We are observing a significant transformation in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting. As the criteria for the award evolve to align with the shifting dynamics of the game, the landscape of what it means to be the NBA's top bench player is being redefined.
Traditionally, the award has been dominated by prolific bench scorers. Players like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who have combined to win the award six times, set the standard by scoring in high volumes off the bench. In fact, half of the past 20 winners were the season's leading bench scorers. This trend emphasized a clear correlation between scoring and recognition.
However, the narrative began to shift with Malcolm Brogdon winning the award in the 2022-23 season despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This marked a departure from the tradition of awarding the league’s leading bench scorer. Yet, the most significant indicator of the changing criteria may be seen in Naz Reid's victory. Reid secured the Sixth Man of the Year award despite being ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. His win also highlighted versatility, being only the third center to clinch the title after Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom in the past two decades.
The Rise of Role Diversification
Reid's win represents a broader acceptance of diverse roles and contributions beyond scoring. His ability to impact the game in ways that transcended traditional scoring metrics stood out to voters. But Reid's path to another victory seems fraught with uncertainty. "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," highlighted an anonymous quote, underscoring the precariousness of his hold on the title.
Changing Guard in Top Contenders
The current landscape of Sixth Man of the Year contenders also paints an intriguing picture. Malik Monk, with odds of +575, is emerging as a frontrunner for the award. Naz Reid follows with odds of +700, while Grayson Allen comes at +1000. The dynamic in New York adds another layer of complexity. Josh Hart, a versatile player averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, is seen as a crucial piece. His impressive 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff appearances further demonstrate his stamina and importance on the court.
However, Hart's prospects in the Sixth Man race hold skepticism. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," remarked an analyst, adding a pragmatic perspective on Hart’s chances. Hart himself humorously addressed his versatility on Twitter, stating, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in response to news that Mitchell Robinson would not be ready for the season’s start. This joke illuminates his capacity to adapt, yet underlying doubts remain about his suitability to fit the traditional Sixth Man criteria.
The Impact of Coaches
Another crucial factor in Hart’s performance is the influence of New York's head coach, Tom Thibodeau, known for his demanding approach. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," an insider remarked, indicating the potential for Hart to be stretched across multiple roles. This allocation of responsibilities may inhibit his ability to shine specifically as a sixth man, compounding the challenges laid out by the crowded roster.
Historical Context
Looking sideways, the landscape remains competitive with players like Tim Hardaway Jr. of the Dallas Mavericks, who has historically garnered Sixth Man votes. Additionally, Jaden Hardy’s emergence, earning playoff minutes in his second year, places him as a potential dark horse in future award considerations.
The evolving criteria and shifting dynamics within the NBA signal a move towards holistic assessments of player contributions. As the Sixth Man of the Year award continues to transcend traditional scoring metrics, a new era in NBA recognition is clearly on the horizon. These changes promise to make each season's race increasingly unpredictable and exciting, opening doors for players to make a significant impact in varied and versatile roles.