The Sixth Man of the Year award in the NBA is always a very fun award going into every season. This award goes to the best bench player throughout the season, and we typically see that go to someone who has a very high impact on the offensive end.

This article highlights what players have started the season as the front-runners for this award, 20 games into the season.

Jerami Grant

Grant is thriving in his newfound role as a sixth man for the Portland trailblazers and he has every chance to find himself winning this award come season's end.

He is so far averaging 19 points per game for the Blazers while shooting an outstanding 40% from three. This high average is above anyone on this list, and scoring is always a top factor for the winner of the award.

Grant has started a few games because of some injuries, but if he continues to put up these numbers while qualifying for Sixth Man of the Year, he will have a very strong case.

Ajay Mitchell

OKC Thunder new new-found weapon off the bench has come out of nowhere this year. Mitchell has been an important scoring plug for the Thunder for their historic 19-1 start to the season.

Mitchell is currently averaging 15 points along with four assists per game. He currently sits as the third-best scorer for the Thunder.

The second-year guard has been a top option, but now with star Jalen Williams back, his production will be expected to go down, which can hurt his case.

Jaime Jaquez Jrn

The current favourite for Sixth Man of the Year has been quite unbelievable so far for the Miami Heat. Miami have been playing at a faster pace, and it suits Jaquez's game style to perfection.

He is currently averaging 16 points per game, but along with this, he averages six rebounds and five assists. His case is very strong as he has an impact all around and not just in the scoring aspect of the game.

Quentin Grimes

Grimes has been continuing his hot form from the end of the last season to begin this year for the 76ers. So far, he is averaging 16 points with four assists per game off the bench.

He has been very important for the 76ers, especially through all the injuries that they have had. If these injuries persist throughout the year, then Grimes' role will be important, meaning he would be in contention for this award.

Reed Sheppard

The second-year guard has really brought himself into his role off the bench as a scorer and playmaker for the Houston Rockets.

Sheppard currently averages 14 points per game, which is the least out of anyone, but his efficiency has been insane, especially from the three-point line at 45%. He had a slow start to the season, but he has really picked up his performance as of late.

If he continues to thrive on a top-seeded team, Sheppard is going to make a very strong case for the award.

Onyeka Okongwu

The Hawks' big man has been unreal to begin the season for the Hawks. His scoring ability as a big man is really important to him being a great player.

He is averaging 16 points per game with seven rebounds, but what's more unbelievable is his improved three-point shooting. He now shoots 41% from three on the season.

He has started in a lot of the games due to Porzingis' injuries, and if that continues, he may not qualify for the award.