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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 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) reacts with Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) after making a shot in the second quarter against Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Trevor Booker (35) reacts with Brooklyn Nets guard Sean Kilpatrick (6) after making a shot in the second quarter against Charlotte Hornets at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Nicole Sweet-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Brooklyn Nets

PPG: 43.6 (2nd)
RPG: 18.4 (7th)
APG: 8.3 (10th)
BPG: 1.1 (29th)

Coming into this season, the Nets were in the conversation as potentially becoming one of the worst teams in NBA history. Their roster didn’t have much to offer, but that’s why you can’t judge teams on paper.

At 4-12, the Nets aren’t shocking the world by any means, but they have been competitive in almost every game. Sean Kilpatrick has been their spark off the bench and is beginning to catch the eye of the average fan with his 14.8 point per game average.

After two seasons of riding the bench in Cleveland, Joe Harris has taken advantage of his playing time in Brooklyn. In 24 minutes per game, Harris is averaging 8.8 points on 42.6 percent shooting from the field while pulling down 2.6 rebounds.

Justin Hamilton isn’t a name that most are familiar with. The second-round pick of the 2012 NBA Draft played in 49 games in his first two seasons with two different teams. Similar to Harris, Hamilton is seizing his opportunity in Brooklyn averaging 7.9 points and 4.7 rebounds per game.

The 7-footer has been consistent connecting beyond the arc as well, converting on 41.1 percent of his attempts.

There is no expectation for the Nets to make a playoff push this season, but seeing players who haven’t had a chance to play elsewhere showcase their skills is always entertaining.