We all focus on the superstars of the NBA, the big-money, jersey-selling ballers that kids aspire to be. The Celtics won the NBA Finals after acquiring "the Boston Three Party," but they also brought the right players off the bench at the right time.
What does it take to have a good bench—one that takes your team deep into the playoffs?
It's a combination of youthful players to provide a spark and seasoned veterans who know their role. Some of the league's top pine-riders could start, but they are more valuable to their teams coming off the bench. It's not who starts the game, it's who finishes.
The 13 Best Benches in the NBA
13. Minnesota Timberwolves
Key Players: Sebastian Telfair, Corey Brewer, Craig Smith, Ryan Gomes, Rodney Carney, Mark Madsen, David Harrison.
The T-Wolves may have the best young bench in the NBA. Unfortunately, they don't have much in the way of seasoned veterans. Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen has experience on championship teams, but not really contributing to them. Telfair and Brewer are on the verge of becoming NBA starters.
12. Denver Nuggets
Key Players: J.R. Smith, Chucky Atkins, Renaldo Balkman, Linas Kleiza, Chris Andersen, Nick Fazekas, Juwan Howard, Steven Hunter, Ruben Patterson, Smush Parker.
No bench player should be a starter in the league more than J.R. Smith; he has an all-around offensive game and is a solid defender. After that, the Nuggets have an interesting cast of characters. They added Renaldo Balkman to replace Eduardo Najera, and Chris Andersen is back in action. George Karl will tweak his rotations until he finds one that works.
11. Philadelphia 76ers
Key Players: Louis Williams, Willie Green, Kareem Rush, Reggie Evans, Marreese Speights, Theo Ratliff.
The 76ers were very happy with the progress of former prep phenom Louis Williams last season. Willie Green provides solid guard play, and Reggie Evans adds serious toughness. Rookie Marreese Speights has an NBA-ready body, is an explosive leaper, and will learn a few things from Samuel Dalembert, Elton Brand, and Theo Ratliff.
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