The landscape of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing a profound transformation, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the game. Once dominated by prolific bench scorers like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who together secured the accolade six times, the criteria for winning seem to be shifting.
Historically, it was commonplace for the award to go to the season's leading bench scorers, with half of the past 20 winners fitting this profile. However, recent seasons have evidenced a departure from this trend, suggesting a broader evaluation of overall impact rather than just scoring prowess.
A New Kind of Winner
In the 2022-23 season, Malcolm Brogdon emerged as the award recipient, despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This departure from the traditional scoring-focused criteria underlines a significant shift in how voters are assessing candidates. Yet, it was the victory of Naz Reid that truly accentuated this trend. Reid, ranking 12th among players in bench scoring for those who appeared off the bench at least 30 times, defied the odds to secure the honor.
Reid's win marks him as only the third center in NBA history to take home this award, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, both of whom achieved this feat in the past two decades. His victory signals a broadening perspective on the contributions of bench players, considering factors beyond points per game.
Shifting Bench Dynamics
Looking forward, Malik Monk, Naz Reid, and Grayson Allen are among the frontrunners for the Sixth Man award, with odds of +575, +700, and +1000 respectively. However, the unique circumstances contributing to Reid’s win may not be easily replicated. As one analyst 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 insight underscores the unpredictability and the specific conditions that allowed Reid to shine, illustrating the fine margins that often define the race for this accolade.
The New York Challenge
Within the crowded landscape of Sixth Man competitors, Josh Hart has emerged as a pivotal figure for the New York Knicks. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and an impressive 46.4 minutes per game during New York’s first nine playoff games, Hart’s versatility has made him indispensable.
Despite his impactful play, questions remain about his fit for the Sixth Man role amidst a roster loaded with talent. One commentator summed up the sentiment: "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York."
Hart himself added a touch of humor to the conversation on Twitter, suggesting he is more suited to positions 1-4 rather than center, a light-hearted response to news of Mitchell Robinson’s unavailability at the season’s start. Nonetheless, fans can expect head coach Tom Thibodeau to continue utilizing Hart’s full range of capabilities. As one observer quipped, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Emerging Candidates
Beyond the established stars, younger players like the Mavericks' Jaden Hardy are beginning to make their mark. Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in just his second year, exemplifies the kind of emerging talent that could shape the future of this award.
Another name to watch in Dallas is Tim Hardaway Jr., a perennial contender garnering Sixth Man votes in previous seasons. These players symbolize the ever-changing nature of NBA rosters and the multitude of factors that contribute to a successful bench unit.
In sum, the evolution of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award highlights a broadening appreciation for the multifaceted roles bench players fulfill. As the criteria continue to shift, recognizing not only scoring but also overall impact and versatility, the award promises to remain one of the most intriguing and unpredictable honors in professional basketball.