The landscape of the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award has undergone a notable transformation. Once dominated by prolific bench scorers like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who collectively claimed the award six times, the criteria have shifted with the evolving dynamics of the game.
Historically, the award often went to the season's leading bench scorers. Indeed, half of the past 20 winners held that distinction. However, recent trends indicate a broader evaluation of player contributions beyond mere scoring ability.
Recent Winners and Rising Contenders
The 2022-23 season saw Malcolm Brogdon take home the accolade, despite finishing only fifth among bench scorers. This victory serves as a testament to the shift in criteria, emphasizing overall impact rather than scoring alone.
Naz Reid, another notable winner, further exemplifies this changing paradigm. Reid, who was ranked 12th in scoring among players coming off the bench at least 30 times, clinched the Sixth Man of the Year award, becoming just the third center in NBA history to do so. Before him, Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom were the only other centers to win the award in the past two decades.
Challenges and Odds in the Current Season
As the new season approaches, the field of potential Sixth Man candidates is as competitive as ever. Naz Reid, who holds odds of +700 to win the award again, faces a tough road ahead. One NBA analyst succinctly summarized Reid's chances: "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."
Josh Hart also emerges as an interesting candidate. Known for his versatility and heavy minutes, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. Despite his extensive playing time, one commentator pointed out the challenges he faces within his team: "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York."
Hart himself humorously addressed his role on Twitter, stating, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in response to news that Mitchell Robinson wouldn't be ready for the season's start. His tweet underscores his adaptability and the expectations placed on him by coach Tom Thibodeau, who "is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Other Notable Contenders
Malik Monk, with odds of +575, and Grayson Allen, holding odds of +1000, are also strong contenders for this year's award. Their teams and individual performances will be closely watched as the season progresses.
The Dallas Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., a historical recipient of Sixth Man votes in Dallas, are other players to keep an eye on. Their performances off the bench could draw significant attention from voters, adding to the competitive landscape.
As the NBA continues to evolve, so too does the evaluation of its players. The Sixth Man of the Year award, once a celebration of bench scorers, now embraces a more holistic view, recognizing the multifaceted contributions that players bring to their teams. This shift not only reflects the game's changing dynamics but also underscores the importance of versatility and impact over mere scoring prowess.