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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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23. Dan Majerle, Phoenix Suns

12.7 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.4 SPG in 4 seasons as 6th Man

Accolades: 1X NBA All-Star (1992), 1X NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1990-91)

After rising to fame as a star of the 1988 USA Olympic team, Central Michigan alum Dan Majerle was drafted as a part of the new era in Phoenix Suns history. Despite coming off the bench early in his career, Thunder Dan would become a fan favorite and the epitome of a three-and-D player.

Majerle first broke through as a solid sixth man in the 1989-90 season, averaging 11.1 points per game and 5.9 rebounds per game in 30.1 minutes a night. That season, the Suns advanced all the way to the Western Conference Finals before losing to the Portland Trailblazers.

After a disappointing 1990-91 season that saw the Suns lose in the first round despite Majerle earning All-Defensive Second Team honors, Thunder Dan had the best year of his career in 1991-92.

Majerle dominated the stat column, posting 17.3 points, 5.9 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.4 steals per game while shooting .478/.382/.756. His outstanding play earned him his first All-Star nod despite only starting 15 games for the Suns that year.

Majerle would eventually move into the starting lineup and be a major contributor on a Suns team that would face Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls in the 1993 Finals. Thunder Dan’s electric play at the sixth man spot endeared him to fans so much that his jersey was retired in the Suns’ Ring of Honor in 2003.

Next: Iggy