In the ever-evolving landscape of the NBA, we are witnessing a seismic shift in the Sixth Man of the Year voting. The criteria for this prestigious award are adapting to the changing dynamics of the game, reflecting the diversifying roles players take on from the bench. Historically, the award has been dominated by prolific scorers such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who combined to win it six times. Indeed, half of the past 20 award winners were the season's leading bench scorers. However, recent seasons indicate a broader appreciation of versatility over sheer scoring prowess.
Changing Dynamics
Malcolm Brogdon's win in the 2022-23 season offers a prime example of this shift. Though he finished fifth in bench scoring, Brogdon's overall impact on the game proved pivotal. Nevertheless, Brogdon's win highlighted a trend that was further underscored by Naz Reid's triumphant season. Reid, who ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, became the third center in NBA history to capture the award. This is a remarkable feat, given that centers Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom are the only other big men to earn the honor in the past two decades.
The Rise of Naz Reid
Reid's victory isn't merely about his statistical output but rather his importance to the team dynamic. A critical factor was "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." His emergence highlights a new direction in the celebration of bench players, elevating those who make significant contributions under challenging circumstances.
Josh Hart: The Relentless Competitor
On the other hand, we have players like Josh Hart, whose relentless energy and versatility shine, even if traditional stats might not fully capture their value. Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and clocked an astonishing 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. His all-around capabilities prompt head coach Tom Thibodeau to push his boundaries continually. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," encapsulates the breadth of Hart's role.
Betting Odds and Future Contenders
As we look towards the future, betting odds give us an intriguing peek into potential frontrunners for the Sixth Man award. Malik Monk stands at +575, signaling strong confidence in his prospects. Naz Reid holds odds of +700, while Grayson Allen is pegged at +1000. In Dallas, Jaden Hardy is another player to watch; he earned playoff minutes in just his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr. has historically garnered Sixth Man votes, indicating a deep bench of talent ready to step up.
The criteria for judging the Sixth Man of the Year are clearly in flux, and future seasons promise more surprises. Ultimately, while scoring will always be a significant metric, the comprehensive contributions of bench players are gaining the recognition they deserve. Whether it is Reid's critical presence in the absence of frontcourt stalwarts or Hart's tireless endeavors across multiple roles, the evolving narrative of the Sixth Man of the Year speaks to a broader understanding of basketball excellence.