We are witnessing a seismic shift in the way NBA Sixth Man of the Year is being voted on, as the criteria for the award evolve with the changing dynamics of the game. Historically, this award has been dominated by prolific scorers coming off the bench, with legends like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams setting the standard. Together, Crawford and Williams have clinched the award six times, becoming synonymous with the concept of the high-scoring sixth man.
The past two decades have seen half of the Sixth Man of the Year winners being the season's leading bench scorers. This has underscored the traditional wisdom that scoring prowess from the bench is the key criterion for winning the award. However, recent developments suggest a broader evaluation of a player's contributions beyond just points.
A New Wave
Malcolm Brogdon's win in the 2022-23 season marked a notable departure from the norm. Despite finishing only fifth in bench scoring, Brogdon's holistic impact on the game earned him this accolade. This shift was further highlighted when Naz Reid won the award, despite being ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. Reid’s win also made him the third center in NBA history to claim the award, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who secured the honor in the past two decades.
Reid's win is emblematic of the evolving criteria. A center, traditionally a position not focused on scoring, being recognized signals a broader appreciation of contributions such as defense, rebounding, and facilitating team play.
The Complicated Path to Winning Again
Looking ahead, Reid's chances of a repeat victory are under scrutiny. “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,” one analyst pointed out. Given the unpredictable nature of injuries and the competitive field, Reid’s path to another win is fraught with challenges, despite his proven capabilities.
Competition Heats Up
Several other candidates are emerging as strong contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year. Malik Monk, with odds of +575, looks poised for a meaningful impact. Naz Reid himself holds odds of +700, underscoring his potential despite the hurdles. Grayson Allen’s odds stand at +1000, indicating a competitive field.
New York's Unique Strategy
Josh Hart of the New York Knicks exemplifies the complexity of assessing Sixth Man contributions. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and an intense 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart has proven his versatility and endurance. However, jokingly noting on Twitter that he is a "1-4, not a center," Hart highlights the diverse roles played by Knicks players under coach Tom Thibodeau. “Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything,” encapsulates this flexible but demanding approach.
Assessing the likelihood of another standout performance from Hart, one expert mentioned, "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," suggesting that the Knicks' depth might limit his standout opportunities.
Historical Context and Future Prospects
Examining the Dallas Mavericks, Jaden Hardy’s emergence is noteworthy. Earning playoff minutes in just his second year, Hardy’s development is a positive sign for the Mavericks' bench strength. Tim Hardaway Jr., a seasoned contender for the Sixth Man award, remains a significant presence, reflecting Dallas' depth and competitive edge.
As the Sixth Man of the Year award continues to evolve, recognizing multifaceted contributions over mere scoring tallies, the field becomes increasingly competitive. Criteria expansions may also see more versatile and defensively robust players like Reid and Hart contending alongside traditional high scorers.
This evolving landscape signifies not only a shift in how we view bench contributions but also a deeper understanding of basketball’s changing dynamics. With each season, the award not only honors individual excellence but also mirrors the broader transformations within the sport.