We are currently observing a significant change in how the NBA's Sixth Man of the Year award is determined. As the game evolves, so too does the criteria for this prestigious accolade. Traditionally dominated by prolific scorers from the bench, such as Jamal Crawford and Lou Williams, both of whom combined to win the award six times, the model of what constitutes a deserving Sixth Man is starting to shift.
Historically, half of the past 20 winners have been the season's leading bench scorers. Despite this trend, recent seasons have seen unexpected players rise to the forefront, breaking the mold. Take, for example, Malcolm Brogdon, who secured the award in the 2022-23 season despite finishing only fifth in bench scoring.
The Case of Naz Reid
Naz Reid's triumph is perhaps the most illustrative example of this evolving paradigm. Reid, ranked 12th in scoring among players who came off the bench at least 30 times, defied expectations, securing the Sixth Man of the Year award. His victory marks him as only the third center in NBA history to receive the honor, following in the footsteps of Montrezl Harrell and Lamar Odom, who were also recognized in the past two decades.
The win for Reid raises questions about the new metrics of success for the Sixth Man of the Year award. For Reid to win again, commentators suggest, it would require a repeat of the dynamics that allowed him to excel in the previous season—including injuries to key players like Rudy Gobert or Karl-Anthony Towns, which would enable Reid to take center stage once more. "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 noted.
Josh Hart: The Versatile Star
Few players embody versatility as dynamically as Josh Hart. Averaging just below 40 minutes per game from February 1 through the end of last season, and an astonishing 46.4 minutes per game in New York's first nine playoff games, Hart has proven his stamina and utility across multiple positions. Amid rumors about his role in the upcoming season, Hart humorously addressed his position on Twitter, stating he is a "1-4, not a center," in light of Mitchell Robinson's unavailability. Indeed, Tom Thibodeau, known for his demanding coaching style, has been known to make Hart "do center things," often stretching his capabilities to their limit.
Potential Contenders
Looking ahead, the field for the Sixth Man of the Year continues to expand with new and familiar faces. Malik Monk currently holds odds of +575 to clinch the award, while Naz Reid trails close behind with +700 odds. Grayson Allen's +1000 odds position him as another strong contender.
In Dallas, Tim Hardaway Jr.'s reputation as a formidable Sixth Man keeps him in the conversation, and Jaden Hardy, who gained valuable playoff experience in his second year, shows promise as a rising star. As one analyst pointed out, "Ultimately, I just think there are too many mouths to feed in New York," highlighting the intense competition within teams for standout performances off the bench.
As the NBA continues to evolve, the criteria for the Sixth Man of the Year will likely adapt even further. What remains clear is that versatility, resilience, and the ability to seize opportunities in dynamic situations are becoming just as crucial as scoring prowess. Fans and analysts alike will undoubtedly keep a close eye on who seizes the spotlight in the upcoming season, anticipating the next player to redefine what it means to be the league's top sixth man.