Top ten NBA bench players

While it’s hard to win in the NBA without a superstar, depth still plays a major role in deciding which team rises above the rest and wins a championship.

When a star is getting doubled, or starters need rest, teams need guys who are capable of checking in and stepping up. With this in mind, here’s a look at the ten best bench players in the association this season.

No. 10: Norman Powell, Los Angeles Clippers

Throughout his career, when Norman Powell checks into a game it’s to do one thing: get buckets. 2023-24 has been no different, but this time Powell is finding his buckets much easier to come by.

By playing alongside attention-grabbing stars Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, along with premier passers James Harden and Russell Westbrook, Powell has been afforded ample open looks.

He’s responded by draining 45.6% of his 3-point shots, which ranks second in the NBA behind Grayson Allen.

It’s not that defenses have lost respect for Powell…they just don’t have the resources to account for him. That makes him extremely dangerous.

No. 9: Bojan Bogdanovic, New York Knicks

Acquired by the Knicks at this year’s trade deadline, Bojan Bogdanovic is a former 20-point-per-game guy who’s an absolute laser from beyond the arc.

His score-first style is a bit of a contrast from Tom Thibodeau’s gritty image, though Bogdanovic is still a strong fit due to how his shooting compliments New York’s stars.

Look for him to drain some timely corner threes come playoff time.

No. 8: Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks

A sentimental favorite amongst Milwaukee fans, Bobby Portis continues to be the steady hand his team needs. Currently averaging 12.9 points and 6.9 rebounds per game, Portis’ energetic personality is vital.

He doesn’t take plays off and causes chaos on both ends whenever he checks in. That attitude rubs off on winning teams like the Bucks.

No. 7: Walker Kessler, Utah Jazz

Despite only being in his second season, Walker Kessler is already one of the NBA’s top-flight paint defenders. Currently posting 2.7 blocks and 7.4 rebounds in 23.3 minutes a night, he continues to display the talent that landed him on the All-Rookie First Team last spring.

Though his role has been reduced due to John Collins’ presence, Kessler remains a highly skilled player with a bright future in Salt Lake City.

No. 6: Josh Hart, New York Knicks

The second Knick on this list, Josh Hart’s relentless motor allows him to fit Tom Thibodeau’s style like a glove.

Confident drives, “hockey assists” and determined offensive rebounding are the primary skills Hart brings to the table, showing his willingness to get his hands dirty. That’s an attitude that’ll be crucial come springtime.

No. 5: Al Horford, Boston Celtics

With Kristaps Porzingis now aboard, 37-year-old Al Horford’s role in Boston has diminished this season.

Nonetheless, his familiarity with most of the starting five makes him an easy fit as the team’s sixth man. His continued consistency as a mobile rim deterrence and connective passer allows him to maximize his 27 minutes per night.

The Celtics wouldn’t be the league’s best team without him.

No. 4: Naz Reid, Minnesota Timberwolves

Naz Reid is one of the league’s most unique centers. At 6-foot-9, he displays two-way versatility as a big who handles the ball, drains several threes per night and can force turnovers at any given moment.

His skillset balances excellently with Minnesota’s frontcourt starters, allowing Reid to bring a tangible change of pace to games when he checks in.

No. 3: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks

Bogdan Bogdanovic’s smooth offensive game has made him the ideal spark plug for an inconsistent Atlanta team.

Currently averaging a career-best 16.9 points while sinking roughly 37% of his 8.3 triples per night, Bogdanovic has become a formidable three-level scorer. His 1.3 steals per game show attentiveness on the defensive end, as well.

The complexion of a game can change the moment he subs in, and the Hawks are lucky to have him.

No. 2: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat

22-year-old rookie Jaime Jaquez Jr. has quickly adapted to the NBA by giving Miami a bit of everything.

He drives, dunks, cuts, moves the rock and switches on defense. On occasion, he’ll even display a strong jumper. Most of all, during a year where the Heat have dealt with injuries and inconsistencies in the frontcourt, he’s been a stabilizer.

Surely headed for an All-Rookie First Team selection, Jaquez could be on his way to becoming the second rookie ever to win the Sixth Man award.

No. 1: Malik Monk, Sacramento Kings

Arguably the favorite for 2024 Sixth Man honors, Malik Monk has evolved into a versatile offensive threat in Sactown.

While his 15.1 points per game prove he remains a skilled scorer, it’s his improvement as a passer that’s made him stand out. Now a master of the drive-and-kick game, Monk’s career-best 5.3 assists per outing have molded him into an elite offensive reserve.

Joe Tuman is a third-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email joentuman@gmail.com