We are witnessing a seismic shift in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, as the criteria for this prestigious award continue to evolve in response to the game's changing dynamics.
Historically, the award was dominated by prolific scorers off the bench. The likes of Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who combined to win the accolade six times, were synonymous with the honor, epitomizing the role of high-scoring super-subs. Indeed, half of the past 20 recipients were the season's leading bench scorers, further underscoring the significance of scoring prowess in determining the winner.
However, recent seasons have seen a departure from this trend. The 2022-23 season highlighted this shift dramatically. Malcolm Brogdon, who was crowned Sixth Man of the Year, finished only fifth in bench scoring. This move away from traditional scoring benchmarks reached a new milestone when Naz Reid secured the award despite ranking 12th among players who came off the bench at least 30 times.
Naz Reid Breaks the Mold
Reid's victory marked only the third instance in NBA history where a center has garnered the Sixth Man of the Year honor, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom. This accolade signals a broader recognition of varied contributions beyond scoring, reflecting the evolving roles within the modern NBA.
One commentator noted the perfect storm required for Reid to repeat his success: "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." This highlights the improbability of Reid's repeat win, underscored by the depth and competitiveness within the league.
New Faces and Changing Roles
Scanning the current landscape of potential Sixth Man of the Year candidates, several names stand out. Malik Monk boasts odds of +575, followed closely by Reid at +700, and Grayson Allen at +1000. The betting field underscores the unpredictability and changing dynamics of the award criteria.
Josh Hart, another key figure, has exemplified the expanding role definitions in the NBA. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, Hart pushed the boundaries of what constitutes a "bench player." His herculean efforts continued in the postseason, where he averaged a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff outings.
This versatility has not gone unnoticed. Amidst news of Mitchell Robinson's injury, Hart humorously took to Twitter to clarify his on-court identity: "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." The quip, while lighthearted, underscores how positional flexibility is becoming the norm.
Tom Thibodeau's coaching philosophy also plays a crucial role in Hart's deployment: "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything." With such a demanding regime, Hart's multifaceted contributions are a testament to his adaptability and the ever-shifting expectations for bench players.
Rising Stars in New Roles
Elsewhere, the Dallas Mavericks are showcasing emerging talent with an eye on the Sixth Man of the Year podium. Jaden Hardy, for instance, earned valuable playoff minutes in his sophomore season, a testament to his development and the franchise's confidence in his abilities. Tim Hardaway Jr., a perennial name in Sixth Man discussions, continues to be a key figure off the bench for Dallas.
In conclusion, the evolving criteria for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award reflect broader changes within the league itself. The shift from honoring primarily high-scorers to recognizing versatile, impactful bench players of various roles demonstrates the growing appreciation for the multifaceted nature of modern basketball. As the league continues to evolve, so too will the benchmarks by which greatness is measured off the bench, ensuring that the award remains a barometer of excellence in the NBA.