard Klay Thompson's output.
Across three appearances, Hield is averaging 19.0 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 0.7 spg and 4.3 3pg, shooting 52.5% and 52.0% from deep. He has scored 22-plus points in two of three contests, with the Warriors beginning 2-1.
If Hield can keep up his hot shooting, he should remain among the 6MOTY favorites all season.