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NBA: Top 5 Benches Thus Far in 2016-17

By Colby Giacubeno

Nov 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) celebrates a play with forward Brandon Ingram (14) as Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) is shown on the play in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Jordan Clarkson (6) celebrates a play with forward Brandon Ingram (14) as Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) is shown on the play in the fourth quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Lakers won 123-116. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Depth is imperative in the NBA. It’s one of the pillars in building a team. Here are the top five benches thus far in the 2016-17 season.

Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /

In any team-oriented sport, having quality depth behind the starting lineup of players is a major key in forming a potential championship contender.

The starters always will get the majority of the spotlight, but on any championship team, there always seems to be at least one reserve player whose contribution means just as much as one of the starters in terms of helping the respective team take home the title.

However when it comes to statistics, some of the highly ranked bench rotations in the NBA will come from the teams with the worst records. The case is usually because their starting five isn’t strong enough, so the bench sees much more time than the players from one of the top teams do.

This is very much the case with this season’s top bench squads. But just because their team isn’t at the top of the standings, doesn’t mean their efforts should be ignored.

Also See: 50 Greatest Players Of All Time

Let’s take a look at the top five bench rotations up to this point in the NBA season.