The Minnesota Timberwolves are used to having a player in the running for Sixth Man of the Year. That was Naz Reid, who won the award in 2023-24, but is now with the Charlotte Hornets.
Now, Ayo Dosunmu is primed to be Minnesota’s first man off the bench this season. He fit in seamlessly with the Wolves after the team acquired him in February, and he had a 43-point outing against the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the playoffs.
It shouldn’t surprise anyone if Dosunmu becomes the next Timberwolves player to be in 6MOY conversations. He will have stiff competition, though. Here are some of his biggest challengers for the award in 2026-27.
(Players such as Payton Pritchard and DeMar DeRozan are strong contenders as well, but it’s not yet clear whether they will start or come off the bench.)
Dylan Harper, San Antonio Spurs
Dylan Harper probably should be a starter, and he would be for most teams. Regardless, it seems like for at least one more year, he’ll remain a reserve behind San Antonio’s starting backcourt of De’Aaron Fox and Stephon Castle.
Just 20 years old, Harper finished 11th in 6MOY voting last season. He was especially good in his rookie year after the All-Star break, averaging 13.3 points on 56.6 percent from the field.
Ace Bailey, Utah Jazz
The second Rutgers player on here, who is entering his second year, Bailey, is expected to move into a reserve role after the Jazz selected Darryn Peterson with the second overall pick. The award is often given to a great scorer off the bench, and that’s what Bailey could be. On an improved Jazz team, Bailey could especially have a strong case.
Last season, the 20-year-old averaged 13.8 points in 27.6 minutes. Bailey should receive similar playing time even while coming off the bench, so with improved efficiency, the scoring could increase.
Reed Sheppard, Houston Rockets
Now 22, Reed Sheppard finished sixth in 6MOY voting in 2025-26. After a disappointing rookie year, the 6-foot-2 combo guard showed noticeable Year 2 improvement.
He went from shooting 33.8 percent from the 3-point range in 2024-25 to 39.4 percent last season. Shooting an incredible 52.1 percent from deep in his one season at Kentucky, Sheppard can improve his accuracy even further. If that's the case, he could be at the forefront of the Sixth Man of the Year race.
Jrue Holiday, Portland Trail Blazers
Jrue Holiday has started in 92.4 percent of his regular season games in his 17-year career. Portland is expected to start a backcourt of Ja Morant and Damian Lillard, which would put Holiday in a reserve role.
Whether that lasts all season due to size and defensive concerns remains to be seen. Even at 36, Holiday should still play a large role because of this. Last season, he averaged 16.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.1 assists.
Ajay Mitchell, Oklahoma City Thunder
The 38th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, Mitchell has significantly overachieved when compared to his draft standing. He finished fifth in 6MOY voting last season, and the 24-year-old could get even more playing time with Luguentz Dort, Isaiah Joe, and Aaron Wigginsall traded by the Thunder this offseason.
In 2025-26, Mitchell averaged 13.6 points in the regular season and 15.1 in the postseason. He posts solid steal rates and has quickly become an above-average perimeter defender.
Overall, while Ayo is one of the most talented bench players, the competition will be stiff for him to bring home an award.
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