NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 7 ft. De'Andre Hunter
The 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) race heated up over the last week, with several new candidates moving to the forefront.
A few reserves from surging teams thrived offensively, while a sharpshooter from a rebuilding squad lit it up from downtown. However, the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics' leading bench scorer once again proved why he's the 6MOTY favorite despite encountering a speed bump.
On that note, here are the top five 6MOTY candidates after Week 7.
Top 5 2024-25 NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) candidates after Week 7
#5 Malik Beasley
While the Detroit Pistons (10-15) are situated just outside the Eastern Conference play-in picture, shooting guard Malik Beasley is flourishing.
Through 25 outings, including 18 off the bench, Beasley is tied for second in the NBA in total 3-pointers (92). He trails only Minnesota Timberwolves star wing Anthony Edwards (103 triples).
The nine-year veteran has tallied 19-plus points and four-plus treys in four of his last five appearances. Following his hot stretch, his season averages have increased to a career-best 3.7 3s per game on 41.3% shooting from long distance.
#4 Santi Aldama
The Memphis Grizzlies (48.6 points per game) have overtaken the Golden State Warriors (47.7 ppg) as the league's top bench-scoring team. Big man Santi Aldama has been a key reason, as he continues to excel on both ends regardless of his role.
Across 25 contests, including 14 off the bench, Aldama is averaging 13.2 points, 7.5 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.9 steals and 1.6 3-pointers per game, shooting 52.5%.
Those numbers mark career-highs nearly across the board. Meanwhile, the fourth-year player is trending up, scoring 15-plus points in five of his last six outings.
Additionally, Memphis (17-8) has won nine of its last 10 games to move into second in the Western Conference.
#3 Amen Thompson
As documented last week, Houston Rockets wing Amen Thompson has been one of the league's most active inside and out defenders. His defensive energy continues to swing games for a 16-8 Houston squad that ranks second in defensive rating (105.4).
Thompson has also been efficient offensively, shooting 54.6%, and regularly finishing strong at the rim.
The sophomore earned his second start during Sunday's 117-106 road win over the LA Clippers with veteran point guard Fred VanVleet (knee) sidelined. He recorded 22 points, eight rebounds and four assists, shooting 64.3%. However, Thompson will likely retreat to the bench once the Rockets return to full strength.
#2 De'Andre Hunter
After years of starting, sixth-year forward De'Andre Hunter is spearheading the Atlanta Hawks' second unit, coming off the pine in 12 of 14 outings. The move has benefited him, as he is delivering career-best production as a three-level scorer.
Hunter is averaging personal bests of 19.3 ppg and 2.6 3pg, shooting 47.8% and 42.5% from outside. He has scored 20-plus points in six of his last seven contests, with Atlanta (13-12) going 6-1. So, if his scoring increase continues, he should entrench himself near the top of the 6MOTY odds.
#1 Payton Pritchard
Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard unexpectedly went scoreless during Friday's 111-105 home win over the Milwaukee Bucks. However, the performance appears to be a major outlier, as he has still scored 19-plus points in six of his last seven games. Meanwhile, he has drilled five-plus triples in five of those seven contests.
Through 24 appearances, Pritchard ranks first in bench scoring among players with 13-plus games off the pine (16.1 ppg), shooting 48.7% and 43.0% from downtown. He also sits fifth in the NBA in total 3s (89) for a Boston team with the league's second-best record (19-5). Thus, he remains the 6MOTY frontrunner.
Also Read: "I view myself as one of the best defenders" - Amen Thompson on impeccable athleticism, 6MOTY aspirations and more (Exclusive)