The NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award, traditionally bestowed upon the league's top-performing bench player, is experiencing a transformative shift. Once dominated by high-scoring guards like Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams—who combined to win the accolade six times—the criteria for what constitutes a standout sixth man are evolving in tandem with the game's ever-changing dynamics.
Award Redefined
Historically, half of the past 20 award winners were the season's leading bench scorers, often celebrated for their ability to light up the scoreboard from the sidelines. The 2022-23 season, however, saw a divergence from this scoring-centric trend with Malcolm Brogdon claiming the honor despite finishing fifth in bench scoring. This shift in recognition suggests a growing appreciation for players who contribute in various dimensions beyond just point totals.
Another compelling development is Naz Reid's victory, a player who didn't even crack the top 10 in bench scoring—he ranked 12th. Reid's win underscores the NBA's expanding view on what makes a significant impact off the bench. More than just a reliable scorer, Reid's all-around play, especially in his role as a center, has propelled him to a rarefied status. Only two other centers have won the award in the past two decades: Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom.
Sophisticated Contributions
Reid's victory isn't merely about numbers; it's also about circumstance and adaptability. As one analyst poignantly 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." This sentiment encapsulates the fragile balance required for bench players who depend on specific conditions to maximize their court time and influence.
This changing landscape is similarly reflected in the role of Josh Hart, whose versatility has seen him transition into a near-permanent fixture on the court. Hart averaged just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season and an eye-popping 46.4 minutes in New York's first nine playoff games. His extensive usage comes despite his own humorous disclaimer on Twitter: "I am a 1-4, not a center," in light of the news that Mitchell Robinson would not be ready for the start of the season. Yet, Hart’s responsibilities often extend beyond his natural position, a testament to his multifaceted abilities and the demands of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. "Tom Thibodeau is just going to make him do center things because Tom Thibodeau makes him do everything," another analyst remarked, underscoring Hart’s indispensable role.
Future Contenders
Looking ahead, the race for the 2023-24 Sixth Man of the Year is shaping up intriguingly. Malik Monk, with odds of +575, and Naz Reid at +700 lead the pack while Grayson Allen, a promising contender, holds odds of +1000. In Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr. remains a perennial candidate and Mavericks' sophomore Jaden Hardy, who earned playoff minutes in his second year, is likely to be a key contributor off the bench moving forward.
With such a blend of emerging talent and seasoned veterans, the Sixth Man of the Year race continues to thrive on its unpredictability and nuance. The award's evolution mirrors the broader changes sweeping the NBA, where multifaceted contributions and players' adaptability to varying roles are increasingly valued. As basketball continues to innovate on and off the court, so too will the criteria for recognizing its most impactful bench players.
Indeed, the next era of Sixth Man candidates will likely reflect the sport’s ever-expanding complexity, rewarding not just those who can score in bunches, but those who can elevate their teams through versatile and significant contributions.