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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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Nov 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) reacts as he grabs a rebound in front of center Jahlil Okafor (8) and Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) reacts as he grabs a rebound in front of center Jahlil Okafor (8) and Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Philadelphia 76ers

PPG: 43.5 (3rd)
RPG: 19.8 (3rd)
APG: 10.1 (1st)
BPG: 2.6 (t-1st)

Surprisingly, the Sixers will be discussed in this portion of the article, but Joel Embiid won’t. Instead, the reserves–including Ersan Ilyasova, Jahlil Okafor, Nik Stauskas and Hollis Thompson–will own the spotlight.

Some could make the argument that Ilyasova isn’t a solidified bench player since he and Dario Saric will often find themselves splitting starts.

In his 14 games this season with Philadelphia, he’s come off the bench seven times and has averaged 11.7 points per game, ranking second on the team. Despite not having many playmakers around him, he’s still managed to shoot fairly well from both the field (46.9) and three (40.6).

Pairing him alongside Okafor makes for an effective inside-out duo in the frontcourt.

Okafor has been consistent scoring this season averaging 10.4 points per game, but he continues to be a liability defensively and there are no realistic signs that will change.

The Sixers have seemed to accepted that fact and are comfortable with Okafor being the second punch offensively when Embiid is sitting.

Thompson has been a quiet weapon for Philadelphia ever since he came into the league in 2013-14. He won’t light up the box score, but he makes the shots he’s supposed to make and at an efficient clip.

Having Stauskas come off the bench seems the best thing for both he and the team. Expectations aren’t set as high that way and Stauskas doesn’t feel the pressure that comes with starting. Thus far, his numbers are proving that theory correct.

He has posted career-highs in points (10.2), rebounds (2.9), field-goal percentage (51.7), and three-point percentage (44.6).

The Sixers still are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference with a 4-13 record, but there’s no doubt that they have become a lot more exciting to watch with Embiid and improved bench play.