We are witnessing a seismic shift in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, a clear reflection of evolving criteria that align more closely with the game's dynamic nature. Historically, players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who brought prolific scoring off the bench, captured this prestigious award. Crawford and Williams together bagged the honor six times, underscoring the premium placed on bench scorers. In fact, half of the past 20 award recipients were the season’s leading bench scorers.
However, recent winners suggest a broader interpretation of what it means to be the NBA's standout substitute. Malcolm Brogdon’s 2022-23 win is a testament to this change, as he finished just fifth in bench scoring that season. The most striking example might be Naz Reid, who secured the award despite ranking 12th among players making at least 30 bench appearances. Remarkably, Reid is only the third center in NBA history to earn this accolade, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who won in the past two decades.
A Changing of the Guard
Naz Reid’s victory signals not just a change in individual achievement but a shift in how success is measured for bench players. This move towards valuing versatility and impact beyond scoring is the hallmark of the modern NBA landscape. Reid, a center, had to navigate an unconventional path to this accolade. His win was conditional on the absence of key teammates, Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns, to thrive at his full potential. As one expert 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."
Key Players in Contention
Looking ahead, Malik Monk is among the top contenders for the next Sixth Man honor, standing at +575 odds to win. Not far behind is the reigning winner, Naz Reid, with +700 odds. Grayson Allen is also a significant player in this race, placing at +1000 odds. Each of these players brings distinct strengths to their teams, balancing scoring with various facets of gameplay that might shift the traditional metrics of what constitutes the best sixth man.
The Emerging Role of Josh Hart
Josh Hart's case presents a fascinating study in the ever-expanding roles of bench players. Despite averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February through the end of last season, Hart's performance was punctuated by his staggering 46.4 minutes per game during New York's first nine playoff games. Yet, even with these heavy minutes, some observers remain skeptical of his role. "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," one commented on Hart's potential to secure the award.
Adding a layer of humor and complexity to his position, Hart recently joked on Twitter, “I am a 1-4, not a center,” reflecting on Mitchell Robinson's absence at the start of the season. Still, those familiar with Tom Thibodeau’s coaching philosophy know that Hart will likely continue to fulfill various roles on the court. As a critic pointed out, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Dallas and Tim Hardaway Jr.'s Influence
Meanwhile, in Dallas, the Mavericks are watching an interplay of talent that could influence the Sixth Man race. Youngster Jaden Hardy earned playoff minutes in just his second year, showcasing his potential to become a significant contributor. Simultaneously, Tim Hardaway Jr., a familiar contender for Sixth Man votes, continues to forge his path in Dallas, exemplifying the breadth and depth of talent nurtured in various NBA franchises.
Ultimately, the evolving criteria for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award reflect a broader appreciation for the diverse skills and contributions of bench players. Whether through exceptional scoring, versatility, or filling critical gaps due to teammates' absences, the race for this honor underscores the multifaceted nature of basketball excellence. As the NBA continues to evolve, so too will the benchmarks for its accolades, making each season an exciting new chapter in the sport's storied history.