The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has long been a barometer for recognizing the league's most impactful players who thrive in a reserve role. Traditionally, this accolade has favored high-octane scorers coming off the bench, exemplified by Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who together claimed the award six times. However, recent trends indicate a shifting paradigm in how voters assess these standout performers.
Changing Metrics
The criteria for the Sixth Man award appear to be evolving alongside the game's dynamics. Prolific scorers once dominated the scene, but recent winners signal a broader appreciation for diverse contributions. Malcolm Brogdon's 2022-23 win is a testament to this shift. Despite finishing fifth in bench scoring that season, Brogdon's overall impact and versatility earned him top honors.
Even more striking is the case of Naz Reid, who clinched the award despite ranking 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. This marks Reid as the third center in NBA history to win the award, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom. Reid's victory underscores a growing recognition of important, yet less glamorous, roles played by big men who bring versatility and defensive prowess off the bench.
Intriguing Contenders
The upcoming season offers a compelling array of candidates jockeying for the Sixth Man award. Notably, Malik Monk, with odds of +575, stands out as a front-runner. Naz Reid, seeking to defend his title, holds odds of +700, while Grayson Allen enters the fray with odds of +1000. These numbers suggest a competitive field that mirrors the league's evolving landscape.
However, winning this award demands certain conditions. As one analyst pointed out, "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."
Spotlight on Josh Hart
Josh Hart represents a fascinating case study in the Sixth Man discussion. From February 1 through the end of last season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game, showcasing his incredible endurance and versatility. In the playoffs, his contributions were even more pronounced, averaging 46.4 minutes in New York’s first nine games. Despite this, questions about his role persist.
There is an argument to be made about the depth of talent in New York. "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," remarked a critic, highlighting the challenges Hart may face. Additionally, Hart himself humorously addressed his positional flexibility on Twitter, noting, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in response to news of Mitchell Robinson’s injury. The overarching narrative of Hart's adaptability is punctuated by the comment, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Other Noteworthy Mentions
Elsewhere, the NBA's depth continues to impress. Jaden Hardy's performance for the Dallas Mavericks, earning playoff minutes in just his second year, adds another layer of intrigue. Tim Hardaway Jr. has long been a reliable bench contributor for Dallas, often garnering Sixth Man votes. This blend of youthful potential and seasoned experience underscores the richly competitive nature of the award.
What we are witnessing is more than a statistical adjustment; it's a reflection of the league’s evolving priorities. The Sixth Man of the Year award is no longer merely about scoring volume but about those who make substantial, albeit sometimes understated, contributions to their teams. The recognition of players like Malcolm Brogdon and Naz Reid illuminates this progressive mindset, suggesting a future where a broader spectrum of talents garners the appreciation they deserve.