The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has long been a testament to the league's most impactful bench players. Historically, it has celebrated players who bring prolific scoring off the bench, with names like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams epitomizing the archetype. These two legendary scorers combined to clinch the award six times, underscoring a trend where half of the past 20 winners were the season's leading bench scorers.
However, the criteria for this prestigious recognition appear to be shifting, highlighting the complexities and evolving dynamics of basketball. This metamorphosis was evident in the 2022-23 season when Malcolm Brogdon claimed the award despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. Even more striking was Naz Reid's victory. The 23-year-old center won despite ranking 12th in bench scoring among players who played off the bench at least 30 times.
Reid's Unlikely Triumph
Naz Reid's win marks a monumental shift in how impactful bench players are assessed. Previously, the accolade heavily favored scorers. Reid's success underscores that versatility and the ability to fill various roles are becoming crucial factors. This is especially relevant in his case, given that he is only the third center to win the award in NBA history, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom on this elite list.
His win, however, was not merely a statistical anomaly. It was a confluence of circumstances that allowed Reid to flourish. As one analyst 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." This candid take sheds light on the challenges Reid faces in replicating his success.
Changing Bench Dynamics
Besides Reid's improbable win, other players have adapted to evolving team needs, demonstrating flexibility and resilience. For instance, Josh Hart showcased his adaptability by averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season. Remarkably, he maintained a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. Despite his significant contributions, Hart humorously remarked on Twitter, "I am a 1-4, not a center," highlighting his versatility amidst New York's roster challenges, particularly with Mitchell Robinson's availability in doubt.
Hart's indispensability in New York under coach Tom Thibodeau was evident, with one observer noting, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything." This highlights the demanding nature of Hart's role in the team and underscores the importance of versatility in the current NBA landscape.
Looking at the Contenders
As the new NBA season approaches, several players are emerging as strong contenders for the Sixth Man of the Year award. Malik Monk, with odds of +575, is one of the favorites, showcasing his scoring prowess and ability to impact the game off the bench. Meanwhile, Naz Reid, coming off his award-winning season, has odds of +700 to replicate his success. Grayson Allen, another dynamic player known for his defensive tenacity and shooting, holds odds of +1000.
The Dallas Mavericks also present interesting potential candidates. Jaden Hardy, who earned valuable playoff minutes in his second year, is one to watch. Tim Hardaway Jr., a seasoned player who has previously garnered Sixth Man votes in Dallas, continues to be a key figure off the bench.
The evolving criteria and the varied roles players now fulfill make the race for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year not only intriguing but also indicative of larger trends within the league. As teams emphasize versatility and multi-dimensional contributions, the award continues to evolve, reflecting the dynamic nature of the game.