We are witnessing a seismic shift in the NBA Sixth Man of the Year voting, with the landscape of the award undergoing significant changes. Historically dominated by prolific bench scorers like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, the criteria for the accolade appear to be evolving with the game's dynamics.
Crawford and Williams combined to win the award six times, largely due to their scoring prowess. In fact, half of the past 20 winners of the award were the season's leading bench scorers. However, recent trends suggest that scoring alone might not be the sole determinant of success moving forward.
Changing Trends
Malcolm Brogdon’s victory in the 2022-23 season exemplifies this changing paradigm. Finishing only fifth in bench scoring for the season, Brogdon's comprehensive skill set and impact in various facets of the game were evidently valued highly by voters.
An even more striking example is Naz Reid winning the award despite ranking 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times. Reid’s win underscores a broader assessment of a sixth man's contribution beyond sheer point production.
Centers Making Their Mark
Reid's accolade also marks a rare achievement for centers in the history of the Sixth Man of the Year award. He is only the third center to claim the title, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who secured their victories within the past two decades. This shift could indicate a broader appreciation for the versatility and defensive presence that such players bring to their teams.
The possibility of Reid repeating his feat this season has garnered significant discussion. As one analyst remarked, "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."
Josh Hart’s Unique Role
On another front, Josh Hart has been gathering attention for his extraordinary minutes on the court. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and a staggering 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart's endurance and versatility have been pivotal for the Knicks.
Interestingly, Hart joked on Twitter that he is a "1-4, not a center," in response to the news that Mitchell Robinson will not be ready for the beginning of the season. Yet, given coach Tom Thibodeau’s approach, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Looking Forward: Betting Odds and Contenders
As the new season approaches, sportsbooks have laid out odds for potential Sixth Man of the Year candidates. Malik Monk leads with odds of +575, followed by Reid at +700. Grayson Allen stands at +1000. These figures highlight the open field and the varied talents that are being recognized for building a formidable second unit.
Moreover, the Dallas Mavericks present intriguing prospects with Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., a figure who has historically garnered Sixth Man votes in Dallas. Their contributions could very well influence the narratives surrounding bench excellence this upcoming season.
Ultimately, the evolving criteria for the Sixth Man of the Year award reflect broader shifts in NBA team strategies and player roles. As the league continues to change, it's clear that versatility, impact, and overall contribution to team success will shape the profiles of future winners more than ever before.