2023 NBA awards ballot: Joel Embiid’s MVP chances with two weeks left

Sixth Man of the Year

Fortunately for the Sixers, Tyrese Maxey’s move back into the starting five has coincided with a rediscovery of his star form. Unfortunately, it also takes him out of the Sixth Man of the Year race. 19 games off the bench simply isn’t enough to compete for this particular award.

1. Malcolm Brogdon, Celtics

This shouldn’t be too hard. Brogdon has been absolutely critical for Boston, who spent a healthy chunk of the season with the best record in the NBA. A supremely efficient three-level scorer and playmaker, Brogdon has struck the perfect balance between accentuating Boston’s star talent and leading the charge in his own right when placed in charge of bench groups.

He’s hitting 45.7 percent of his 3s (!!), he plays quality defense on the perimeter, and he’s probably the Celtics’ third or fourth-best player despite being the nominal “sixth man.”

2. Norman Powell, Clippers

Despite the Clippers’ season-long quest for consistency, Normal Powell has been remarkably steadfast in his production off the bench. That was the expectation, of course: Powell has long been an efficient shooter and slasher primed to thrive off of star creators like Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

3. Immanuel Quickley, Knicks

Immanuel Quickley has been a joy to watch with New York this season. A spirited two-way guard who scorches defenders with his picturesque 3-point shot and lightning-quick first step, New York simply doesn’t reach the level it’s currently at without Quickley providing so much valuable connective tissue.

Also in the mix: Alex Caruso, Bobby Portis Sr., Bennedict Mathurin