In the NBA, having a strong bench can make all the difference between a good team and a championship contender. Take Payton Pritchard, for example. Against the Heat, he came off the bench to drop 25 points, including five three-pointers, showcasing the kind of depth that keeps the Celtics rolling.
Then there’s Buddy Hield, who, after joining the Warriors, has been lighting it up from beyond the arc, averaging 15.3 points per game with a 44.2% success rate from three-point land. These guys aren’t just filling in minutes; they’re game-changers.
In this article, we’ll dive into ten bench players every NBA team would love to have this season. These are the unsung heroes who bring that extra spark, turning the tide when the starters need a breather. From sharpshooters to defensive anchors, these players prove that sometimes, the best moves happen off the bench.
Payton Pritchard
Payton Pritchard has been one of the most reliable and explosive bench players in the NBA this season. The Celtics’ backup guard is averaging 16.4 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 21 games off the bench, proving he can step up when his team needs a scoring spark. Against the Heat in his latest performance, he dropped 25 points, including five three-pointers, leading the Celtics to a solid 108-89 win. His ability to heat up quickly and score in bunches has made him an invaluable piece for a team that currently sits at 17-4 and second in the Eastern Conference.
What sets Pritchard apart is his confidence and efficiency. He’s shooting well from beyond the arc and brings a scoring punch that many second units around the league lack. His court vision and energy make him more than just a shooter, as he often creates opportunities for teammates and pushes the tempo. Even in games where he doesn’t score big, his presence keeps opposing defenses honest, creating more space for the Celtics’ stars to operate.
For any team with championship aspirations, having someone like Pritchard who can deliver big-time performances off the bench is crucial. He’s not just filling minutes—he’s actively impacting games and helping the team win. This level of production and consistency is why Pritchard would be a dream bench player for any team in the league.
Amen Thompson
Amen Thompson has been a straight-up defensive beast for the Rockets this season. In his second year, he’s putting up 11.4 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 2.0 assists over 22 games, but his real impact isn’t about the numbers—it’s about the way he completely changes the energy on the floor. With his crazy length and athleticism, he’s everywhere defensively, locking down wings, switching onto guards, and just making life miserable for whoever he’s guarding.
What’s been super fun to watch is his chemistry with Tari Eason off the bench. These two are like a defensive wrecking crew. In that recent win over the Clippers, Thompson dropped 18 points with 11 rebounds, while he and Eason tag-teamed James Harden on a block that basically set the tone for the game. They just feed off each other’s hustle, turning defense into easy buckets in transition.
For a Rockets squad that’s sitting at 15-7 and looking legit, Thompson and Eason have been key in making their second unit one of the most impactful in the league. Thompson’s versatility, high motor, and ability to guard almost anyone are the kind of traits every team wishes they had coming off their bench. This duo is proving that the Rockets’ depth isn’t just solid—it’s a problem for everyone else.
Tari Eason
Every team in the league wishes they had someone like Tari Eason coming off their bench. With his relentless energy and defensive instincts, Eason has become a cornerstone of the Rockets’ second unit. Averaging 11.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and an eye-popping 2.1 steals per game, he’s the type of player who does all the little things that don’t always show up in the box score but win games.
Paired with Amen Thompson, the duo has earned the fitting nickname “Terror Twins” for how they torment opposing offenses. Whether it’s Eason locking down a top scorer or tipping passes to spark fast breaks, his impact is undeniable. Together, they’ve turned the Rockets’ bench into one of the most feared in the league, bringing a mix of hustle, athleticism, and pure chaos on both ends of the floor.
Eason’s value goes beyond just defense. He’s proven he can hit open shots, attack the rim, and create extra possessions with his hustle. On a Rockets team that’s surpassing every expectation, his ability to shift momentum and energize the squad has been a game-changer. If you’re building a championship-caliber team, Eason is exactly the kind of player you want in your rotation—versatile, fearless, and relentless.
Ty Jerome
Ty Jerome has been straight-up balling for the Cavaliers this season, especially in that back-to-back stretch against the Pelicans and Raptors. He went off for 29 points and drained seven threes against the Pelicans, helping the Cavs cruise to a blowout win. Then he followed it up with 26 points against the Raptors, proving he’s way more than just a backup guard, with averages of 11.8 points, 3.6 assists, and 2.0 rebounds in 21 games.
