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NBA: Under The Radar Reserves Contributing Big Time

By Simon Smith

Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) reacts to his three pointer in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Gerald Henderson (12) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) reacts to his three pointer in front of Philadelphia 76ers guard Gerald Henderson (12) during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

These unheralded NBA reserves have proven to be crucial for the fortunes of several playoff contenders.

When it comes to NBA playoff contenders, most of the plaudits are understandably directed towards the star players on each team. And in some cases, exceptional coaching may also grab the headlines. But a team is only as good as its depth, and there have been a number of players this season who are performing exceptionally without receiving much fanfare.

When you think of the Houston Rockets, the first thing that comes to mind is James Harden’s transformation as a point guard, and the exceptional job Mike D’Antoni has done in creating a juggernaut of an offense. Second-year forward Montrezl Harrell is probably one of the last players that comes to mind. But as you will see, his contributions have been enormous.

The same applies to the other featured players. The Toronto Raptors are again among the elite in the Eastern Conference, and their All-Star backcourt of Kyle Lowry and DeMar DeRozan has received much of the credit with good reason. But seventh-year forward Patrick Patterson has played a pivotal role in balancing the Raptors on both ends of the floor. His value certainly defies the standard box score numbers.

The Milwaukee Bucks are a team on the rise, with the forward partnership of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker being one of the most watchable in the league. But a key member of their reserve unit this season has been Greg Monroe. An old school low-post performer, Monroe has adjusted to his new role as the team’s sixth man. The numbers this season clearly reflect the value of Monroe’s role.

And then there are the San Antonio Spurs, perennially among the upper echelon of teams in the league. This season is no different, with some new faces featuring in the post-Tim Duncan era. But now in his sixth season in San Antonio, Patty Mills’ worth to the Spurs’ bench unit has never been greater. On pace for a 66-win season, Mills’ consistency will be a key in maintaining their current form.

Here we detail these players’ value in further detail.