In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, the criteria for the coveted Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing significant shifts. This evolution mirrors the dynamic nature of the game and the changing roles of players who come off the bench. Historically, the award has been synonymous with prolific bench scorers like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams. Between them, they dominated the award, clinching it a combined six times. Notably, half of the past 20 winners led bench scorers for their respective seasons.
A case in point is Malcolm Brogdon, who won the Sixth Man of the Year award for the 2022-23 season despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This trend of recognizing impactful but not necessarily leading scorers continued with Naz Reid. Reid's victory is even more surprising as he ranked 12th among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. His win signifies a broader understanding and appreciation for the multifaceted contributions of bench players beyond scoring.
The Rise of Centers
Reid's achievement is particularly noteworthy as he becomes only the third center in NBA history to win the award, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who won it in the past two decades. This reflects a growing recognition of the diverse roles that bench players can play. For Reid to replicate his success, certain conditions might need to be met. 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."
New Contenders
Looking at other strong candidates, Malik Monk holds odds of +575 to clinch the award, while Reid follows closely with odds of +700. Grayson Allen is also in the running with odds of +1000. The competition is fierce, with various players bringing unique strengths and narratives to the table.
One interesting narrative is that of Josh Hart. Despite averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, Hart found himself in a unique position. He joked on Twitter Monday about his role, saying he is a "1-4, not a center," given the news that Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the beginning of the season. Hart's versatility was further highlighted during New York's playoff run, where he averaged a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in the first nine games. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," commented an insider, emphasizing the depth and talent in the Knicks' roster. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," they added, underscoring Hart's jack-of-all-trades role under the Knicks' head coach.
Established Names and Emerging Talents
Then there's the case of the Dallas Mavericks, where Jaden Hardy earned playoff minutes in his second year, showcasing his potential as a future Sixth Man contender. Veterans like Tim Hardaway Jr. have historically garnered votes for the award, adding to the mix of experienced players and rising stars vying for the honor.
As the Sixth Man of the Year award continues to evolve, it is becoming clear that scoring prowess is no longer the sole criterion for consideration. Players who provide impactful contributions in various facets of the game are gaining recognition, reflecting a more holistic approach to assessing the value of those coming off the bench. This shift not only broadens the scope of potential awardees but also enriches the narrative of NBA seasons, highlighting the depth and versatility essential for championship-contending teams.
Ultimately, the changing dynamics around the Sixth Man of the Year award offer a fascinating glimpse into the evolving priorities of the NBA. As the league continues to grow and adapt, so too do the accolades and the stories of the players who earn them, making each season a fresh chapter in the ever-compelling saga of professional basketball.