NBA Power Rankings: Breaking Down Every Team’s Second Unit
By Jordan Yant
Apr 15, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown rubs his head in reaction to a turnover against the Miami Heat during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Heat won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
30. Philadelphia 76ers
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 38.4
How can a team who actually finished 11th in bench efficiency last season be ranked last? It is really quite simple; have you seen the roster?
The bench efficiency was inflated last year due to the fact that the bench was nearly as productive as the starters. So, to distinguish between the two can prove to be challenging. Just because the bench may see more time than others and appear productive, does not mean it’s a talented group. It’s the old “good stats on a bad team” argument.
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Truth is, if you look at the players who will see time off the bench, it is a rough group – Isaiah Canaan, Hollis Thompson, Jerami Grant, Carl Landry, and Furkan Aldemir. Those are just a few of the names that litter the second unit.
Sure there’s some talent there, both Canaan and Grant have shown the capability to be legitimate NBA players. Landry (though past his prime) is still a suitable player when he is healthy.
Sam Hinkie has become notorious for setting up his roster for “growth.” In this case “growth” equals failure. He has become the face of tanking and seems to embrace the idea.
Yes, he has accumulated numerous assets. There’s no doubt about it. Question is, will all those assets eventually equal more wins? Only time will tell, but for now be prepared for a lackluster team.
Next: New Orleans