The 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) race has been further muddied by injuries, role changes and up-and-down production from premier contenders.
On Sunday, Houston Rockets wing Amen Thompson became a starter with his teammate Jabari Smith Jr. (hand) sidelined for at least four to six weeks. The shift will likely end the two-way standout's 6MOTY candidacy.
Meanwhile, one of the top three favorites for the award also faces a multi-week absence after delivering career-best output over the past few weeks.
Thus, amid his diminishing competition, the league's No. 1 bench scorer continues to position himself as the clear-cut 6MOTY frontrunner after Week 11.
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Top 5 2024-25 NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) candidates after Week 11
#5 Malik Beasley
Following a pair of off shooting nights, Detroit Pistons shooting guard Malik Beasley bounced back during Saturday's 119-105 home win over the Minnesota Timberwolves. He tallied 23 points and six 3-pointers, adding to his elite season-long outside shooting tally (132 triples, second in the league).
Through 35 appearances, including 27 off the bench, Beasley is averaging 16.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, 1.9 assists, 0.8 steals and 3.8 3-pointers per game, shooting 42.5% and 40.4% from deep.
#4 Bobby Portis
Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis continues to hover around the top three-to-five range in the 6MOTY race as a nightly double-double threat with floor-spacing ability. He has tallied 14-plus points and eight-plus rebounds in six of his last seven games, albeit with waning shooting efficiency.
Across 32 outings, including 27 off the pine, Portis is averaging 13.9 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 2.1 apg, 0.8 spg and 1.4 3pg, shooting 46.8% and 37.6% from outside.
#3 Payton Pritchard
After being the overwhelming 6MOTY betting favorite early in the season, Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard's production has become increasingly volatile.
During Friday's 109-86 blowout road win over Houston, Pritchard recorded 20 points and four 3s, shooting 80.0%. Two days later, he disappeared, going scoreless on five shot attempts as Boston fell 105-92 on the road against the OKC Thunder.
The reigning NBA champion remains a fairly reliable source of scoring, shooting and playmaking for the season. However, he likely needs to heat back up to reclaim a top-two position.
Through 36 contests, Pritchard is averaging 15.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 3.3 apg, 0.9 spg and 3.6 3pg, shooting 47.1% and 42.4% from long distance.
#2 Jonathan Kuminga
Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga has gradually positioned himself as a legitimate 6MOTY threat, serving as an athletic bench scorer. Entering Saturday's 121-113 home win over the Memphis Grizzlies, the fourth-year forward amassed 20-plus points in four of his last six appearances.
However, after becoming Golden State's second-leading scorer, Kuminga suffered a right ankle sprain against Memphis. He will reportedly be re-evaluated in three weeks, potentially jeopardizing his 6MOTY candidacy.
Across 32 outings, including 22 off the bench, Kuminga is averaging 16.8 ppg, 5.0 rpg, 2.2 apg, 0.9 spg and 1.3 3pg, shooting 45.9%.
#1 De'Andre Hunter
Like many of his 6MOTY competitors, Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter had an inconsistent week. He bottomed out during Friday's 119-102 road loss to the LA Lakers, shooting just 1-for-12 (8.3%).
Nevertheless, the sixth-year player has been this season's most consistent bench scorer, totaling 15 or more points in 17 of his last 18 games.
Across 25 outings, including 23 off the pine, Hunter is averaging 19.8 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.4 apg, 0.9 spg and 2.7 3pg, shooting 47.9% and 43.3% from downtown.
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