We are witnessing a fundamental transformation in the criteria for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award, marking a significant shift in understanding the game's evolving dynamics. Once dominated by players who were prolific scorers off the bench like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, the award is now seeing winners who contribute in diverse manners.
A Changing Landscape
Crawford and Williams, with their combined six Sixth Man awards, exemplified an era where top bench scorers were often presented with the accolade. In fact, half of the past 20 winners have been the season's leading bench scorers. But the tide has been turning. Malcolm Brogdon, who clinched the award in the 2022-23 season, finished fifth in bench scoring, signaling a broader appreciation for varied contributions.
Naz Reid's Breakthrough
As further evidence of this evolving trend, Naz Reid won the award despite being ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. Redefining expectations, Reid, who is notably the third center in NBA history to earn this recognition, follows in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who have won the award in the past two decades. Reid's achievement highlights an expanded valuation of roles among bench players.
However, Reid's path to victory was not without unique circumstances. As one expert 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 underscores the fortuitous aspects of his recognition.
A Multiplicity of Contributions
Another noteworthy shift can be observed in Josh Hart's performance. Hart averaged close to 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and clocked in 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. Despite these impressive stats, the competitiveness within the Knicks' roster might limit his chances. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," stated an observer.
Hart's versatility is undeniable. He even humorously addressed the recent news about Mitchell Robinson's absence, tweeting, "I am a 1-4, not a center." His adaptability on the floor nevertheless means Head Coach Tom Thibodeau will ask him to take on various roles: "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," was the take on Hart's situation.
The Betting Picture
Looking at the betting odds, Malik Monk has emerged as a leading candidate for the Sixth Man award with odds of +575. Meanwhile, Reid's odds stand at +700, reflecting belief in his potential to repeat, albeit with certain caveats. Grayson Allen also finds himself in the mix with odds of +1000, adding another layer of intrigue to the upcoming season.
Past Performances and Future Prospects
A broader look at the league shows players like the Mavericks' Jaden Hardy earning significant playoff minutes in just his second year, suggesting a promising future. Tim Hardaway Jr., another Maverick, has historically been in Sixth Man conversations in Dallas, highlighting the team’s deep bench strength.
This shifting landscape for the Sixth Man of the Year Award underscores how the NBA continues to evolve. The recognition now encapsulates not just scoring prowess but a broader spectrum of contributions, pushing the boundaries of how we define excellence coming off the bench. As the new season unfolds, it'll be fascinating to see just who steps up to meet these ever-expanding expectations.