2026 NBA Sixth Man of the Year predictions: Keldon Johnson, Jaime Jaquez Jr. in tight race
The majority of our crew leaned into the Spurs' popular Sixth Man.
Every day this week, the NBC Sports NBA writing crew is breaking down the league's individual postseason awards and giving you their thoughts and predictions. We've done MVP , Coach of the Year and Rookie of the Year . Today, let's get into Sixth Man of the Year.
Here's where we stand. Sixth Man of the Year Kurt Helin, NBC Sports Lead NBA Writer: Keldon Johnson While statistics matter to me in what was a tight race between the Spurs' Keldon Johnson and the Heat's Jaime Jaquez Jr. , it was the tone Johnson set, the way he leads in the San Antonio locker room, that was the difference.
He's the longest-serving Spur on the roster, and the positive vibes in the locker room start with him. Pair that with his highly efficient shooting and he gets my vote. But just barely.
If it weren't for Ajay Mitchell missing so many games in the middle of the season, he would have won this award for me. Jay Coucher, NBC Sports Lead Betting Analyst: Keldon Johnson This could have been Ajay Mitchell's or Isaiah Stewart's award but both have missed significant time. It likely comes down to Johnson or Jaime Jaquez Jr.