The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing a transformation, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the modern game. Historically, the award was dominated by prolific scoring guards such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who together secured the honor six times. Indeed, half of the past 20 winners were the leading bench scorers for their respective seasons. However, recent trends indicate a shift in both criteria and recipients.
Award Criteria Evolution
Take Malcolm Brogdon's win in the 2022-23 season, for instance. Brogdon, though a significant contributor, only ranked fifth in bench scoring that year. This deviation from traditional scoring dominance marks a noteworthy change. Even more surprising was Naz Reid's victory. Reid ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times yet still captured the prestigious honor. This unprecedented win also made Reid the third center in NBA history to receive the award, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom.
Changing Dynamics in Team Roles
The evolving role of bench players is another factor influencing the award's new trajectory. In New York, Josh Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and logged a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in the Knicks' first nine playoff games. Despite these contributions, Hart himself acknowledged the changing demands, humorously noting on Twitter, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in response to news that Mitchell Robinson would not be ready for the season’s start. Hart’s comments highlight the necessity for versatility in today's game, where even non-traditional positions are tasked with performing center duties under coaches like Tom Thibodeau, who Hart says "makes him do everything."
Prospects and Predictions
Looking forward, the race for the Sixth Man of the Year continues to be unpredictable. Malik Monk, with odds at +575, appears to be a strong contender. Naz Reid follows closely with odds of +700, showing that his unconventional win last season wasn’t a fluke. Grayson Allen, a player with a knack for sparking offenses from the bench, holds odds of +1000.
The Dallas Mavericks also present intriguing scenarios. Jaden Hardy earned valuable playoff minutes in his second year, indicating his potential as a key bench contributor moving forward. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr., a veteran who has historically garnered Sixth Man votes, remains a significant figure in Dallas' rotation.
Challenges Ahead
However, the quest for the Sixth Man award is fraught with challenges. A Quinn article encapsulates the precarious nature of Reid’s pursuit of back-to-back wins: "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 statement underlines the myriad variables that could influence Reid's success, from the health of key teammates to the overall competitiveness of the field.
In New York, the crowded roster poses its own set of challenges. "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," another keen observer noted, alluding to the stiff internal competition that could dilute individual performances.
The landscape of the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award is indeed shifting, driven by changes in player roles and broader team strategies. While scoring remains an important criterion, versatility, and the ability to adapt to various roles are becoming equally significant. As the 2023-24 season unfolds, it will be fascinating to see which players step up to set new standards of excellence off the bench.