We are witnessing a seismic shift in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award voting, reflective of the evolving dynamics within the game. Historically, this accolade has been dominated by prolific bench scorers such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who between them boast an impressive six wins. In fact, half of the past 20 award recipients were the season’s leading bench scorers.
A Shift in Criteria
The latest recipient, Malcolm Brogdon, signals a noteworthy change in the award's criteria. Despite finishing fifth in bench scoring for the 2022-23 season, Brogdon’s all-around contribution and efficiency earned him the honor over higher-scoring peers. This departure from a purely scoring-based evaluation underscores a broader appreciation for versatility and impact over sheer point production.
Adding a further twist to the evolving narrative, the Minnesota Timberwolves' Naz Reid clinched the award despite being ranked 12th in bench scoring. Reid's win marks a significant deviation from the norm and speaks volumes about the changing landscape. Notably, he is only the third center in the award’s history to be recognized, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom.
One sports analyst commented on Reid’s victory, suggesting it hinged on multiple variables: “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.” Thus, the convergence of circumstances played a pivotal role in Reid's ascendancy.
Josh Hart: The Relentless Contender
Among contenders this past season, Josh Hart’s relentless performance was a highlight. From February 1 through the end of the season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game. His stamina and versatility were further showcased during the playoffs, averaging 46.4 minutes in New York's first nine games. Despite this, analysts believe New York’s crowded rotation could work against his bid for recognition.
One remarked, “Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York,” reflecting the competitive environment Hart navigates. Hart himself provided some light-hearted commentary on social media, stating, “I am a 1-4, not a center,” in response to news that Mitchell Robinson would be unavailable at the start of the season. The New York Knicks’ coach, Tom Thibodeau, known for his demanding style, perhaps had different plans. As one observer wryly noted, “Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything.”
The Betting Landscape
Looking ahead to future seasons, the betting odds present an intriguing picture of potential sixth man candidates. Malik Monk currently holds +575 odds, while Naz Reid is close behind with +700. Grayson Allen, another name to watch, has +1000 odds. Each of these players brings a unique skill set and narrative, positioning them as strong contenders in the award race.
Similarly, the Dallas Mavericks present their own hopefuls. Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., who has historically garnered Sixth Man votes, are notable mentions. Their contributions could potentially sway the vote if they continue to deliver impactful performances off the bench.
The evolution of the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award signifies more than just a statistical shift; it’s an indication of a broader appreciation for holistic contributions to the game. Balance, versatility, and the capacity to thrive under specific conditions are becoming key metrics of evaluation. As the league continues to evolve, so too will the criteria by which its players are measured and celebrated.