NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) Rankings 2024-25: Top 5 candidates after Week 12 ft. Naz Reid

At the season's midway point, the 2024-25 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOTY) race remains one of the league's least inspiring award battles.

Between injuries, role changes and the early frontrunner's statistical drop-off, no one did much to separate themselves from the pack over the past week.

However, the reigning 6MOTY is building a case for another top-three finish behind consistent solid production. Meanwhile, one of the league's premier sharpshooters continues to gain steam primarily due to his outside shooting proficiency.

On that note, here are the top five 6MOTY hopefuls following Week 12.

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Top 5 2024-25 NBA 6th Man of the Year (6MOTY) candidates after Week 12

#5 Santi Aldama

Memphis Grizzlies big man Santi Aldama (Image Credit: Scott Wachter-Imagn Images)

Memphis Grizzlies big man Santi Aldama has slowly ramped up following his return from a six-game absence due to a sprained left ankle.

However, the versatile fourth-year player made his presence felt during Wednesday's 129-115 road win over the San Antonio Spurs. He tallied 20 points and 10 rebounds, shooting 60.0%, adding to Memphis' league-leading bench scoring average (46.8 points per game).

Through 35 outings, including 24 off the bench, Aldama is averaging 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, 0.9 steals, 0.5 blocks and 1.7 3-pointers per game. Meanwhile, he's shooting 50.6% and 39.0% from deep.

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#4 Payton Pritchard

Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard (Image Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images)

Boston Celtics point guard Payton Pritchard got back on track during Wednesday's 110-97 road loss to the Toronto Raptors. He recorded 20 points, four assists and four triples, shooting 63.6%.

Nevertheless, standout offensive performances have become increasingly rare for the reigning NBA champion. Entering Wednesday, he scored in single figures in three of his previous four games, including two outings with three or fewer points. The sparkplug guard's decreased scoring output drops him from the 6MOTY race's top three for the first time in months.

Across 40 contests, Pritchard is averaging 14.7 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 3.4 apg, 0.9 spg and 3.4 3pg, shooting 46.7% and 41.5% from downtown.

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#3 Naz Reid

Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid (Image Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images)

Last season's 6MOTY winner, Minnesota Timberwolves center Naz Reid, has seen his scoring, rebounding and 3-point shooting consistency pick up lately.

He has tallied 12-plus points in six consecutive outings, racking up six or more rebounds in four of those. Meanwhile, the floor-spacing big man has hit multiple treys in four straight games.

Through 40 appearances, Reid is averaging 13.0 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.7 apg, 0.7 spg, 0.9 bpg and 1.9 3pg, shooting 46.7% and 37.7% from long distance.

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#2 Malik Beasley

Detroit Pistons shooting guard Malik Beasley (Image Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images)

Detroit Pistons shooting guard Malik Beasley continues to be one of the season's biggest surprises with his elite 3-point shooting.

The nine-year veteran has knocked down at least four triples and scored 18-plus points in four consecutive contests and five of his last six. His unforeseen consistency has been key to Detroit winning 10 of its last 12 games to climb two games above .500 (21-19).

Across 40 appearances, including 29 off the pine, Beasley is averaging 16.5 ppg, 3.0 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.9 spg and 3.8 3pg, shooting 42.6% and 40.4% from outside.

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#1 De'Andre Hunter

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter (Image Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)

Atlanta Hawks forward De'Andre Hunter hasn't played since Jan. 9 due to left foot soreness and a postponed home matchup against the Houston Rockets.

Nonetheless, his 6MOTY competitors haven't done enough to unseat him from the top spot. The sixth-year forward remains the leading scorer among reserves by a fairly wide margin, offering consistent three-level scoring when available.

Through 27 outings, including 25 off the bench, Hunter is averaging 19.4 ppg, 4.0 rpg, 1.5 apg, 0.9 spg and 2.7 3pg, shooting 47.5% and 43.3% from long range.

For last week's 6MOTY rankings, click here.