The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award has traditionally honored prolific bench scorers, with names like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams nearly synonymous with the accolade. These two legends alone have claimed the award six times collectively, cementing their legacy as quintessential sixth men. However, the landscape of the award is undergoing a significant transformation, mirroring the evolving dynamics of today's game.
Changing Criteria
Historically, the prime criteria for winning the Sixth Man award was driven by scoring off the bench. Indeed, half of the past 20 winners were the leading bench scorers for their respective seasons. However, this criterion seems to be shifting. The 2022-23 season saw Malcolm Brogdon taking home the prestigious title despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This deviation from tradition raises questions about the evolving parameters for the award.
Even more surprising was Naz Reid’s win. Ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, Reid’s victory signals a broader appreciation for different skill sets and roles. Notably, Reid becomes the third center in NBA history to win, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, both of whom secured the award in the past two decades. This change could indicate a more holistic view of a player’s impact on the game beyond just point tallies.
The Role of Circumstance
An important factor in Reid’s success was circumstance. "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," an analyst pointed out, highlighting how Reid’s role expanded due to injuries to key players on his team. This underscores how situational elements can significantly influence a player’s candidacy for the award.
Moreover, in another anecdote illustrating the changing dynamics, Josh Hart put in considerable minutes from the bench last season. He averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the season's end and logged 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," commented an observer, noting the crowded talent pool in Hart’s team that might have prevented his consideration for the award, despite his substantial minutes and contributions.
Emerging Contenders and Odds
Looking ahead to potential future winners, several names have cropped up as strong contenders. Malik Monk's current odds stand at +575, reflecting optimistic projections for his performance off the bench. Naz Reid, fresh off his recent win, is also in the hunt with odds set at +700. Another notable candidate is Grayson Allen, whose odds are pegged at +1000.
Additionally, the Dallas Mavericks' Jaden Hardy seems to be making strides, having earned playoff minutes in just his second year. Tim Hardaway Jr., who has historically garnered Sixth Man votes while playing in Dallas, continues to be a pivotal figure. These insights reflect a competitive field where various players are making their cases for potential recognition.
Flexibility and Versatility
The modern NBA game places heightened value on versatility. Josh Hart, for instance, humorously remarked on Twitter, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in response to news that Mitchell Robinson would be unavailable at the start of the season. The comment also hints at the adaptability required from players, especially in Tom Thibodeau’s system. "Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Thibodeau makes him do everything," another quote succinctly captures the essence of Hart's multifaceted role.
As the NBA continues to evolve, the Sixth Man of the Year award reflects this transformation, underscoring a broader spectrum of contributions that go beyond mere scoring. With emerging talents and shifting team dynamics, future iterations of this award promise to spotlight players who exemplify the essence of adaptability, resilience, and substantial impact in their multifarious roles.