The sixth man in professional basketball is a player who is not a starter, but comes off of the bench more often than other reserves and is usually the first player to be substituted in. The sixth man–most likely an adaptable guard or forward–often plays minutes equal to or exceeding some of their respective team’s starters and even posts similar statistics. The presence of a talented sixth man is often a sign of a team’s depth in their roster. Since the 1982-83 season, the NBA has awarded exceptional bench players with the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award. Previous winners include Kevin McHale (1983-84, 1984-85), Bill Walton (1985-86), Anthony Mason (1994-95), Toni Kukoc (1995-96), John Starks (1996-97), Aaron McKie (2000-01), Manu Ginobili (2007-08), Jamal Crawford (2009-10, 2013-14), and James Harden (2011-12). Below is a list of the top five highest paid sixth men in the NBA in order of average salary.
5. Jarrett Jack – $6.30 million
Traded to the Brooklyn Nets from the Cleveland Cavaliers this past July, Jarrett Jack will be coming off the Nets’ bench to support starting point guard Deron William. Drafted by the Denver Nuggets with the 22nd overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft and traded to the Portland Trail Blazers that same night, Jack has played for six separate NBA teams over the course of his nine-year career.
4. Manu Ginóbili – $7.25 million
Likely the most recognizable name on this list, Argentine professional basketball player Manu Ginóbili has been hailed as one of the greatest international players to ever play in the NBA. After seven years playing professional basketball in Argentina and Italy, Ginóbili signed with the San Antonio Spurs in 2002–a team he has spent his entire NBA career with. Ginóbili is a four-time NBA champion, two-time NBA All-Star, and the 2008 Sixth Man of the Year.
3. O.J. Mayo – $8.00 million
O.J. Mayo was selected by the Minnesota Timberwolves–who traded him to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Kevin Love and three players–with the third overall pick in the 2008 NBA Draft after one successful season at the University of Southern California. Currently a sixth man with the Milwaukee Bucks, Mayo averaged 11.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 25.9 minutes per game last season with the team.
2. Taj Gibson – $8.25 million
Taj Gibson is one of the best and hardest working sixth men in the NBA. Drafted by the Chicago Bulls with the 26th overall pick in the 2009 NBA Draft, Gibson has played as the Bulls’ second string power forward ever since the signing of Carlos Boozer in 2010. Now coming off the bench to support the newly acquired Pau Gasol, Gibson finished second in the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award poll and was among the league leaders in blocks per game (1.4).
1. Gerald Wallace – $10.00 million
The highest paid sixth man in the NBA, Gerald Wallace, is a veteran small forward currently coming off the bench for the Boston Celtics. Wallace was drafted by the Sacramento Kings in the 2001 NBA Draft and over the course of his 13-year career, Wallace has come to be known for his versatility and athleticism. During his time with the Charlotte Bobcats (2004-2011), Wallace was named to the NBA All-Defensive First Team and made his first and only All-Star appearance in 2010.
Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Jordan Brand
