Everyone loves the huge sports contracts and star-studded starting five, but where would those starters be without the unsung heroes of the NBA—the sixth men?
You know, the guys who don’t start but somehow end up saving the day anyway.
These players love the bench life, checking into the game when their team needs a spark, and, in some cases, even managing to outshine the starters.
Top NBA 6th Men In History
Let’s give them their due—because, after all, someone has to make those starters look good when the game turns on the wrong path.
It seems only fitting that we made our list a Top 6 for these guys.
1. Manu Ginóbili
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,057
- Points per Game (PPG): 13.3
- Rebounds per Game (RPG): 3.5
- Assists per Game (APG): 3.8
- Steals per Game (SPG): 1.3
Manu Ginóbili is arguably the most successful sixth man in NBA history.
A four-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs, Ginóbili certainly made the most of his role off the bench, despite having the talent to be a starter on almost any team in the league.
Known for his creative playmaking, clutch shooting, and tough play, Ginóbili became a huge part of the Spurs’ dynasty during the 2000s and early 2010s.
He finished his career with two All-Star selections, two All-NBA Third Team selections, and a Sixth Man of the Year award in 2008.
2. Kevin McHale
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 971
- PPG: 17.9
- RPG: 7.3
- APG: 1.7
- Blocks per Game (BPG): 1.7
Before he became a Hall of Fame power forward and coach, Kevin McHale was one of the best sixth men in NBA history.
McHale started his career with the Boston Celtics as the team’s first option off the bench, providing scoring, rebounding, and shot-blocking for one of the greatest teams of all time.
Alongside Larry Bird and Robert Parish, McHale helped lead the Celtics to three NBA championships in the 1980s.
McHale won two Sixth Man of the Year awards (1984, 1985) and became a full-time starter later in his career. His low-post moves were legendary, and his ability to score in a variety of ways made him a matchup nightmare in the paint.
McHale was a seven-time All-Star and made six All-Defensive Teams during his career, but his early years as a sixth man helped solidify his place among the all-time greats.
3. Jamal Crawford
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,327
- PPG: 14.6
- RPG: 2.2
- APG: 3.4
- SPG: 1.0
Jamal Crawford is one of the most skilfull scorers to come off the bench.
Known for his ball-handling, killer-crossovers, and smooth shooting stroke, Crawford was a walking highlight reel during his prime. He could score in bunches and was known for his ability to heat up quickly, making him one of the most dangerous sixth men in NBA history.
Crawford won the Sixth Man of the Year award three times (2010, 2014, 2016), the most by any player in NBA history.
His ability to create his own shot and provide instant offense off the bench made him a valuable asset for every team he played for, from the New York Knicks to the LA Clippers.
4. Lou Williams
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,123
- PPG: 13.9
- RPG: 2.2
- APG: 3.4
- SPG: 0.9
Lou Williams is a three-time Sixth Man of the Year winner (2015, 2018, 2019) and one of the best scorers in NBA history off the bench.
Williams, affectionately known as “Sweet Lou,” built his reputation on his ability to score in a variety of ways—whether it was getting to the free-throw line, hitting three-pointers, or driving to the basket.
Williams spent the majority of his career coming off the bench with the Philadelphia 76ers, Toronto Raptors, and LA Clippers.
Another example of a great player who just couldn’t perform consistently enough as a starter, and ended up a better performer off the bench.
5. John Havlicek
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,270
- PPG: 20.8
- RPG: 6.3
- APG: 4.8
- SPG: 1.2
John Havlicek is often on the ticket as one of the best players in NBA history, but many forget that he started his career as a sixth man.
Havlicek spent the early part of his career coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics, where he provided scoring, defense, and leadership for a team that won eight NBA championships during his time.
Havlicek’s famous steal in the 1965 Eastern Conference Finals is one of the most iconic plays in NBA history, and it exemplifies his impact as a sixth man.
He eventually became a full-time starter and was named to 13 All-Star teams and 11 All-NBA teams during his career.
6. Detlef Schrempf
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,136
- PPG: 13.9
- RPG: 6.2
- APG: 3.4
- SPG: 0.8
Detlef Schrempf was able to play both forward positions and added some scoring, rebounding, and playmaking off the bench.
Schrempf won back-to-back Sixth Man of the Year awards in 1991 and 1992 while playing for the Indiana Pacers, showcasing his ability to be useful in many facets of the game.
Schrempf’s all-around skill set made him a valuable asset for the Seattle SuperSonics, where he became a key piece in their run to the NBA Finals in 1996.
He was a three-time All-Star and made the All-NBA Third Team in 1995.
Best Sixth Men In NBA History Statistics
Let’s compare the statistics of our best NBA sixth men in history with total games played, points per game, rebounds per game, assists per game and blocks per game.
| Player | Games | PPG | RPG | APG | SPG | BPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Manu Ginóbili | 1,057 | 13.3 | 3.5 | 3.8 | 1.3 | 0.3 |
| 2. Kevin McHale | 971 | 17.9 | 7.3 | 1.7 | 0.4 | 1.7 |
| 3. Jamal Crawford | 1,327 | 14.6 | 2.2 | 3.4 | 1.0 | 0.2 |
| 4. Lou Williams | 1,123 | 13.9 | 2.2 | 3.4 | 0.9 | 0.1 |
| 5. John Havlicek | 1,270 | 20.8 | 6.3 | 4.8 | 1.2 | 0.3 |
| 6. Detlef Schrempf | 1,136 | 13.9 | 6.2 | 3.4 | 0.8 | 0.3 |
These players brought not only scoring and playmaking but also defensive prowess and leadership to their teams, proving that a sixth man can be just as important as a starter when it comes to winning games and championships.
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