For a team sitting at 19-3 and leading the league, Jerome’s been a game-changer off the bench. He’s giving the Cavs exactly what they need—instant offense, smooth playmaking, and a steady hand when things get tight. Even Kenny Atkinson has been hyping him up, basically saying, “We can’t take this guy off the floor.”
What makes Jerome such a valuable piece is his calm under pressure. When the Cavs have dealt with injuries, he’s stepped up without missing a beat. He’s not just filling a role; he’s making them better every time he’s on the floor. With the way he’s playing, it’s clear he’s the kind of guy every team would love to have in their rotation.
Miles McBride
Miles McBride has quietly been a game-changer off the bench for the Knicks this season. After dealing with some knee issues and missing a handful of games, he came back strong, dropping 13 points in 28 minutes against the Nuggets. For this whole season, he’s been putting up 11.3 points a night while shooting 43.2% from deep—exactly what the Knicks need from their lead guy in the second unit.
In the recent blowout win over the Pelicans, McBride added another 13 points, showing off his reliable scoring and trademark defensive intensity. He’s one of those players who might not fill up the highlight reel, but he’s always doing the little things that help teams win—locking down guards, hitting clutch shots, and bringing energy on both ends of the floor.
With the Knicks now at 13-8 after an impressive win against the Magic, McBride’s role keeps getting bigger. He’s the kind of guy every team would love to have—tough, consistent, and willing to do whatever it takes to win. As long as he keeps managing his knee and staying on the court, McBride’s impact is only going to grow.
Buddy Hield
When Klay Thompson left for the Mavericks, the Warriors needed someone to step in and fill the massive void he left behind. Enter Buddy Hield, who has been nothing short of spectacular this season. In 19 games off the bench, Hield has averaged 14.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, proving to be exactly the kind of sharpshooter the Warriors needed to keep their offensive identity intact.
Hield has had several standout performances already, like his 27-point game against the Jazz and a 29-point explosion versus the Pelicans. He’s thriving in his role, whether it’s as a scoring punch off the bench or stepping into starting lineups when needed. His ability to stretch the floor and knock down contested threes has been crucial for the Warriors, keeping defenses honest and opening up opportunities for Curry and others to operate.
More than just his scoring, Hield has brought stability and veteran savvy to the team. He’s seamlessly adapted to the Warriors’ motion-heavy offense, providing off-ball movement and spacing reminiscent of what Klay offered during his time in Golden State. Hield’s impact goes beyond the box score—his presence keeps defenses on edge, and his confidence has energized the Warriors’ second unit.
With the Warriors currently sitting at 12-8 and 4th in the West, Hield has been a key piece of their early success. His ability to take over games, step up in clutch moments, and fill the void left by Klay has made him one of the most valuable bench players in the league this season. For a team looking to stay competitive in a tough Western Conference, Hield has been nothing short of a game-changer.
Scotty Pippen Jr.
The Grizzlies had a rocky start to the season, struggling to find consistency early on, but things have clicked recently. They’ve gone 7-3 in their last 10 games, climbing up the standings in a tough Western Conference. A big part of their turnaround? Scotty Pippen Jr. The young guard has been proving everyone wrong after the Lakers let him go. The Grizzlies took a chance on him this year, signing him to a standard deal, and he’s been nothing short of phenomenal.
Pippen Jr. is averaging 11.3 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.8 rebounds this season, providing a steady hand and some much-needed playmaking off the bench. He’s been stepping up in big moments too. His 30-point, 10-assist masterpiece against the Bulls showed he’s more than just a role player—he’s capable of taking over games. A few nights later, he followed it up with a 19-point, 7-assist performance against the Pistons, keeping the Grizzlies’ offense rolling even when the starters needed rest.
What makes Pippen so valuable is his combination of poise and energy. On offense, he’s a floor general, creating shots for teammates and himself with ease. On defense, he’s a disruptor, using his quick hands to force turnovers and his IQ to make the right plays. He’s also playing with a chip on his shoulder, determined to show the league that letting him go was a mistake.
