NBA Sixth Man of the Year preview: Can Malcolm Brogdon repeat with a new team?

With the tipoff of the NBA season looming Tuesday, Yardbarker is previewing the major year-end awards by examining top contenders for each. 

Chris Paul, G, Golden State Warriors

Paul has played in 1,214 regular-season NBA games but has come off the bench exactly zero times. That may change in a few days, though, because the Warriors starting five of Steph Curry/Klay Thompson/Andrew Wiggins/Draymond Green/Kevon Looney is one of the most dominant lineups in the NBA (+22.1 points per 100 possessions) and messing with that combination seems silly. 

How he can win it: If the 38-year-old Paul comes off the bench, his Sixth Man of the Year work will be cut out for him. Paul, who is renowned for making players around him better, could be leading a second unit that includes youngsters Jonathan Kuminga and Moses Moody. If he can be the reason Moody and Kuminga make "leaps" while still putting up efficient shooting numbers and a bunch of assists, his case for the award will be strong.

Why he might not: Paul experienced the first significant drop in his play quality last season (career-lows in both PPG and usage rate) with Phoenix, and if he experiences another drop like that, he likely won't be in the running for any awards. He also simply might not get the opportunity. On the "Good Word With Goodwill" podcast, ESPN's Marc Spears reported Golden State is leaning toward starting Paul.

Malik Monk, G, Sacramento Kings

Monk has always been a talented passer, and last season he fully leaned into a distributor role with the Kings by posting a career-best 25.5% assist percentage. 

How he can win it: Sacramento added more depth with the addition of EuroLeague MVP Sascha Vezenkov, giving Monk and the second unit another weapon on the wing. If Sacramento's bench lives up to its potential and Monk is the one spearheading the unit, expect him to be in the discussion for the award.

Why he might not: With Chris Duarte, Jaylen Nowell, the aforementioned Vezenkov and perhaps even rookie Colby Jones on the roster, Monk might lose out on some touches, causing his raw numbers to drop and thus pushing him out of award discussions.

Josh Hart, F, New York Knicks

A deadline acquisition for the Knicks last season, Hart became an instant hit at MSG thanks to his numerous timely baskets and constant hustle.

How he can win it: New York should be a solid playoff team this season, and Hart bringing the energy in the NBA's biggest market could put him in front of a lot of eyeballs. Plus, his propensity for winning plays could propel him into the conversation. 

Why he might not: A regression seems imminent. Hart shot 50% from deep in his 25 games with New York last season, and (no offense, Josh) he is not the greatest three-point shooter to ever live, so that number will surely come back to Earth. Sixth Man of the Year winners always pass the eye test and stats test.

Malcolm Brogdon, G, Portland Trail Blazers

The reigning Sixth Man of the Year moved out West this summer as part of the Jrue Holiday trade, but his role might not change too much in Portland. The Trail Blazers have a promising young backcourt that includes Scoot Henderson, Anfernee Simons and Shaedon Sharpe. They could benefit Brogdon... or be the reason he doesn't repeat. 

How he can win it: Expect the veteran Brogdon to slide in with significant bench minutes and be the main creator and distributor in Portland's second unit, providing stability and experience.

Why he might not: There is a world in which Henderson becomes too good too quickly and Sharpe takes a significant leap, limiting Brogdon's minutes and opportunities on a team prioritizing its youth. Portland also won't win many games this season, and team success is a near-necessity to be considered for Sixth Man of the Year.

Bobby Portis, F, Milwaukee Bucks

Portis secured a $49 million contract with Milwaukee over the summer partially because he knows what his role will be with a team that views him as an essential piece.

How he can win it: Portis, though he'll come off the bench, will still likely get between 26 and 30 minutes a game. The addition of Damian Lillard makes life considerably easier on the offensive end for every other player, and Portis might be able to benefit from some easy looks. Even if he plays mostly with the second unit, new backup PG Cam Payne could help with distribution and the quality of looks Portis gets, too.

Why he might not: When a team makes as big of an offseason move as Milwaukee did with the Lillard trade, the shots and usage can be completely changed. Dame won't take any of Portis's shots away, but there could be a trickle-down effect that permeates the roster.