Updated odds for the Sixth Man of the Year award: Shepard tied for second in the league, Heat's tough player leads as the favorite

As of November 28th Beijing time, the updated odds for the Sixth Man of the Year show Rockets rookie Shepard and Thunder's Ajayi Mitchell tied for second place, with Heat's tough player Caleb Haks leading the pack. The detailed odds and rankings are as follows—

1. Caleb Haks (+275), 2. Shepard and Ajayi Mitchell (both +750), 4. Jerami Grant (+1200), 5. Okongwu and Grimes (both +1600).

So far this season, Shepard averages 14.3 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game, shooting 48.8% from the field and 45.5% from three-point range. He has played 14 games off the bench and started the last two. Although his scoring increased to 19 points per game as a starter, his shooting efficiency dropped to 41.2% overall and 29.4% from beyond the arc. With Durant’s return expected, Shepard is likely to return to the bench and continue his role as the sixth man.

Sharing second place with Shepard, Ajayi Mitchell perfectly represents the Thunder’s roster depth. Despite Jalen Williams missing many games due to injury, Mitchell stepped up as a crucial scoring option for the team.

This season, Ajayi Mitchell is averaging 15.9 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game, with a shooting percentage of 46.4% and three-point accuracy of 33.3%. He has started 5 games and come off the bench in 14. Unlike Shepard, Mitchell performs better as a starter, shooting 50% overall and 46.7% from three, compared to 45.1% and 29.4% respectively when coming off the bench.

The current frontrunner for the Sixth Man of the Year is Heat’s tough player Caleb Haks, who is averaging 16.2 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game this season, shooting 53% from the field and 21.9% from three-point range. In all 19 games he has played, Haks has come off the bench and has become a key factor in the Heat’s season surpassing expectations.

Do you think Shepard has a chance to win the Sixth Man of the Year award? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.