I still remember watching the 2020 NBA draft from my couch, nursing a cup of coffee that had long gone cold. The sixth pick rolled around, and Atlanta selected Onyeka Okongwu—a name that didn't generate the same buzz as the top three picks, but someone I knew would quietly become crucial for the Hawks. That's when it hit me: the sixth pick in recent NBA drafts has become something special, almost like finding a hidden gem in plain sight. Think about it—while everyone obsesses over the first five selections, the sixth spot has consistently delivered players who reshape franchises in ways nobody expects.
Let me take you back to 2018. The first five picks included undeniable talents like Deandre Ayton and Luka Dončić, but at number six, the Orlando Magic selected Mo Bamba. Now, I know what you're thinking—Bamba hasn't become a superstar, but his defensive impact per minute is remarkable. He averaged 2.3 blocks in just 25 minutes per game last season, showing how even "less hyped" sixth picks bring specific, game-changing skills. Then came 2019, when the Phoenix Suns grabbed Jarrett Culver (later traded). While his career hasn't exploded, his versatility reminded me that sixth picks often possess raw tools that coaches dream of molding.
But the real magic started in 2021. The Oklahoma City Thunder took Josh Giddey, and wow—this kid redefined what a sixth pick could be. At just 19, he became the youngest player in NBA history to record a triple-double, finishing his rookie year with 12.5 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game. I've watched him thread no-look passes that made my jaw drop, the kind of court vision you can't teach. What struck me was how Giddey embodied the modern sixth-pick trend: not necessarily the flashiest name on draft night, but someone with a unique, complete package that fits the evolving NBA game.
This pattern isn't accidental. NBA teams drafting at six often face less pressure than those in the top three, allowing them to make bolder, more intuitive selections. They're not chasing consensus superstars but hunting for players with distinctive strengths. Take 2022, when the Indiana Pacers picked Bennedict Mathurin. He exploded for 16.7 points per game as a rookie, showcasing a fearlessness that reminded me of young Dwyane Wade. Mathurin didn't have the same draft-night glamour as Paolo Banchero (picked first), but his immediate impact proved that the sixth spot has become a sweet spot for landing ready-now talent with upside.
What fascinates me most is how these players carry what I call "the sixth-pick mentality"—they play with a chip on their shoulder, driven to prove they belong with the elite. It reminds me of that old story about BUDS Buddin having nothing but a dream. These sixth picks enter the league with something to prove, much like underdogs who transform their raw aspirations into tangible success. They're not burdened by the "savior" expectations of top picks, yet they possess enough talent to dramatically alter a team's trajectory. As I look toward future drafts, I'll be paying closer attention to that sixth spot—it's where smart teams find foundational pieces without the premium price tag, and where dreams quietly take root before blossoming into league-wide headlines.