The landscape of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award is undergoing a significant transformation. Traditionally, the accolade has been the domain of high-scoring bench players who could change the course of a game with their offensive firepower. Legends like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who collectively captured the award six times, epitomized this archetype.
However, recent seasons have signaled an evolution in the criteria for this honor, reflecting the dynamic nature of the game. The 2022-23 NBA season is a prime example of this shift. Despite finishing fifth in bench scoring, Malcolm Brogdon secured the prestigious award, showcasing that contributions beyond just scoring are being increasingly valued.
The Changing Face of the Sixth Man
It’s not just Brogdon who epitomizes this shift. Naz Reid's victory, despite ranking 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, is a testament to the broader understanding of impact. Reid's win marks him as only the third center in NBA history to receive the accolade, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom in a short but notable list.
Reid's path to the award wasn't straightforward. His success was partly predicated on the circumstances surrounding his team. "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," noted one analyst, highlighting the speculative nature of back-to-back wins under similar conditions.
Beyond performances on the court, team dynamics can also play a crucial role. With multiple talents vying for recognition, the chances of an individual standing out can diminish. In New York, the situation presents another unique scenario. Josh Hart, who averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and then an astounding 46.4 minutes in New York's first nine playoff games, finds himself in a crowded field. "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," observed another commentator on Hart's potential.
Odds and Predictions
As we look to the upcoming season, the race for the Sixth Man of the Year already presents intriguing prospects. Malik Monk holds odds of +575 to win the award, positioning him as a frontrunner. Following closely is Naz Reid at +700, despite the challenges identified for him to replicate his past success. Grayson Allen is also in the mix with odds of +1000, adding another layer of competition to the equation.
For the Dallas Mavericks, Tim Hardaway Jr. remains a perennial figure in the Sixth Man discussions, yet it's the younger Jaden Hardy who might steal the spotlight. Hardy's playoff minutes in his sophomore year signal his growing importance and potential as a key bench player for Dallas.
Emerging Center Role
The role and expectation of a Sixth Man are clearly evolving, especially for centers. Historically, big men have been overlooked for this award, overshadowed by the flash and scoring prowess of guards and forwards. Reid's victory reinforces the idea that versatility and impact beyond just scoring are now critical factors in the voting process.
Josh Hart's recent online jest further underscores the expanding responsibilities placed on modern players. "Josh Hart joked on Twitter Monday that he is a 1-4, not a center, in light of the news that Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the beginning of the season." This tweet, while humorous, hints at the fluidity required from players under coaches with demanding systems. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," another commentator added.
As the NBA continues to evolve, so too do the parameters that define excellence. The Sixth Man of the Year award is no longer just about scoring powerhouses coming off the bench. It's about a player's all-around contribution, adaptability, and impact on the game. This evolution signals a broader recognition of the various ways players can influence the game, making the competition for this award more exciting and unpredictable than ever before.