Jamal Crawford Sixth Man of the Year
The only player to win the award three times with one team, defining the Clippers' bench culture.
The Sixth Man of the Year award is one of the NBA's most prestigious individual honors, recognizing the league's top reserve player who provides a crucial spark off the bench. For the Los Angeles Clippers, this accolade is inextricably linked to Jamal Crawford, whose electrifying scoring ability and clutch performances defined an era for the franchise. Winning the award three times while wearing the red, white, and blue jersey, Crawford set a modern record that cements his legacy as the greatest sixth man in team history.
- Player
- Jamal Crawford
- Team Affiliation
- Los Angeles Clippers
- Award Count with Team
- 3
- Seasons Won
- 2009-10, 2013-14, 2015-16
- Total NBA Sixth Man Awards
- 3 (Career Record)
- Status
- Retired from Play; Honored Legend
Lore & Background
When Jamal Crawford arrived in Los Angeles, he brought a unique brand of offense that changed how the Clippers viewed their reserves. His ability to hit game-winning shots and create offense out of thin air earned him his first Sixth Man of the Year award, a feat that seemed impossible for a player coming off the bench in a league dominated by starters.
In Their Own Story
The Staples Center hummed with anticipation, the crowd rising to its feet as the buzzer approached. With seconds left on the clock, Jamal Crawford caught the inbound pass in his signature spot—the deep corner. The defense collapsed, but he didn't hesitate. He dribbled once, rose smoothly, and released the ball. It swished through the net, silencing the arena and sending a roar through the Clippers' faithful. In that moment, the jersey number 11 wasn't just a player; it was the heartbeat of the team's spirit.
Reader's Guide
Jamal Crawford's statistical dominance as a reserve is unparalleled in franchise history. He holds the record for most Sixth Man of the Year awards won by a single player while with one organization, achieving this feat three times. His official recognitions include: - 2010 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (First time) - 2014 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (Second time) - 2016 NBA Sixth Man of the Year (Third time, tying then breaking the record)
Crawford's impact is further highlighted by his scoring averages during these seasons, often leading all NBA reserves in points per game. His ability to enter games and immediately alter the offensive flow made him a tactical weapon for coaches Doc Rivers and Mike D'Antoni. The guide to his legacy includes his induction into the conversation for the 50 Greatest Clippers of All Time, where his bench contributions are cited as foundational to the team's modern identity. No other reserve in NBA history has matched this level of sustained excellence with a single franchise.
Did You Know?
- Jamal Crawford is the only player in NBA history to win the Sixth Man of the Year award three times with the same team.
- He won his first award in 2010, just one year after joining the Clippers, immediately establishing himself as a franchise icon.
- Crawford's third win in 2016 made him the all-time leader for Sixth Man awards at that time, a record he still holds today.
- His signature 'Crawford Corner' three-pointer became a trademark of his playing style and is often cited as one of the most iconic moves from the bench.