The 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) race continued to evolve over the past week, with numerous players delivering standout offensive performances.
After an up-and-down start, a dark horse 6MOTY candidate appears to be breaking out, setting his scoring career-high in consecutive outings.
Meanwhile, the award's frontrunner continued racking up efficient 20-point efforts, increasing his lead atop the league's leading bench scorers.
Additionally, a sharpshooting reserve moved into a tie for the most 3-pointers among all players amid his unexpectedly improved shooting consistency.
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On that note, here are the top five 6MOTY candidates after Week 10.
Top 5 2024-25 NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) candidates after Week 10
#5 Bobby Portis
Milwaukee Bucks big man Bobby Portis temporarily stepped into a starting role over the past four contests with his superstar teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo (illness) sidelined. While Portis' efficiency has dropped off, he is scoring and rebounding at a high rate, tallying 14-plus points and eight-plus rebounds each game.
Across 29 outings, including 24 off the bench, Portis is averaging 14.1 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 0.7 steals, 0.6 blocks and 1.4 3-pointers per game, shooting 47.3%.
#4 Malik Beasley
Detroit Pistons shooting guard Malik Beasley recently moved into a tie with Minnesota Timberwolves rising superstar wing Anthony Edwards for the NBA's most triples (125). Beasley has converted between three and seven long balls in six consecutive games, recording 21-plus points in four.
Through 32 appearances, including 24 off the pine, Beasley is averaging 16.7 ppg and 3.9 3pg, shooting 43.4% and 41.8% from downtown.
#3 Jonathan Kuminga
After alternating between starting and coming off the bench, Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has found his footing as a reserve. The fourth-year forward tallied a career-high 34 points in each of his last two games, showcasing improved shot selection while capitalizing on his athleticism around the rim.
Following Saturday's 109-105 road win over the Phoenix Suns, Warriors coach Steve Kerr noted that Kuminga is "turning a corner." So, his days as a member of the second unit may be numbered. However, until then, he is gaining steam as a 6MOTY contender.
Across 29 outings, including 19 off the bench, Kuminga is averaging 16.7 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.9 spg, 0.6 bpg and 1.2 3pg, shooting 45.5%.
#2 Payton Pritchard
The former 6MOTY frontrunner, Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard's odds have taken a hit in recent weeks. However, after three straight single-digit scoring performances, the reigning NBA champion bounced back.
Pritchard nearly recorded a triple-double during Friday's 142-105 home win over the Indiana Pacers, finishing with 18 points, eight rebounds, 10 assists and four 3s. He followed that up by dropping 21 points and five treys in Sunday's home rematch against Indiana.
Through 32 contests, Pritchard is averaging 15.6 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.9 spg and 3.7 3pg, shooting 46.8% and 41.9% from deep.
#1 De'Andre Hunter
After years of inconsistency, Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter has been this season's most consistent reserve scorer. The sixth-year player has scored 20-plus points in 12 of his last 15 games. He has also shot above 55.0% in five of his last six outings, thriving as a three-level scorer and regularly getting to the free-throw line.
While Hunter's peripheral stats pale in comparison to other top 6MOTY candidates, his elite scoring numbers position him as the award favorite. Meanwhile, Atlanta (18-15) continues to trend up, riding a four-game winning streak.
Across 22 outings, including 20 off the pine, Hunter is averaging 20.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 0.8 spg and 2.8 3pg, shooting 50.0% and 45.2% from long distance.
For last week's 6MOTY rankings, click here.
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