The landscape of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing a notable transformation, reflecting a shift in how the game is played and the evolving criteria for this prestigious accolade. Traditionally, prolific scorers such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who have collectively won the award six times, dominated this category. Indeed, half of the past 20 winners were the leading bench scorers of their respective seasons.
However, recent trends suggest a departure from this historical precedent. Malcolm Brogdon clinched the award in the 2022-23 season, despite finishing only fifth in bench scoring. Even more striking was Naz Reid's win, despite being ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. Reid's achievement is particularly noteworthy as he became only the third center to claim the award, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, both of whom won in the past two decades.
One factor contributing to Reid's success was the circumstance of others around him. As one observer noted, "For Reid to win again, you're relying on either Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns to get injured again, for Reid to thrive again, and for the field to be as weak or weaker than it was a year ago." Reid's victory underscores how the award’s criteria may no longer rest solely on scoring prowess but also on the unique contributions and situational advantages that a player can leverage throughout the season.
The Changing Role of Bench Players
Josh Hart's performance last season further illustrates this evolving dynamic. From February 1 through the end of the season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game, a workload that extended into New York's first nine playoff games, where he averaged 46.4 minutes per game. Given these figures, it's clear that the traditional role of a bench player is shifting towards more substantial and versatile contributions on the court.
Despite these impressive statistics, some analysts remain skeptical about Hart's prospects for the Sixth Man of the Year award. As one insider quipped, "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York." This skepticism was echoed by Hart himself when Mitchell Robinson's early-season unavailability was announced. The versatile Hart humorously remarked on Twitter, "I am a 1-4, not a center," acknowledging the likelihood of being called upon for diverse roles in Tom Thibodeau's system. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," a source elaborated, capturing the demanding expectations placed on Hart.
Future Contenders for the Sixth Man Award
Looking ahead, as betting odds start to paint a picture of potential contenders, Malik Monk stands out with odds of +575. Following closely are Naz Reid with odds of +700, and Grayson Allen at +1000. These odds reflect a recognition of their potential impact based on previous performances and the likelihood of continuing to play pivotal roles off the bench.
Moreover, younger players are beginning to emerge as serious contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year title. The Mavericks' Jaden Hardy earned notable playoff minutes in his second year, showcasing his potential to contribute significantly as he continues to develop. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr., also from Dallas, has consistently garnered votes for the award in past seasons, highlighting the depth of talent that can make a case for this honor.
Conclusion
As the NBA continues to evolve, so too does the criteria for awards like the Sixth Man of the Year. The emphasis is shifting from mere scoring ability to a broader range of contributions and circumstances. Players who can adapt, perform under various conditions, and leverage team dynamics will increasingly become the benchmarks for this recognition. With the likes of Naz Reid and Malcolm Brogdon setting new precedents, the future of the Sixth Man of the Year award promises to be as dynamic and multifaceted as the game itself.