NBA standings ordered by bench offense: Who has the most explosive second unit?
By Cal Durrett
Having a good bench in the NBA can often be a huge difference-maker over the course of a long season and a potentially deep playoff run. Teams with good benches can often weather injuries better, leading to fewer losses and better seeding.
Though, unlike with most team metrics, the teams that rank favorably in bench scoring may not actually be good. After all, with bad teams, there often isn't much difference in terms of starters and bench in terms of talent.
As a result, there may be more balanced minutes distribution and, therefore, more bench scoring. That isn't always the case; however, with most Sixth Man of the Year candidates coming from good teams. it is oftentimes rewarded to the most prolific second-unit scorer. With that in mind, let's take a look at the NBA standings based on bench scoring.
Eastern Conference based on bench scoring.
1) Indiana Pacers
2) Orlando Magic
3) Washington Wizards
4) Detroit Pistons
5) Brooklyn Nets
6) Miami Heat
7) Cleveland Cavaliers
8) Atlanta Hawks
9) Milwaukee Bucks
10) Toronto Raptors
11) New York Knicks
12) Chicago Bulls
13) Boston Celtics
14) Philadelphia 76ers
15) Charlotte Hornets
Immediately, there are huge differences in the Eastern Conference standings, were it based solely on bench scoring. The Pacers, Magic, Wizards, and Pistons, who rank sixth, eighth, 14th, and 15th, respectively, would be the top four seeds.
The Wizards and Pistons ranking highly in bench scoring makes plenty of sense for the aforementioned reasons. Also, bad teams often bring more experienced players off the bench to give younger players more playing time.
The Pacers are obviously different and have had to rely on their bench due to injuries to Tyrese Haliburton. Also, the acquisition of Pascal Siakam has shifted their rotation. With players such as Buddy Hield, Aaron Nesmith, and Obi Toppin coming off the bench, it's not surprising that they lead the East in that regard.
At the other end of these standings are the Bulls, Celtics, 76ers, and Hornets. The Celtics have the best record in the league and, unsurprisingly, rely more on their starters and far less on their bench. Up next is the West.