With the new NBA season officially underway, Jaime Jaquez has taken over as the favorite for the 2025-26 Sixth Man of the Year award.
In his third campaign with the Heat, Jaquez has provided a vital lift off the bench, showcasing a bounce-back season following last year’s slump.
His strong start has propelled him to the top of the odds, and as he looks to build on that momentum, let’s take a look at the other contenders vying for this year’s Sixth Man honors.
2026 Sixth Man of the Year odds
| Player |  |
|---|---|
 Jaime Jaquez Jr. |
+425 |
 Anthony Black |
+900 |
 Reed Sheppard |
+1000 |
 Ajay Mitchell |
+1100 |
 Jerami Grant |
+1200 |
 Naz Reid |
+1800 |
 Onyeka Okongwu |
+1800 |
| Shaedon Sharpe |
+1800 |
 Dylan Harper |
+2200 |
Odds as of 12-9
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NBA Sixth Man of the Year favorites
Close behind Jaquez Jr. in the latest Sixth Man of the Year race is Anthony Black, who’s also in his third season making some noise further north in Florida with the Orlando Magic.
Reed Sheppard gets in the mix with his breakout role off the bench and elevated minutes in Houston with the Rockets.
Meanwhile, Ajay Mitchell has drawn attention thanks to his consistent production and efficient play — his early-season form has many calling him a serious 6MOTY candidate.
In Portland, Trail Blazers forward Jerami Grant has provided a veteran presence that has shown his scoring versatility and bench value while also remaining in the conversation, especially if he continues to deliver steady offense and impact when coming off the bench.
And Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves has already been a past winner of the award, but bettors are watching to see if he can recapture that scoring-and-efficiency combo that helped him earn the honor as his name remains among the more respected and realistic long-shots.
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Understanding NBA Sixth Man of the Year odds
Most sportsbooks will display odds in the American format as listed above. We'll use 2022-23's 6MOY race as an example:
As the season progressed, with Immanuel Quickley having been a huge favorite, his odds had a minus (-) sign ahead of the number:
- Immanuel Quickley -300
This means that a bettor needs to wager $300 to win $100. Other candidates with worse odds would have a plus (+) sign ahead of the number. Early in the season, before any clear favorite is established, betting options will be listed as such:
- Russell Westbrook +650
Here, a bettor stands to profit $650 for every $100 wagered.
If American odds aren't your thing, simply use our odds converter to switch the odds to decimal or fractional format. Most online sportsbooks also give you the option to change the odds format that you see.
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NBA 6MOY betting trends
Here are some trends you'll want to keep in mind when betting on NBA Sixth Man of the Year:
- Guards have absolutely owned this award recently, winning 6MOY in 10 of the past 12 seasons.
- Naz Reid's 2024 win marked only the fourth 6MOY win by a center in its 41-year history (Montrezl Harrell '20, Roy Tarpley '88, and Bill Walton '86).
- Both Jamal Crawford ('10, '14, '16) and Lou Williams ('15, '18, '19) are recent three-time winners, so voter fatigue may matter less in this market.
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How is NBA Sixth Man of the Year decided?
The NBA Sixth Man of the Year is awarded to the league's best bench player each season. A variety of factors go into evaluating who the top reserve is:
Consistent statistical impact
The 6MOY must consistently provide a significant impact on the game whenever entering from the bench. This impact should be palpable and discernible in terms of offensive, defensive, or playmaking contributions.
Scoring prowess
The candidate should display an ability to contribute significantly to the team's scoring efforts. This can be evidenced by an impressive points-per-game average, especially in crucial moments of the game. Scoring tends to be the single most important stat for Sixth Man voting.
Versatility
The awardee should demonstrate the capability to adapt to various game situations. This encompasses two-way play, as well as adaptability to different styles and opposing lineups.
Role-player mentality
The recipient must exhibit a selfless approach to the game, willingly accepting their role as a substitute player and deferring to stars, while able to fill a variety of needs for team success.
Impact on team success
The award recipient should have a discernible impact on the team's overall success during the regular season, especially in terms of on-off metrics that measure a player’s impact on their team’s bottom line, and value relative to potential replacements.
NBA Sixth Man of the Year history
| Year | NBA 6MOY Winner |
|---|---|
| 2024-25 | Payton Pritchard |
| 2023-24 | Naz Reid |
| 2022-23 | Malcolm Brogdon |
| 2021-22 | Tyler Herro |
| 2020-21 | Jordan Clarkson |
| 2019-20 | Montrezl Harrell |
| 2018-19 | Lou Williams |
| 2017-18 | Lou Williams |
| 2016-17 | Eric Gordon |
| 2015-16 | Jamal Crawford |
| 2014-15 | Lou Williams |
| 2013-14 | Jamal Crawford |
| 2012-13 | J.R. Smith |
| 2011-12 | James Harden |
| 2010-11 | Lamar Odom |
| 2009-10 | Jamal Crawford |
| 2008-09 | Jason Terry |
| 2007-08 | Manu Ginobili |
| 2006-07 | Leandro Barbosa |
| 2005-06 | Mike Miller |
| 2004-05 | Ben Gordon |
NBA Sixth Man of the Year odds FAQ
Cleveland's De'Andre Hunter is the current favorite to win 6MOY.
Boston's Payton Pritchard won the 2025 6MOY award.
Lou Williams and Jamal Crawford lead the all-time 6MOY tally, each winning three times.
Hunter is currently around +700 to secure the 6MOY award.
