The landscape of the NBA Sixth Man of the Year (6MOY) award is shifting considerably. The award, which has historically been the realm of prolific bench scorers, is beginning to reflect the evolving dynamics of the game. No longer is sheer scoring prowess from the bench the sole criterion for the honor. A closer look at recent winners and the changing trends reveals a broader acknowledgment of versatility and impact beyond just points.
Changing Dynamics
For years, the 6MOY award was dominated by names synonymous with scoring bursts off the bench. Legends like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams have combined to win the award six times, setting the precedent for what voters looked for in a Sixth Man. Indeed, half of the past 20 recipients led all bench scorers during their winning seasons.
However, Malcolm Brogdon's win in the 2022-23 season signified a potential shift. Brogdon, finishing fifth in bench scoring, still managed to secure the accolade, demonstrating that voters are beginning to value other aspects of the game, such as defensive contributions, playmaking, and overall efficiency.
Naz Reid's Unprecedented Victory
Perhaps the most telling sign of this shift is Naz Reid's recent win. Despite ranking 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, Reid managed to stand out enough to take home the prestigious award. This makes him only the third center in NBA history to earn the honor, joining Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who previously broke the conventional mold in the last two decades.
Reid's win underscores the idea that versatility and filling team needs can weigh as heavily as scoring. "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," an analyst remarked. This perspective highlights how Reid's emergence was, to some extent, influenced by unique team circumstances and opportunities.
The New York Conundrum
Over in New York, Josh Hart's situation encapsulates yet another layer of the modern Sixth Man landscape. Hart, who logged nearly 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, illustrates the intense workload and versatile responsibilities placed on some bench players. Despite his heavy minutes, there is skepticism about his fit for the award. “Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York,” a pundit noted, reflecting on the Knicks' roster depth and distribution of roles.
Humorously acknowledging his multifaceted role within the team, Hart tweeted, "I am a 1-4, not a center," given the news that Mitchell Robinson would not be ready for the start of the season. The tweet sparked discussions about Tom Thibodeau’s coaching style, with another commentator adding, "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything."
Up-and-Comers and Contenders
As the new season approaches, eyes are on several candidates who could emerge as compelling Sixth Man contenders. Malik Monk has odds of +575, while Naz Reid, looking to defend his title, holds odds of +700. Grayson Allen is also in the mix with odds of +1000, adding to a competitive field.
Meanwhile, in Dallas, young talent is coming to the fore. Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in just his second year, looks to build on that momentum. Another name to watch is Tim Hardaway Jr., who has historically garnered votes for the 6MOY award thanks to his scoring and veteran presence off the bench.
The evolving criteria for the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award reveal a broader appreciation for varied skill sets and impactful performances beyond traditional scoring metrics. As the game continues to evolve, so too does the recognition of players who make significant contributions in diverse roles, ensuring that the Sixth Man award remains one of the most fascinating accolades in basketball.