The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has traditionally honored the league's most prolific bench scorers, with luminaries like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams dominating the scene. Crawford and Williams, combining for six awards, encapsulated the archetypal "super-sub," lighting up scoreboards and energizing second units across the league. Indeed, over the past two decades, half of the award's recipients were the season's leading bench scorers. But the criteria for this prestigious accolade are evolving, reflecting the changing dynamics of the game.
The 2022-23 season's winner, Malcolm Brogdon, finished only fifth in bench scoring, a telltale sign of the shifting priorities in voters' minds. Remarkably, the year also saw Naz Reid clinch the honor despite ranking 12th among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. This marks a significant departure from past trends and illustrates the broader skillset now being valued.
Changing Guard: Centers Taking the Limelight
Reid’s victory is particularly notable as he is the third center in NBA history to win the award, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom. This trend underscores the league's evolving appreciation for versatile big men who can contribute beyond traditional scoring metrics. Reid’s win indicates that contributions such as defensive prowess, rebounding, and playmaking are gaining recognition, challenging the perimeter scorers who previously reigned supreme.
However, Reid's path to a repeat victory is fraught with challenges. 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." The presence of star teammates and a potentially stronger field make Reid’s potential repeat a long shot, further indicating the volatility and competitive nature of the award's landscape.
Bench Scorers Still in Contention
Despite the evolving criteria, bench scorers are still prominently featured in the conversation. Players like Malik Monk, Naz Reid, and Grayson Allen have been touted as strong contenders for the upcoming season. Monk’s odds stand at +575, Reid at +700, and Allen at +1000, reflecting a betting market that continues to favor guards and wing players with high offensive ceilings.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks’ Josh Hart finds himself in a unique position. Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and an eye-popping 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. Despite these extensive minutes, he jests about his evolving role due to unforeseen circumstances. "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," and with the way Tom Thibodeau utilizes him, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything." Hart’s extensive role and usage demonstrate a flexibility that aligns with the evolving nature of the Sixth Man award.
Emerging Talents
The Dallas Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy represents another intriguing storyline. Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in only his second year, shows the promise and potential to grow into a substantial bench role in the coming seasons. Additionally, Tim Hardaway Jr. has historically received votes for the Sixth Man award in Dallas, further indicating the depth and talent available off the Mavericks' bench.
As the NBA continues to evolve, so too does the profile of its award recipients. The Sixth Man of the Year award is no longer solely the domain of high-scoring guards but also acknowledges the multifaceted contributions of versatile role players, including centers like Reid. This shift in criteria reflects the league's broader recognition of diverse skills and the invaluable contributions of bench players in today’s game. The upcoming seasons promise to further redefine what it means to be the best sixth man in the NBA.