For a Grizzlies team that’s now sitting at 14-8, Pippen has been a massive part of their resurgence. He’s not just holding his own—he’s thriving, proving he belongs on this stage. Whether it’s running the offense, locking in on defense, or bringing energy every night, Pippen Jr. has become a crucial piece for Memphis. The Lakers might have let him go, but Memphis is reaping the rewards of believing in him.
Mo Wagner
The Magic have had to deal with a big blow this season after Paolo Banchero went down with a torn oblique back in late October against the Bulls. He’s been sidelined ever since, and while there’s still no official timeline for his return, it’s clear the team has had to adjust in his absence. Luckily for them, Mo Wagner has been stepping up in a major way.
Without Banchero, Wagner has been averaging 13.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over 17 games, taking on a bigger role and proving he can deliver when the team needs him most. The Magic bet on Wagner this offseason, signing him to a two-year, $22 million deal after declining his option, and he’s showing they made the right call. He’s been a steady presence off the bench, keeping the offense flowing and bringing his usual hustle on both ends.
What’s been impressive is how Wagner has managed to fill some of the gaps left by Banchero’s absence. Whether it’s scoring efficiently or battling for boards, he’s done a little bit of everything to help keep the Magic competitive. That 19-point game against the Lakers was a perfect example of how he can impact the game in limited minutes, stepping up when it counts.
The Magic are sitting at 15-8 and holding their ground in the Eastern Conference despite the challenges. Wagner has been a huge part of that, and his ability to adapt and elevate his game has been a massive boost. Once Banchero is back, the Magic will be even more dangerous, but for now, Wagner is showing he’s more than capable of holding things down.
Jonas Valanciunas
The Wizards are having a nightmare of a season, now sitting at 2-17 after another loss to the Cavaliers. It’s been a tough year all around, but Jonas Valanciunas has been one of the few bright spots. Signed this offseason on a three-year, $30 million deal via a sign-and-trade with the Pelicans, Valanciunas has provided steady production, averaging 12.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 16 games off the bench.
Even with his solid performances, the Wizards’ lack of success has fueled trade rumors surrounding the veteran big man. Teams like the Lakers and others looking to shore up their frontcourt have reportedly shown interest. For Washington, who’s clearly in a rebuild, moving Valanciunas for assets seems like an obvious choice, especially since his skill set could really help a playoff contender.
Valanciunas has remained professional amid the noise, continuing to show up every night with his usual physicality and efficient play. Whether it’s battling for rebounds, providing a scoring option in the post, or anchoring the second unit, he’s been one of the few consistent players on this struggling roster.
As the Wizards continue to spiral, it feels like it’s only a matter of time before Valanciunas is wearing a different jersey, with the Lakers highly interested. His size, experience, and ability to contribute right away make him one of the most intriguing trade targets on the market. For now, he’s holding things down in Washington, but a move seems almost inevitable.
AJ Green
The Bucks are officially rolling, now on a seven-game winning streak after last night’s win over the Pistons. They’ve won nine of their last ten and improved to 11-9 on the season, turning things around after a rough start. While Giannis and Dame are doing the heavy lifting, AJ Green has quietly been one of the unsung heroes of this run, bringing his sharpshooting skills and making the most of his minutes off the bench.
Green is averaging 8.2 points this season, shooting a ridiculous 47.8% from three and 83.3% from the line. Nearly all his production comes from deep, as he’s embraced his role as a catch-and-shoot threat. Against the Wizards a few nights ago, Green dropped 13 points, hitting three of his six attempts from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor has been a huge boost for the Bucks, forcing defenses to respect him and giving Giannis and Dame even more room to operate.
Last night’s win against the Pistons was no different, as Green played his part in keeping the offense humming with 11 points and 3-for-3 from deep. His movement off the ball and quick trigger continue to create headaches for defenses, and it’s clear that his teammates trust him to knock down big shots. Milwaukee’s offense looks more dangerous with Green stepping up, and as the Bucks keep climbing the standings, his contributions are becoming impossible to ignore. If he keeps this up, Green might just be one of the best-kept secrets in the league.
