The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has long been a badge of honor for the most impactful player coming off the bench, often reserved for the league's prolific scorers. Historically, names like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams dominated this award, collectively winning it six times and setting the bar for future candidates. However, as the dynamics of the game evolve, so does the criteria for this prestigious accolade.
A Shifting Paradigm
Traditionally, leading bench scorers were prime candidates for this honor, with half of the past 20 winners fitting this profile. However, the recent victory of Malcolm Brogdon for the 2022-23 season signals a shift. Brogdon finished fifth in bench scoring, showcasing that the award is no longer solely about points per game but includes a broader evaluation of overall impact on the court.
The most striking example of this evolving criterion is Naz Reid's triumph. Reid clinched the Sixth Man of the Year despite being ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. This feat makes him only the third center in NBA history to win the award, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom in the last two decades.
The Underdog Story of Reid
Reid's win has sparked discussions about the factors that led to his success. One sports analyst quipped, "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 statement underscores the unlikely nature of Reid's victory and the dependency on various external factors for him to maintain his status.
But Reid is not the only one making waves. Players like Josh Hart have also been putting in noteworthy performances. From February 1 through the end of last season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game and truly shined in the playoffs, where he averaged an astonishing 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine matchups.
The Curious Case of Josh Hart
Hart's versatility and extensive playing time have become a subject of conversation, especially concerning his role in the team. Amid speculation about Mitchell Robinson's availability at the start of the season, Hart humorously noted on Twitter, "Josh Hart joked on Monday that he is a 1-4, not a center, in light of the news that Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the beginning of the season." Yet, it's apparent that head coach Tom Thibodeau has immense trust in Hart, as one pundit observed, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Future Contenders
As we look ahead to the upcoming seasons, the odds for potential contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year reflect the changing landscape. Malik Monk currently holds favorable odds at +575, followed by Naz Reid at +700, and Grayson Allen at +1000. These odds highlight a wide-open field that now values a diverse set of contributions beyond just scoring.
Moreover, younger talents are also stepping up to the plate. The Mavericks' Jaden Hardy has already started earning crucial playoff minutes in just his second year, signaling his potential for future accolades. Tim Hardaway Jr., another Mavs player, has historically garnered Sixth Man votes, demonstrating how Dallas relies on its bench strength.
The Sixth Man of the Year award is transforming from a measure of scoring prowess to a more holistic assessment of a player's impact on the game. As we watch these changes unfold, it’s clear that the race for the NBA’s top bench player will continue to excite and surprise us.