The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has long celebrated the bench players who excel in scoring and inject energy into their teams. Historically, this accolade has been dominated by prolific scorers such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who combined to win the award six times. These players exemplified the traditional image of a Sixth Man: the leading bench scorer whose offensive prowess could change games. However, recent seasons have hinted at a significant shift in the criteria for this prestigious title.
Changing Dynamics of the Sixth Man Role
The 2022-23 season's winner, Malcolm Brogdon, signaled the beginning of this shift. Brogdon finished fifth in bench scoring, yet he still secured the award. This marked a departure from the norm, where half of the past 20 winners were the season's leading bench scorers. The game's evolving dynamics mean that impactful contributions are being recognized beyond just scoring.
The evolution continued with Naz Reid's victory. Reid, a center, finished the season ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. His win is even more noteworthy as he is only the third center in NBA history to be named Sixth Man of the Year, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who won the award in the past two decades.
Reid’s Impact and Future Prospects
Reid's win suggests that the voters now appreciate versatility and the capacity to make substantial two-way contributions. This season, he holds odds of +700 to claim the award again. However, his path to a consecutive title is uncertain. As one analyst put it, "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."
Rising Contenders and Returning Veterans
This upcoming season witnesses several strong contenders vying for the Sixth Man title. Malik Monk has odds of +575 to win the award, indicating significant confidence in his ability to excel off the bench. Grayson Allen is not far behind, with odds of +1000. These players' odds highlight their potential to make critical contributions in pivotal moments.
Another interesting case is that of Josh Hart, who demonstrated his immense value in the latter part of last season. Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through season's end, becoming a linchpin for his team. Furthermore, he averaged an astounding 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. Despite Hart’s extensive minutes, one commentator noted that "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," suggesting that his chances might be hampered not by his talent but by the abundance of other key players on his team.
Interestingly, Hart himself acknowledged his versatile role on social media, humorously remarking, "I am a 1-4, not a center," following news of Mitchell Robinson’s unavailability at the season opener. Yet, under coach Tom Thibodeau's system, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything." This adaptability might bolster Hart’s candidacy as it underscores his multifaceted capabilities.
Veteran Presence Remains Strong
The Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, also presents an intriguing case. Meanwhile, veteran Tim Hardaway Jr., known for garnering Sixth Man votes in Dallas, continues to be a potential candidate. Both players symbolize the blend of emerging talent and seasoned experience that keeps the competition for the Sixth Man of the Year award exciting and unpredictable.
In inspecting these changes, it is evident that the Sixth Man of the Year award is no longer solely about scoring. The NBA's landscape continues to evolve, and with it, the parameters of excellence shift. Versatility, team impact, and the ability to perform under pressure are now critical metrics of success. Fans and analysts alike will watch with bated breath to see who the next standout off the bench will be. The season promises a thrilling display of talent from those who make their mark beyond the starting five.