The landscape of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing significant changes, and recent trends suggest a shift in the criteria voters use to determine the winner. Historically, the award has been dominated by prolific bench scorers, with players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams setting the standard. Crawford and Williams collectively secured the award six times, reflecting the traditional emphasis on scoring prowess off the bench.
However, the 2022-23 season has signaled a turning point. Malcolm Brogdon's victory, despite finishing only fifth in bench scoring for the season, suggests that voters are considering a broader range of contributions beyond just scoring. Perhaps an even more telling sign of this shift was Naz Reid's win. Ranked 12th in scoring among players with at least 30 appearances off the bench, Reid's victory underscores that impactful play in various aspects of the game is gaining recognition.
Reevaluating Bench Impact
Naz Reid's win is notable for several reasons. As the third center in NBA history to secure the Sixth Man of the Year award, following Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom in the last two decades, Reid's achievement highlights the evolving role of bench players. Centers traditionally focus more on defense and rebounding rather than scoring, suggesting that a more holistic view of player contributions is taking hold.
According to one basketball analyst, "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 comment indicates that circumstances also played a key role in Reid’s award-winning performance, reflecting the unpredictable nature of sports accolades.
Spotlight on Josh Hart
Another player who has shown remarkable versatility is Josh Hart. From February 1 through the end of last season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game, a testament to his endurance and importance to his team. His value was further highlighted during New York's playoff run, where he averaged an astounding 46.4 minutes per game over the first nine matches.
Despite these contributions, some remain skeptical about his chances for the Sixth Man award. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," remarked a commentator, pointing out the challenge of standing out in a crowded rotation. Hart's own humor shone through when he tweeted, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in response to the news of Mitchell Robinson not being ready for the beginning of the season. This was followed by, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," acknowledging the heavy load placed on him by his coach.
Future Contenders
Looking ahead, a few players are emerging as potential candidates for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Malik Monk, with odds of +575, is considered a strong contender, as is Naz Reid with odds of +700. Grayson Allen, holding odds of +1000, is also among the top prospects. Additionally, the Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, who earned valuable playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who has historically garnered votes for the award in Dallas, are worth keeping an eye on.
This evolving landscape of the Sixth Man of the Year voting reflects the NBA's broader changes. As the game continues to evolve, so too do the metrics by which players are judged. Whether it’s through scoring, defense, or versatility, it is clear that the criteria for excellence from the bench are expanding. This shift not only broadens the pool of potential winners but also enhances the recognition of various ways in which players can contribute to their teams' successes.
In conclusion, the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award is no longer solely about who can light up the scoreboard. As voters and analysts continue to appreciate the multifaceted roles that bench players can fulfill, the award's future winners might increasingly reflect the diversity and dynamism that define today's NBA.