What a Shame! Zhang Ning Averaged 16 PPG Last Season but Misses Sixth Man Award — Jia Mingru Makes the Cut with 10.7 PPG

On April 26, the Chinese Basketball Association officially announced its Regular Season Sixth Man of the Year, awarding the honor to Jia Mingru of Shanxi.

Jia appeared in 40 games this season, coming off the bench in 24 of them, averaging 25.9 minutes, 10.7 points, 1.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 0.5 steals per game. His efficiency stood out, with a 47.9% field goal percentage and an impressive 44.2% from three-point range. As a key rotational player, his consistent scoring and stability off the bench played a crucial role in his selection.

However, the result has sparked debate. His teammate Zhang Ning was widely expected to win the award, having averaged 16 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, with significant contributions in a hybrid role.

Veteran Ren Junfei was also in contention, featuring in 38 games with only two starts, maintaining a classic sixth-man profile.

The award is decided by votes from 20 head coaches, focusing on impact and role rather than raw statistics. While Zhang’s numbers were stronger, his controversial fouls during the season may have influenced voting decisions.

Ultimately, Jia Mingru’s consistency and role-specific value secured him the award, highlighting the importance of efficiency and reliability in bench contributions.