Apr 24, 2015; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs players (from left to right) Kawhi Leonard, and Tim Duncan, and Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili watch on the bench against the Los Angeles Clippers in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
1. San Antonio Spurs
2014-2015 Efficiency Rating: 46.6
It had to be the dang Spurs, there was just no denying it. Their bench statistics last year were easily the best in the NBA. The team has long been known as the epitome of depth and their system requires it.
Jul 20, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; San Antonio Spurs head coach Becky Hammon hands the NBA Summer League Championship trophy to Spurs players after defeating Phoenix 93-90 in the final at Thomas & Mack Center. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Their stars are aging and that is where the deep bench comes in handy. The scariest part about this team is they just re-loaded. The big get this offseason was LaMarcus Aldridge and he is now donning the silver and black.
Veteran stalwart David West also decided to take significantly less money to join the Spurs. Throw in one of the best Sixth men of all time in Manu Ginobili, and their great influence of veteran leadership and skill off the bench.
Don’t forget the “Red Mamba” Matt Bonner and Boris Diaw also coming off the bench. Oh and don’t forget the Aussie sharpshooter Patty Mills. Who knows, maybe Gregg Popovich will even use Ray McCallum and Jimmer Fredette to unload real havoc on opposing teams.
One great young key piece that will see time is Summer League MVP Kyle Anderson. Under the tutelage of Becky Hammon, he averaged 18.9 points, six rebounds and two assists per game en route to the Spurs winning the Summer League Championship.
The last time the Spurs exited the playoffs in a painful fashion, they came back with a vengeance. Something to look out for is if Popovich can muster another effort like the one during the 2013-14 season, where they were a wrecking ball of sorts.
It is no mistake, they are the best bench in the NBA and as long as Popvich has the reigns they will continue to be. The fact that they just continue to add talent should terrify the rest of the NBA. Look out for the Spurs next season.