2027 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Odds, Analysis & Favorites

NBA

• Dylan Harper opens as the early 6MOY betting favorite at +750.
• Ajay Mitchell and Anthony Black follow the Spurs’ guard.
• The reigning winner, Keldon Johnson, is +2000.

Award Context

• Defending Winner: Keldon Johnson (San Antonio Spurs)
• Key Historical Trend: The last six winners have all come from teams winning 52+ games.

2026-27 NBA Sixth Man of the Year Opening Odds

Market Preview

Dylan Harper (+750)

The San Antonio Spurs look to keep the 6MOY trophy in Texas after Keldon Johnson’s triumph last year. With the Spurs entering the campaign as heavy championship favorites, their bench depth will be heavily showcased.

Harper possesses both the ball-handling and scoring instincts to lead the second unit and even bring wins in the finish playing alongside Wemby. The fact that he’s a part of a prominent contender gives him a huge edge over other players, which is why the opening odds favor the young guard.

Ajay Mitchell (+900)

Mitchell logic is simple: follow the wins. The Oklahoma City Thunder project as regular-season leaders once again, and Mitchell proved his reliability down the stretch during the 2025-26 voting cycle.

Operating as the primary defensive pest and secondary playmaker off the bench, he will accumulate enough time on the floor to establish himself as one of the top contenders for the award. If the Thunder capture the top seed in the West, Mitchell’s analytical impact will be tough for voters to overlook.

Anthony Black (+900)

Orlando’s Anthony Black steps into a massive regular-season role with the second unit, offering defensive length and elite backcourt disruption that mirrors the Magic’s core identity. Now, the Magic are expected to be among the top four teams in the East, and Black has his chance there.

Reed Sheppard (+1300)

Meanwhile, Houston’s Reed Sheppard remains the high-efficiency wildcard. Should the Rockets take a massive step forward in the standings, Sheppard’s perimeter-lethal shooting will be a huge factor here. He was 39.4% from downtown last year. Plus, he’s one of a few creative guys in the Rockets’ second unit.

Ace Bailey (+2000)

Now, Utah’s chances to reach 52 wins are minimal, but still, Bailey is a dark horse, and his stock skyrockets if his team enters the playoffs. He is bound to be the second unit behind JJJ and Lauri Markkanen, and given his performances last year, the 19-year-old has a good chance to make huge noise while on the floor.

Keldon Johnson (+2000)

Regarding Johnson, he would become the first guy after Lou Williams to win back-to-back 6th Man of the Year awards. And why not? He knows his role, and the Spurs are title contenders. This is a decent long shot for anyone trying to win big.

NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award (6MOY)

The NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award (6MOY) honors the league’s premier reserve player who impacts games off the bench. Originally established in the 1982–83 season, this prestigious honor celebrates game-changing spark plugs, elite bench scorers, and defensive anchors.

Since the 2022–23 season, the winner receives the John Havlicek Trophy, named after the legendary Boston Celtics icon who redefined the bench role.

🏆 Eligibility and Voting Criteria

To qualify for the Sixth Man of the Year award, a player must fulfill specific league requirements:

• Bench Requirement: The player must come off the bench in more games than they start during the regular season.
• Games Played Minimum: Players must meet the league’s standard 65-game threshold to qualify for major end-of-season awards.
• Voting Panel: The award is decided by a global media panel of sportswriters and broadcasters using a 5-3-1 point system (first, second, and third-place votes).

🏀 Historical Milestones & Record Holders

• Most Wins (3): Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams share the record for most 6MOY awards.
• Inaugural Winner: Bobby Jones (1982–83, Philadelphia 76ers).
• Hall of Famers: Legends like Kevin McHale, Bill Walton, Toni Kukoč, and Manu Ginóbili have earned the award.
• MVP & 6MOY Winners: James Harden and Bill Walton are the only players in NBA history to win both an MVP and Sixth Man of the Year during their careers.

NBA Sixth Man of the Year Winners