In recent years, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has undergone a significant transformation. Traditionally, the award honored bench players who made hefty scoring contributions, often valuing prolific point production above all else. This approach consistently celebrated players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who together clinched the accolade six times. However, the evolving dynamics of the game have introduced new criteria and opened doors for players excelling beyond mere scoring.
For years, half of the past 20 winners were the top bench scorers for their respective seasons. This trend underscored the importance of point accumulation. Yet, the 2022-23 season marked a noticeable shift in this convention. Malcolm Brogdon's victory as Sixth Man of the Year, despite finishing just fifth in bench scoring, signaled a broader appreciation for versatility and impact.
Award Goes Beyond Scorers
The case of Naz Reid further exemplifies this shift. Reid, a center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, secured the award even though he ranked 12th in scoring among players coming off the bench at least 30 times. Remarkably, Reid's victory made him only the third center in NBA history to receive this honor, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom as the only big men to win in the last two decades. His win demonstrates a growing acknowledgment of other facets of the game such as defense, efficiency, and adaptability.
However, Reid's future as a repeat winner is subject to many variables. An industry expert 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." This sentiment speaks to the unpredictable nature of the award, where situational advantages can play a pivotal role.
Changing Landscape
The competition for Sixth Man of the Year often includes players who excel under unique circumstances or in specific roles. Josh Hart, renowned for his hustle and versatility, averaged just below 40 minutes per game beginning February 1 through the conclusion of last season. During the playoffs, his average surged to an astonishing 46.4 minutes per game over New York's first nine games. Yet his increased workload and hybrid role draw skepticism about his chance to clinch the award.
Hart himself humorously addressed his evolving responsibilities, tweeting, "I am a 1-4, not a center," upon learning of teammate Mitchell Robinson's preseason unavailability. This ambiguity in roles plays a critical part in assessing potential award candidates. Another expert highlighted the challenge, saying, "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York." As coach Tom Thibodeau is known for demanding versatility from his players, Hart's multifaceted role might be a blessing and a curse.
Odds and Contenders
The betting odds for potential winners reveal a diverse field of strong candidates. Malik Monk stands with odds of +575, indicating solid confidence from oddsmakers. Not far behind, Naz Reid holds odds of +700, reflecting both last season's win and the uncertainties surrounding his upcoming performance. Grayson Allen and Mavericks' standout Jaden Hardy also appear in the conversation, both of whom have shown flashes of brilliance.
Dallas' Tim Hardaway Jr. has also historically attracted Sixth Man votes, demonstrating the Mavs' depth and potential impact. His experience and scoring knack ensure he remains a noteworthy contender. Yet, as the profiles of these players illustrate, contemporary criteria for the Sixth Man of the Year increasingly incorporate elements beyond scoring.
The evolving shooter preferences, defensive capabilities, and role fluidity are reshaping the recognition of bench players in the NBA. As the league continues to progress, the significance of multifaceted contributions is expected to become even more pronounced. Whether it will be Hart's tenacity, Reid's adaptability, or another player's unexpected rise, the Sixth Man of the Year award remains one of the most intriguing plots unfolding in professional basketball.