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The 25 Greatest Sixth Men Of All Time

By Carter Johnson

Oct 28, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after a shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 101-100. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 28, 2014; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs shooting guard Manu Ginobili (20) reacts after a shot against the Dallas Mavericks during the second half at AT&T Center. The Spurs won 101-100. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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MILWAUKEE, WI – CIRCA 1985: Kevin McHale #32 of the Boston Celtics backs in on Paul Mokeski #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA basketball game circa 1985 at the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. McHale played for the Celtics from 1980-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WI – CIRCA 1985: Kevin McHale #32 of the Boston Celtics backs in on Paul Mokeski #44 of the Milwaukee Bucks during an NBA basketball game circa 1985 at the MECCA Arena in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. McHale played for the Celtics from 1980-94. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /

2. Kevin McHale, Boston Celtics

15.5 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.7 BPG in 9 seasons as 6th Man

Accolades: 2X Sixth Man of the Year (1983-84, 1984-85), 3X All-Star (1983, 1990-91), 2X All-Defensive Second Team (1982-83, 1989-90), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1980-81), Hall of Famer

Before McHale became one of the best power forwards in the game, he was a skilled post tactician dominating opponents off the bench.

In his rookie season, he contributed to the team’s first championship of the decade over the Houston Rockets. However, McHale really started to hit his stride in his fourth season in the league, when he averaged 18.4 points per game on 56 percent shooting with 7.4 boards a game on his way to his first All-Star nod and Sixth Man of the Year award.

Coincidentally, the Celtics went 62-20 and won their second title of the decade in their first matchup with Magic Johnson and the Showtime Lakers.

Though McHale saw his first bit of starting time the following season, he won his second consecutive Sixth Man award and raised his averages to 19.8 points per game on 57 percent shooting with nine boards a contest.

Although the team lost to the Lakers in the Finals that year and McHale was promoted full-time to the starting lineup the next season, he had already cemented his legacy in the role, raising his scoring each season and being the first player to win the award in consecutive seasons.

Next: He Stole The Ball