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NBA 6th Man of the Year Award picks for 2026-27 season

As the NBA gears up for the 2026-27 season, the Sixth Man of the Year race is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet. Historical trends suggest that candidates must average over 13 points per game and play for a team finishing in the top four of their conference, with 80% of past winners meeting this criteria.

The exceptions—like Lou Williams and Jason Terry—all played on playoff teams, underscoring the award’s emphasis on both scoring and team success. Ajay Mitchell, the current favorite at +490 odds, leads the pack after averaging 13.6 points per game last season for the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder.

However, his candidacy hinges on staying healthy, as he missed 25 games in 2025-26. Meanwhile, Dylan Harper of the San Antonio Spurs has emerged as a dark horse, posting standout playoff numbers (14.1 PPG, 5.6 RPG) despite being sidelined by contract and roster politics.

If Harper remains off the bench, his case could strengthen significantly, though his path to the award hinges on the Spurs’ ability to balance their lineup around De’Aaron Fox.

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