2023 NBA awards race: Embiid’s MVP push, picks for every award

Sixth Man of the Year

1. Malcolm Brogdon, Celtics

It feels like Malcolm Brogdon should be the runaway favorite. He stuffed the stat sheet on absurd efficiency for the second-best team in basketball. A former No. 1 star in Indiana, Brogdon has thrived in a more streamlined role for Boston. He’s vastly overqualified compared to most “sixth” men and his multifaceted contributions on both sides of the ball earn him the award.

2. Immanuel Quickley, Knicks

Immanuel Quickley has been a bundle of energy for the upstart Knicks all season. His defensive intensity and ability to score in bunches has made Quickley arguably the third-most important player on a playoff team. He has thrived in the starting five when called upon, which some would say is a mark in his favor. Others would argue that Brogdon has been more of a true sixth man. However you slice it, Brogdon has the edge statistically and his team is better. But Quickley would be a deserving winner.

3. Norman Powell, Clippers

Another strong candidate who is simply outshined by two slightly better candidates. Norman Powell remains a beacon of efficiency, hitting a healthy dose of 3s and thriving as a slasher on the wing. He’s well-positioned to torch weak links in the defense while Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and more recently Russell Westbrook demand attention elsewhere on the floor.

Honorable mention: Bobby Portis Sr., Bucks