We are witnessing a profound transformation in how the NBA's prestigious Sixth Man of the Year award is decided. The changing dynamics of the game are redefining the criteria for what makes an outstanding sixth man. Historically, this accolade was dominated by prolific scoring bench players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who have combined to win the award six times. In fact, half of the past 20 winners were the season's leading bench scorers, highlighting the emphasis on point production.
However, recent seasons have seen a departure from this trend, signaling a broader interpretation of what constitutes value off the bench. Malcolm Brogdon clinched the award in the 2022-23 season, despite finishing just fifth in bench scoring. This shift was further underscored by Naz Reid's triumph in the latest season. Reid, surprisingly ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, still managed to secure the prestigious title. This makes him only the third center in NBA history to win the award, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom over the past two decades.
Impactful Presence Over Pure Scoring
Naz Reid's win is particularly noteworthy, considering the conditions that facilitated his rise to prominence. As one analyst skeptically 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." This quote emphasizes the serendipitous nature of Reid's award journey, suggesting that circumstantial factors played a significant role in his recognition.
Meanwhile, Josh Hart's unique situation offers a compelling narrative. From February 1 through the end of the last season, Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game, a remarkable feat for a bench player. His herculean effort continued into the playoffs, averaging 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. However, there seems to be concern about his ability to continue at such a demanding pace. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," comments another observer, highlighting the crowded talent pool that Hart finds himself in.
The Evolution of Modern Six Men
The transformation in evaluating sixth men isn't limited to centers like Reid or workhorses like Hart. The gambling odds for next year's award winners reflect a broad pool of potential candidates, each bringing diverse skill sets to the table. Malik Monk currently holds odds of +575 for winning the award, while Reid's odds stand at +700, and Grayson Allen follows at +1000.
These figures indicate that the race is wide open, with no clear favorite. The variety in player types and performances that are now considered valuable for the Sixth Man of the Year recognizes the expanding roles players undertake. This is a departure from the past, where top-scoring bench players were almost always the frontrunners.
The Underlying Strategy
In analyzing the success stories, it's clear that strategy plays a crucial role. For instance, Josh Hart offered a moment of levity on Twitter, stating, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in light of the news that Mitchell Robinson would not be ready for the season's start. However, the structural demands of the team often require players to adapt. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," the analyst wryly notes, alluding to the coach's heavily demanding approach.
Similarly, the Dallas Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, who earned valuable playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., known for garnering Sixth Man votes historically, also add to the complexity and the dynamic nature of the role. These instances illustrate that versatility and the ability to fit into various roles as needed have become key components of what makes a sixth man valuable.
The redefinition of the Sixth Man of the Year award reflects the evolving nature of basketball itself. As teams adopt more fluid and versatile playing styles, the criteria for individual awards naturally adapt. This evolution supports a wider recognition of contributions beyond just scoring, encompassing other critical facets like defense, playmaking, and adaptability.
The landscape of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year is undoubtedly changing, and as we look forward to future seasons, the unpredictability and excitement of who will emerge as the top contributor from the bench make for intriguing prospects. The prominence of players like Naz Reid, Malcolm Brogdon, and Josh Hart signals a new era where the holistic impact is celebrated, continuing to enrich the storied legacy of the award.