We are witnessing a pivotal transformation in the criteria for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award. Traditionally, this accolade has celebrated prolific scorers coming off the bench, with legends like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams epitomizing this role. Together, Crawford and Williams have accumulated six Sixth Man awards, setting a historic benchmark.
However, recent trends suggest a shift in how the award is being evaluated. For instance, Malcolm Brogdon clinched the award for the 2022-23 season despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This change signals a broader recognition of players' overall contributions, beyond just scoring prowess.
The Naz Reid Factor
One of the most surprising recent winners is Naz Reid, who managed to secure the Sixth Man award even though he ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. Reid's victory marks him as only the third center in NBA history to receive this honor, joining the ranks of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who won the award within the past two decades.
Reid’s win has sparked discussions about the evolving dynamics of the award. As one analyst 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 quote highlights the various factors that can influence a player's opportunity to excel as a sixth man, including team dynamics and player availability.
The Josh Hart Conundrum
Josh Hart presents another intriguing case. Despite averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, his role and minutes can fluctuate significantly based on team needs. For instance, in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart averaged a staggering 46.4 minutes per game.
Hart's versatility, while beneficial, also leads to a crowded rotation. Speaking to this, an insider shared, "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York." Hart himself added a touch of humor to the situation, tweeting, "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. It's a clear indication of how players might have to adapt to new roles depending on team circumstances.
Market Predictions and Betting Odds
The betting odds for potential Sixth Man winners further illustrate the competitive landscape. Malik Monk holds favorable odds at +575, followed closely by current holder Naz Reid at +700. Grayson Allen is also in the mix with odds of +1000, reflecting the uncertainties and varied talents vying for the honor.
The Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., historically known for garnering Sixth Man votes in Dallas, add to the competitive depth. These players exemplify the shifting focus towards recognizing a broader range of contributions from bench players, thus expanding the criteria for the award.
Overall, the evolving criteria for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award underscore a more comprehensive appreciation of players' impacts. Scoring remains significant, but other facets of the game are gaining deserved recognition, shaping a more holistic view of what it means to be the league's top sixth man.