As the dynamics of the NBA evolve, so does the narrative surrounding the coveted Sixth Man of the Year award. Historically, the accolade was the realm of prolific scorers off the bench, with legends like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams cementing their legacies with a combined six wins. In fact, half of the past 20 recipients were the season's leading bench scorers. However, the 2022-23 season marked a departure from this trend, embodied by Malcolm Brogdon's triumph despite finishing fifth in bench scoring.
Changing Criteria
This past season underscored the shifting criteria in the award's voting process. The selection of Naz Reid—a player who ranked 12th in bench scoring among those who came off the bench at least 30 times—was a testament to the evolving metrics of contribution. Remarkably, Reid is only the third center in NBA history to win the award, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who achieved the feat in the past two decades.
The Rise of Naz Reid
Reid's win wasn't just about his scoring. It highlighted his overall impact and versatility, factors becoming increasingly significant in the voting process. Yet, there's skepticism about his ability to repeat this success. One analyst pointed out, "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 York's Conundrum
New York's Josh Hart exemplifies another facet of this evolving landscape. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, Hart was a workhorse. When playoff intensity ratcheted up, Hart played a staggering 46.4 minutes per game over New York's first nine postseason games. Despite his versatility, skepticism remains about his ability to vie for the award. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," observed an insider.
Hart himself lightheartedly engaged with fans on social media, tweeting, "I am a 1-4, not a center," after news broke that Mitchell Robinson would miss the start of the season. Nonetheless, under Tom Thibodeau's notoriously demanding coaching style, Hart's broad skill set will likely be put to the test yet again. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," another analyst quipped.
Future Contenders
Looking at potential future winners, Malik Monk, Reid, and Grayson Allen emerge as frontrunners with betting odds of +575, +700, and +1000 respectively. Monk's candidacy is particularly keen, as his dynamic playmaking and scoring from the bench make him a standout. On the other hand, Reid will need not just consistency but perhaps another fortuitous turn of events to replicate his success. Grayson Allen's sharp shooting and defensive work rate place him in solid contention, albeit as a dark horse.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, two players have consistently captured the voter's attention. Jaden Hardy is earning more minutes entering his sophomore season, showcasing a promising growth trajectory. Tim Hardaway Jr., who has traditionally received Sixth Man votes, also remains a player to watch, further underlining Dallas' depth.
Conclusion
The evolving criteria for the Sixth Man of the Year award mirror larger trends within the NBA. While scoring remains a fundamental element, broader contributions such as versatility, defensive impact, and sheer endurance are garnering increased recognition. As teams and roles continue to evolve, so will the profiles of those vying for this prestigious accolade.