All end-of-season NBA awards are coveted, but few are as special as Sixth Man of the Year.
It’s the prize given to the player who does the most off the bench and helps his team win.
A lot of people think the prize will go to a Cleveland Cavaliers star in the new season.
Writing for Bleacher Report, Dan Favale said that De’Andre Hunter or Max Strus could be the winner in 2025-26.
“The Favorite: De’Andre Hunter/Max Strus, Cleveland Cavaliers,” Favale wrote. “Sixth Man of the Year is no longer as heavily geared toward microwave scorers. Volume bucket-getting still piques attention, but voters are now just as likely to recognize critical bench players for good teams. Having a realistic path to closing games helps, too. Whichever Cavs wing doesn’t start belongs here. Hunter filled that role last year. Strus’ inclusion is a safeguard in case head coach Kenny Atkinson changes things up.”
Of the two of them, Hunter might have the better shot right now because it was recently announced that Strus will miss some of the season because of surgery.
Therefore, he may not be able to meet the 65-game threshold needed to claim one of these trophies.
Additionally, this could be a breakout season for Hunter.
He came to the Cavaliers last season and averaged 14.3 points and 4.2 rebounds during his 27 games with the team.
He started in just five of them, and it’s assumed he’ll be part of the second unit in the new season too.
The Cavaliers have high hopes for the new year, and they need their entire roster to play hard.
They require depth, and Hunter and Strus will bring it.
That means they could receive serious praise and perhaps the Sixth Man of the Year trophy when the season comes to an end.
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