We're currently observing a notable transformation in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting criteria, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the game. Historically, this award has been dominated by prolific scorers coming off the bench, such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who together have clinched the title six times. However, recent winners indicate a shift towards appreciating different skillsets and contributions beyond just scoring.
In the 2022-23 season, Malcolm Brogdon emerged as the winner of the Sixth Man award, even though he finished only fifth in bench scoring for that season. This departure from the historical emphasis on top bench scorers was further accentuated when Naz Reid, ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, claimed the honor. This win made Reid the third center in NBA history to earn the award, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom.
The Changing Role of the Sixth Man
Naz Reid's victory demonstrates the evolving criteria for what makes the league's best sixth man. A deeper understanding of team dynamics and the impact of bench players on overall performance seems to be taking precedence over sheer scoring prowess. Reid's win is an exemplar of this shift, showcasing that players contributing in multifaceted ways are gaining recognition. Reflecting on this growing complexity, an observer notes, "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."
As the league continues to evolve, so too does the profile of a Sixth Man. With the top candidates extending beyond traditional scoring roles, versatility and strategic consistency appear to be key factors. This is echoed in the performances and styles of players like Josh Hart and Malik Monk. Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and pushed himself to an incredible 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. However, his significant playing time and versatile role may complicate his candidacy. “Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York,” observes an analyst when considering Hart's multi-functional contributions.
New Faces in the Mix
The current odds for the upcoming season's Sixth Man award reflect a strong field of contenders. Malik Monk stands at +575, while Naz Reid closely follows at +700. Grayson Allen, known for his gritty playstyle, holds +1000 odds. Each of these players brings a unique set of skills to their teams, making for an intriguing competition.
Young players are also starting to emerge, adding to the complexity of the decision. The Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, who earned valuable playoff minutes in his second year, is one to watch. Meanwhile, Tim Hardaway Jr. has historically received votes for the Sixth Man award, underscoring the depth and talent pool available for this accolade.
The Versatility Quotient
Versatility is becoming increasingly important, with players like Josh Hart emphasizing their broad skill sets. Hart humorously referred to himself as "a 1-4, not a center," in light of the news that Mitchell Robinson would not be ready for the beginning of the season. His versatility is both a strength and a complication, as remarked by one commentator: "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
This shift towards valuing versatility and overall contribution marks a new chapter in how bench contributions are perceived in the NBA. As the game continues to evolve, the criteria for awards like the Sixth Man will likely broaden, making room for players who can do much more than just put up points.