Let’s talk about who really lights up the court from the bench. Sure, the starters get the glory, but the bench players are the unsung heroes, right? Take Jordan Clarkson, for example. He won the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2021. This guy put up 18.4 points per game while only playing 26.7 minutes on average each night. That’s crazy efficient! Think about it: he’s averaging almost a point every 1.5 minutes he’s on the court. How many starters even pull those kinds of numbers?
Then there's Lou Williams, another name synonymous with bench brilliance. Lou’s been the Sixth Man of the Year three times! Over his career, he’s averaged 14.3 points per game, consistently giving his team that offensive boost they desperately need. I mean, the guy even dropped 50 points off the bench in a game once—a feat you don't see every day. His scoring per 36 minutes is comparable to some of the best starters in the league, showing how impactful he is when given the minutes.
If you’re into analytics, you’ve probably come across the term PER, which stands for Player Efficiency Rating. Montrezl Harrell, another former Sixth Man of the Year, posted a PER of 23.2 in the 2019-2020 season. To put that into perspective, a league average PER is 15. Harrell’s PER was not just good; it was elite! He was a force on the boards, too, grabbing 7.1 rebounds per game in just 27.8 minutes. Imagine what he could do with starter minutes!
Now, what about impact beyond just individual stats? Derrick Rose, a former MVP, has found a new life coming off the bench. In the 2020-2021 season, his +6.6 net rating was spectacular. This stat measures the difference in team performance when a player is on the court versus off it. For the Knicks, Rose's veteran presence and scoring ability were invaluable, helping guide them to their first playoff appearance in years. When you think about it, that’s not just impact; it’s game-changing.
Sometimes team chemistry hinges on these bench players, too. Patty Mills has been a perfect example of that with the San Antonio Spurs and now the Brooklyn Nets. He’s known for his deadly three-point shooting, hitting 38.8% of his shots from beyond the arc over his career. That kind of spacing is invaluable, especially in today’s game where three-point shooting can make or break a contest. Plus, Mills brings that veteran leadership that is hard to quantify but incredibly valuable.
Speaking of veterans, Andre Iguodala’s stint with the Golden State Warriors exemplifies what a savvy bench player can bring. His playoff performances were spectacular, culminating in an NBA Finals MVP award in 2015. A bench player winning Finals MVP—how often do you see that? He locked down LeBron James in critical moments and hit some clutch shots of his own. Iguodala’s versatility and defensive prowess made him a cornerstone of the Warriors’ success during their championship runs. You can't put a price on that defensive IQ and timely scoring.
Another name you can't ignore is Eric Gordon. His ability to heat up quickly makes him one of the most dangerous bench scorers in the league. In the 2018-2019 season, Gordon averaged 16.2 points per game and shot 36% from three-point range. When you consider that he often played less than 30 minutes a game, his scoring output was incredibly efficient. Gordon’s also been a key player in playoff runs, showcasing his ability to perform under pressure. Looking at his career, he's been an energizer whenever he steps on the floor, which is exactly what teams look for in a sixth man.
And let’s not overlook Terence Ross from the Orlando Magic. Ross has a knack for exploding offensively. He scored 51 points in a game back in his Toronto days, and while he’s with the Magic, he's embraced his role as a primary scorer off the bench. Averaging about 15 points per game over his last few seasons, Ross ensures that Orlando’s second unit remains competitive. His contributions might not always dominate headlines, but they’re crucial to the team's overall performance.
Let's also consider Dennis Schröder, who thrives coming off the bench. In the 2019-2020 season, Schröder averaged 18.9 points and 4.0 assists per game for the Oklahoma City Thunder. Remarkably, his field goal percentage was 46.9%, well above the league average for guards. Schröder’s ability to run the offense and provide instant scoring makes him irreplaceable for teams aiming for deep playoff runs. His performance earned him runner-up status for the Sixth Man of the Year award, a testament to his impact. You could argue he’s as essential as any starter.
The best part about these bench players: they fuel the game’s excitement. The unpredictability of who might step up on any given night keeps fans on the edge of their seats. When a bench player catches fire, it can change the momentum of a game entirely. So next time you're watching a game, don't just focus on the starters. Keep an eye on those bench players; they might just steal the show.