The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has always been a beacon of recognition for those players who bring unparalleled energy and scoring prowess off the bench. However, the landscape of this prestigious award appears to be undergoing a significant transformation.
Changing Criteria in Sixth Man Voting
Traditionally, the accolade was dominated by prolific scorers who electrified fans and provided crucial points when starting lineups needed relief. Icons like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams epitomized this role, combined they clinched the award six times. Indeed, half of the past 20 winners led the season in bench scoring, underscoring the historical emphasis on offensive firepower.
But recent trends indicate that voters are expanding their criteria beyond just point production. Malcolm Brogdon's victory in the 2022-23 season, despite finishing only fifth in bench scoring, signals this shift. It suggests that factors such as overall impact, efficiency, and versatility are increasingly valued.
Naz Reid's Unconventional Win
Naz Reid's win also highlights this evolution. Finishing 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, Reid's adaptability and defensive presence may have contributed to his recognition. Remarkably, he became just the third center in NBA history to claim the award, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom from the past two decades.
"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," a source remarked. This statement highlights the unique circumstances that allowed Reid to shine, combined with a competitive yet somewhat fortuitous environment.
Josh Hart's Unusual Role
Meanwhile, Josh Hart's journey offers another intriguing narrative. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and an astounding 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart has proven his stamina and versatility.
"Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," an observer noted regarding Hart's role. Despite his considerable minutes, his diverse responsibilities may prevent him from fitting neatly into the traditional Sixth Man mold. Hart himself acknowledged his expansive role humorously on Twitter, stating, "I am a 1-4, not a center," amidst concerns over Mitchell Robinson's availability.
"Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," captures the essence of Hart's versatility and the coaching approach that maximizes his utility.
Emerging Contenders
Looking ahead, several players are emerging as contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Malik Monk currently holds odds of +575, Naz Reid follows closely with +700, and Grayson Allen trails at +1000. These odds reflect not only their individual talents but also the dynamics within their respective teams.
The Dallas Mavericks' Jaden Hardy also presents a compelling case, having earned significant playoff minutes in his second year. Tim Hardaway Jr., another Maverick, has historically garnered Sixth Man votes, underscoring Dallas' depth in potential award candidates.
As the criteria for the Sixth Man of the Year award continue to evolve, it's clear that versatility, defensive prowess, and overall impact are becoming as crucial as scoring ability. This shift not only broadens the pool of potential winners but also enriches the narrative surrounding one of the NBA's most dynamic and celebrated awards.