The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing a transformation as the evolving dynamics of the game redefine what it means to be the best player coming off the bench. For years, the accolade was largely dominated by prolific scorers like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who together secured the title six times. Traditionally, bench players leading in scoring for a season clinched the award, with half of the past 20 winners fitting this profile. However, recent seasons are showcasing a shift in voting patterns and criteria.
The Changing Landscape
Malcolm Brogdon, who won the award in the 2022-23 season, finished fifth in bench scoring—a departure from the historical precedent. Even more surprising was Naz Reid's victory, despite ranking 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. Reid’s win marked a notable shift, emphasizing contributions beyond mere points per game. He became only the third center in NBA history to claim the award, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who achieved similar milestones in the past two decades.
Evolving Criteria
This change signifies that the voters are increasingly valuing versatility and impact over simple scoring prowess. For instance, Josh Hart has been an instrumental figure for the New York Knicks. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart's contribution exemplifies the evolving standard. However, some sports analysts caution about New York’s roster density. As one analyst remarked, "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York."
Quote Insights
In assessing the potential for Naz Reid to win the award again, one analyst noted, "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 sentiment underscores the unpredictability and contingency factors that might influence future winners. Reid's adaptability also came into play as Josh Hart joked on Twitter, "I am a 1-4, not a center," after learning that Mitchell Robinson would miss the start of the season, humorously hinting at the versatile roles players are expected to fill. Another analyst added, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," emphasizing the demanding coaching strategies that can influence player performance.
Current Contenders
Looking ahead to the upcoming season, the odds for potential Sixth Man of the Year winners are already a hot topic among sports bettors and analysts. Malik Monk, with odds of +575, stands as a leading contender. Naz Reid follows with odds of +700, while Grayson Allen holds odds of +1000. The Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., known for garnering Sixth Man votes in Dallas, also remain in the conversation.
The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is clearly in the midst of an evolution, reflecting the broader transformations within the game itself. Versatility, adaptability, and all-around impact are becoming essential criteria, moving beyond the traditional emphasis on scoring. As the league continues to change, so too will the benchmarks for this prestigious award, making future races all the more intriguing for fans and analysts alike.