We're witnessing a seismic shift in NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, as the criteria for the award evolve with the game's changing dynamics. Historically, prolific scorers from the bench like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams dominated the award, combining to win it six times. However, the landscape is shifting as other attributes gain recognition.
A New Era in Sixth Man of the Year Voting
The recent trajectory of the award highlights this change. While half of the past 20 winners were the season's leading bench scorers, Malcolm Brogdon and Naz Reid's victories suggest a broader evaluation framework. Brogdon clinched the award in the 2022-23 season despite finishing fifth in bench scoring, highlighting a transition towards valuing overall contribution over pure points.
Naz Reid's win is even more intriguing. Ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, Reid still secured the title. His emergence marks him as the third center in NBA history to garner the award, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom as the only non-guards to achieve this feat in the past two decades. This shift signals a recognition of impactful play beyond traditional scoring roles.
The Case of Naz Reid
Naz Reid's path to the trophy was unconventional, bolstered significantly by his performance as a starter. His success underscores this pivotal change: "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." Reid’s achievement underscores the evolving criteria for the Sixth Man of the Year award, emphasizing versatile impact over filling a single role.
Josh Hart: A Versatile Contender
Josh Hart, another notable candidate, showcases the shifting parameters of this accolade. Despite averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and an impressive 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart is not primarily a scorer. His versatility, filling various roles, keeps him in the conversation, but "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," which might undercut his chances.
Hart humorously addresses his role diversity, stating, "Josh Hart joked on Twitter Monday that he is a 1-4, not a center, in light of the news that Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the beginning of the season." Despite not being a traditional center, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Other Contenders in the Mix
While Reid and Hart are prominent names, other players also vie for the title. Malik Monk draws attention with his improvement as a playmaker, though he’s “still not an all-around contributor.” His longest odds stand at +575. Defending champion Reid holds odds of +700, while Phoenix Suns sharpshooter Grayson Allen comes in at +1000.
Several emerging players are also noteworthy. The Mavericks' Jaden Hardy earned playoff minutes in his second year, a testament to the team's trust. Tim Hardaway Jr. has historically garnered Sixth Man votes in Dallas, bolstering Hardy's prospects if he surpasses Spencer Dinwiddie in the rotation or if Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving miss enough games to increase his opportunities.
The Changing Face of the Award
Life indeed comes at Sixth Man of the Year candidates fast. The award, once dominated by pure scorers, now celebrates versatility and impact across multiple facets. Malcolm Brogdon and Naz Reid's recent wins illuminate this broader appreciation. Players who adapt, similar to Reid stepping in as a starter, or Hart embracing diverse roles, exemplify the award's evolving standards.
This ongoing transformation ensures the Sixth Man of the Year award remains an intriguing accolade, reflective of the dynamic, multifaceted nature of modern basketball. As the game continues to evolve, so too will the criteria and the deserving candidates for this prestigious honor.