15. De’Anthony Melton, G
The Sixers’ sixth man De’Anthony Melton comes in on this list at the midway point. He could end up being higher on this list depending on how big of a step he takes this season. Head coach Doc Rivers has had three Sixth Man of the Year award winners in his career and he could develop Melton into that role.
14. Onyeka Okongwu, C
Last season, the Atlanta Hawks saw Clint Capela take a step back last season. Assuming Capela doesn’t fall off a cliff he should still start, but he could lose more minutes to young big man Onyeka Okongwu who’s quietly one of the better young centers in the NBA.
13. Derrick Rose, PG
Derrick Rose was once an MVP and has now become one of the best backup point guards in the NBA. The New York Knicks missed Rose for the majority season because of injuries. When healthy, Rose is elite as a bench scorer.
12. Patty Mills, G
Patty Mills was so important to the Brooklyn Nets last season and as one of their 3-and-D players, he’s set to have a big season with the Sixers former playmaker in Ben Simmons passing out for three-pointers. He might never win Sixth Man of the Year, but he has been one of the best sixth men in the league for the better part of a decade.
11. Jordan Clarkson, G
Despite being a recent winner of the Sixth Man of the Year award, Jordan Clarkson might not be set to have a big season. He’s currently on the rebuilding of Utah Jazz and if he starts the season with them, the chances of having a hot start are minimal.