The sixth man in the NBA is a player designed to inject life into the starting lineup. The profile of the ideal sixth man is usually a fast-paced player, someone who grabs the attention of the opposing team through explosive offense. This is usually generated through the skill of that player, almost outside of the offensive design that the starters use throughout the season.
Players like Jamal Crawford, Eric Gordon, and Lou Williams have or are currently making a living as a sixth man. Jason Terry and Lamar Odom were sixth men of the past that excelled on championship teams as offensive creators.