Fansided

Top five teams with the best bench in the NBA

By FanSided Staff

Feb 7, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of basketball sitting on the court during the 2nd half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2015; East Lansing, MI, USA; General view of basketball sitting on the court during the 2nd half of a game between the Michigan State Spartans and the Illinois Fighting Illini at Jack Breslin Student Events Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dennis Schroder (17) drives to the basket against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Amway Center. Atlanta Hawks defeated the Orlando Magic 95-83. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Atlanta Hawks

Has there been a bigger shock in the NBA this year than the Atlanta Hawks comfortably sitting atop the East? Probably not. Going from a 38 win team last year to one of the best teams in the NBA is quite a jump. And that has more to do with their bench than people may realize.

Most of the credit has to go to head coach Mike Budenholzer. He has taken virtually the same roster from last year and created a true functioning team. Budenholzer has established a certain mold he wants his players to fit into. Without a roster that goes ten deep that mold wouldn’t work. And it starts from that first rotation of guys off the bench.

Backup point guard Dennis Schroder has really come alive this season. He has been the Hawks go to guy to fill in for star point guard Jeff Teague when he needs a break. His production has only increased as his responsibilities have which is definitely a driving force for the success of the Hawks. Being able to trust your backup point guard to leave little drop off from your starter is something that every coach yearns for. And Schroder averaging 9.9 points and 4.2 assists per game in just under 20 minutes of playing time is huge for the Hawks. Especially in that pass first offense that works so well.

Another main asset that drives Atlanta to success is their backup small forward, Thabo Sefolosha. Many thought that Sefolosha would be a starter on the Hawks this year. But with the continued success of DeMarre Carroll, Sefolosha has filled in as somewhat of a sixth man for the Hawks. A role he has accepted with open arms. He has sat out the past month and a half, but as he works his way back into the lineup, he will be a huge asset coming off the bench come playoff time.

So while the Hawks have surprised us all this year, it is easy to see why they have had such sustainable success. Players like Sefolosha and Schroder are enormously beneficial off the bench. And on a team that doesn’t center on one individual to take over a game having bench guys who can keep the flow of the game consistent is important. If the Hawks can stay healthy, there is no reason to think they can’t do some major damage in the playoffs this year.

Next: 1. San Antonio Spurs

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