We are witnessing a seismic shift in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting. The criteria for the award are evolving in tandem with the game's changing dynamics, marking a departure from the days when prolific bench scorers like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams dominated the scene. Combined, Crawford and Williams secured the award six times, underscoring the historical emphasis on scoring prowess off the bench. However, recent trends suggest a broader evaluation of what it means to be the NBA's best sixth man.
A Changing Paradigm
Half of the past 20 Sixth Man of the Year winners led the league in bench scoring, a testament to the award's traditional focus. Yet, the 2022-23 season saw Malcolm Brogdon claim the title despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This shift indicates a growing appreciation for comprehensive contributions beyond just points.
Naz Reid's triumph further exemplifies this evolution. Reid, who won the award despite ranking 12th in scoring among players with at least 30 bench appearances, is only the third center to earn this accolade in NBA history. He joins Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who were the only other centers to have won the award in the past two decades. To win again, Reid faces significant challenges, as noted by commentators: "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."
Undeniable Impact
Josh Hart's impressive performance is another case of broader contributions influencing Sixth Man discussions. From February 1 through the end of last season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game, providing immense value on both ends of the floor. His significance was further highlighted in the playoffs, where he averaged 46.4 minutes across New York's first nine games.
Despite his versatility, Hart jokingly dismissed the idea of playing at the center position in response to Mitchell Robinson's unavailability, tweeting, "I am a 1-4, not a center." This humorous take underscores the complexity of fulfilling multiple roles on a team. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," echoed observers, encapsulating Hart's all-encompassing utility.
Emerging Contenders
While Hart and Reid represent the evolving dynamics of the Sixth Man role, other potential contenders are emerging. Malik Monk, for example, holds odds of +575 to win the award, while Reid's odds stand at +700. Grayson Allen also finds himself in the conversation with +1000 odds.
Moreover, the Dallas Mavericks present intriguing narratives with Tim Hardaway Jr. Historically, he has garnered Sixth Man votes in Dallas, and now Jaden Hardy, who earned postseason minutes in his second year, might be in line to follow suit.
Final Thoughts
The Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing a remarkable transformation. No longer solely the domain of high-scoring bench players, it increasingly recognizes those who bring multifaceted contributions to their teams. As the game continues to evolve, so too will the interpretation and celebration of what makes a great sixth man. This evolution not only enriches the narrative surrounding the award but also enhances our appreciation for the diverse talents and crucial roles these players embody on the court.