The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award, historically dominated by high-scoring guards, is undergoing a significant transformation. This shift reflects the evolving dynamics of the modern game, as evidenced by recent award winners and the changing criteria voters now consider.
Traditionally, prolific scorers from the bench have been the frontrunners for the Sixth Man honor. Players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams epitomized this trend, combining to win the award six times between them. Such players often led the league in bench scoring, a statistic that half of the past 20 winners have also topped. However, recent seasons reveal a departure from this norm, pointing towards a broader evaluation of a player's overall impact.
Reevaluating the Bench's Role
The 2022-23 NBA season saw Malcolm Brogdon capture the award, despite finishing just fifth in bench scoring. Brogdon's recognition highlights a growing appreciation for versatile contributions beyond mere point totals. More dramatically, Naz Reid clinched the Sixth Man title despite ranking 12th in bench scoring among players who appeared off the bench at least 30 times. Reid's win underscores a shift in the perception of what constitutes valuable bench play. He is also only the third center in history to win the award, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom in this select group over the past two decades.
Challenges in Maintaining the Crown
Looking ahead, Reid's chances of repeating as Sixth Man seem uphill. "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," an observer noted. This perspective highlights the precarious nature of his position within a stacked Minnesota frontcourt and the variable landscape of the award's typical contenders.
Meanwhile, Josh Hart presents a compelling case in New York. Despite averaging nearly 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in the Knicks' first nine playoff games, his situational versatility could be a double-edged sword. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," another analyst opined, alluding to the competitive environment within the Knicks roster. Hart himself light-heartedly weighed in on social media, joking, "I am a 1-4, not a center," referring to the possibility of him being used in various roles by Coach Tom Thibodeau, "because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Emerging Contenders and the Betting Landscape
The upcoming season's award race features a dynamic mix of potential candidates. Malik Monk is a notable frontrunner with odds of +575, followed by Naz Reid at +700 and Grayson Allen at +1000. Each of these players brings unique strengths to their teams, further complicating predictions.
Among other notable mentions, Jaden Hardy of the Mavericks has potential after earning critical playoff minutes in his second year. Long-standing Sixth Man candidate Tim Hardaway Jr. continues to be a factor in Dallas, highlighting the consistent impact he provides off the bench.
This evolving landscape of the Sixth Man of the Year award reflects a broader appreciation for diverse skill sets and contributions beyond scoring. The recognition of players like Brogdon and Reid shows that voters are increasingly valuing versatility and impact over sheer point totals. As the NBA continues to evolve, so too does the criteria by which its best players are judged, ensuring the Sixth Man of the Year remains one of the league's most intriguing accolades.