In the evolving landscape of the NBA, the criteria for recognizing the league's best Sixth Man is undergoing significant transformation. Historically, the award has celebrated prolific scorers coming off the bench. Names like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, who have combined to win the award six times, have set a precedent. Indeed, over the past two decades, half of the winners were the league's leading bench scorers for their respective seasons.
However, recent developments signal a shift from this tradition. Malcolm Brogdon, who clinched the honor for the 2022-23 season, exemplifies this change. Despite finishing fifth in bench scoring for the year, Brogdon's comprehensive impact and versatility were acknowledged, hinting at a new direction in the award's criteria. Further emphasizing this shift is Naz Reid's victory. Remarkably, Reid, the third center in NBA history to win the award, was ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times.
Reid's accomplishment is notable given the historical context—only Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, in the past two decades, have managed to earn this accolade from the center position. Reid's triumph, despite fewer points than his peers, suggests a broader appreciation for varied contributions beyond scoring.
The Changing Dynamics in New York
Meanwhile, New York's strategy also reflects these evolving trends. Josh Hart's performance last season serves as a vivid illustration. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the season's end and an impressive 46.4 minutes in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart's sustained effort was pivotal. Responding to news about Mitchell Robinson's unavailability at the season's onset, he humorously noted on Twitter, "I am a 1-4, not a center," underscoring his versatility.
Nevertheless, Tom Thibodeau's coaching philosophy suggests Hart might assume even more responsibilities. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," an insider remarked candidly, emphasizing the unpredictable yet resilient role that Hart is expected to play.
Future Contenders and the Odds
Looking ahead, the competition for the Sixth Man award remains fierce. As bookmakers shape the narrative, Malik Monk stands with odds of +575 to earn the title. Naz Reid follows closely with odds of +700, reflecting a consistent belief in his capabilities despite unusual circumstances leading to his previous win. However, an analyst points out a potential challenge for Reid: "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 underscores the unpredictable elements of Reid's pathway to repeating his victory.
Grayson Allen, with odds of +1000, also remains a considerable contender. Furthermore, the Dallas Mavericks' Jaden Hardy, having already earned playoff minutes in his second year, is a name to watch. Tim Hardaway Jr., historically a voter favorite from Dallas, compounds the competitive landscape.
Indeed, the evolving definition of an outstanding Sixth Man transcends mere scoring prowess. With the changing dynamics of NBA gameplay, recognizing players for versatile and impactful contributions—whether from scoring, defense, playmaking, or sheer adaptability—heralds a broader and more inclusive understanding of excellence from the bench.