In recent years, the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has seen a notable evolution in its voting criteria, mirroring the changing dynamics of the game itself. Traditionally, this prestigious accolade has honored prolific bench scorers, prominently featuring names like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who collectively clinched the award six times. Impressively, half of the winners over the past two decades held the title of leading bench scorers for their respective seasons.
The 2022-23 season introduced a shift in perception with Malcolm Brogdon securing the award despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. An even more surprising outcome was Naz Reid's triumph, who ranked 12th in scoring among players coming off the bench at least 30 times. Historically, centers have had limited recognition in this category, with Reid becoming only the third center to ever receive the honor. He follows in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, both of whom have clinched the award in the last twenty years.
A Changing Narrative
For Reid, this victory marks a notable shift in the award’s narrative. "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," one analyst commented, underscoring the fortuitous circumstances that had bolstered Reid’s case.
The changing criteria have certainly added a layer of unpredictability to future prospects. Players like Josh Hart, who averaged a staggering 46.4 minutes per game during New York's initial nine playoff games, now face a more complex path to consideration. His versatility has been both a strength and a challenge, playing across various positions. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," another analyst noted, suggesting the depth and talent on the New York roster could reduce individual accolades.
Hart himself humorously addressed his diverse role on Twitter, asserting, "I am a 1-4, not a center," in light of Mitchell Robinson’s absence at the season’s start. His quip found supporters, with some observing, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," highlighting the coach’s demand for versatility.
Future Contenders
As we look ahead, the betting markets have already identified potential frontrunners for the next Sixth Man of the Year. Malik Monk stands with favorable odds of +575, closely followed by Naz Reid at +700. Grayson Allen trails with odds of +1000, setting an intriguing stage for the upcoming season.
Meanwhile, the Mavericks’ Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, and Tim Hardaway Jr., known for consistently drawing Sixth Man votes in Dallas, remain key figures to watch. Their performances could very well redefine their teams' benches and impact the narrative surrounding this evolving award.
This shift in criteria underscores the NBA's broader trend towards recognizing multifaceted roles and contributions beyond mere scoring. As the game continues to evolve, so too does the appreciation for players who bring depth, versatility, and impact off the bench.