The NBA Sixth Man of the Year award has historically been the domain of prolific bench scorers, with legends like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams setting the gold standard. Together, Crawford and Williams have bagged the award six times, their scoring proficiency making them perennial favorites. However, the landscape of this prestigious accolade is transforming, reflecting the evolving dynamics of the game.
The 2022-23 season signaled this shift decisively. Malcolm Brogdon emerged as the winner, even though he finished fifth in bench scoring for the season. But it was Naz Reid’s triumph that truly underscored the changing criteria. Reid clinched the award despite ranking 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, indicating a broader appreciation for the diverse roles and contributions of bench players.
The Rise of Centers
Reid's victory is historic beyond just the scoring statistics. He is only the third center in NBA history to win the Sixth Man award, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom in the past two decades. This trend points to a growing recognition of the impact made by players in this traditionally less glamorous position.
However, winning the award again might not come easy for Reid. As one analyst put it, "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." The candid observation highlights the precariousness of Reid’s position and the stiff competition he faces.
New York’s Bench Conundrum
The New York Knicks present another intriguing subplot. Josh Hart's performances have been noteworthy, averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and an incredible 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games. With Mitchell Robinson out for the beginning of the season, there are speculations about Hart’s role. Though he humorously dismissed the idea of playing center, tweeting, "I am a 1-4, not a center," it is clear that coach Tom Thibodeau will continue to utilize Hart in various capacities. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," the quip underscores Thibodeau’s reliance on Hart’s versatility.
But the crowded Knicks roster poses challenges. "Ultimately I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," reads one analyst’s take, indicating that competition for minutes and roles could dilute individual brilliance in favor of team synergy – a potential stumbling block for Hart’s Sixth Man ambitions.
Contenders to Watch
Meanwhile, the bookmakers have their eyes on several candidates. Malik Monk stands as a front-runner with odds of +575, signaling significant confidence in his ability to secure the award. Reid follows closely with odds of +700, while Grayson Allen remains a dark horse at +1000.
The story of the Mavericks adds another layer of intrigue. Tim Hardaway Jr. has historically garnered Sixth Man votes in Dallas, but young Jaden Hardy's emergence is noteworthy. Hardy earned playoff minutes in his second year, suggesting that the Mavericks might be grooming him for a more substantial role, potentially impacting Hardaway Jr.’s campaign.
As the new season approaches, the Sixth Man race promises to be more competitive and unpredictable than ever. The evolving criteria and the shifting dynamics within teams ensure that this award will continue to celebrate not just scorers, but impactful players who excel in diverse roles. Whether it’s a resurgent veteran, a versatile utility player, or an up-and-coming young gun, the Sixth Man of the Year title remains one of the NBA’s most captivating narratives.