NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 6 ft. Amen Thompson
The 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) race gained clarity over the past week, as a few early contenders trended further downward.
The "Terror Twins" also continued inciting defensive chaos for the upstart Houston Rockets, bolstering their 6MOTY candidacies. Meanwhile, the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics' top-scoring reserve caught fire again, attaining frontrunner status.
On that note, here are the top five 6MOTY candidates after Week 6.
Top 5 2024-25 NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) candidates after Week 6
#5 Buddy Hield
Golden State Warriors shooting guard Buddy Hield's production decline continued over the past week. After regularly scoring 20-plus points to begin the season, the nine-year veteran has scored 12 or fewer points in six of his last seven appearances. Meanwhile, Golden State (12-7) has lost four consecutive contests.
Hield is still averaging 15.3 points and 3.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 46.4% and 44.2% from deep through 19 outings, including one start. However, he no longer has as big of a role in the Warriors' offense and appears in danger of fading out of the 6MOTY race.
#4 Malik Monk
Sacramento Kings shooting guard Malik Monk came on strong after his return from an ankle injury last week, providing a sizeable scoring and playmaking boost. Over three appearances off the bench, he averaged 23.3 ppg, 4.0 rebounds, 7.0 assists and 4.3 3pg, shooting 51.0% and 48.1% from long distance.
Monk was rewarded with a starting opportunity during Sunday's 127-125 home loss to the San Antonio Spurs. Kings coach Mike Brown noted postgame that he "needed to shake up" his rotation amid his team's poor 9-12 start.
So, after finishing as the runner-up in last season's 6MOTY voting, Monk may soon be ineligible for this season's award.
#3 Tari Eason
One half of the "Terror Twins," Rockets forward Tari Eason has been a defensive pest all season, averaging 3.1 stocks a night across 21 appearances.
Eason's perimeter defense, rim protection and ability to get his hands on loose balls and initiate fastbreaks have been vital to Houston's 15-6 start.
The third-year forward is also averaging 11.1 ppg, 6.2 rpg and 0.9 3pg, shooting 48.7%.
#2 Amen Thompson
The second half of the "Terror Twins," Rockets wing Amen Thompson has exceeded Eason's two-way output lately.
Over his last five outings, the sophomore is averaging 14.4 ppg, 9.0 rpg, 2.2 spg and 1.6 bpg, shooting 57.1%. Like Eason, Thompson's defensive versatility has helped Houston win 10 of its last 12 contests and climb to second in defensive rating (104.3).
#1 Payton Pritchard
Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard thrived over his past three showings, averaging 24.3 ppg, 5.3 rpg and 5.3 3pg, shooting 53.3% and 51.6% from downtown.
Following his standout week, Pritchard ranks as the NBA's No. 1 bench scorer among players with 10-plus games off the pine (16.0 ppg through 20 appearances). Meanwhile, Boston (16-4) sits second in the league, positioning the 2024 champion as the 6MOTY favorite a quarter of the way through the season.
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