$Every NBA Team\'s Best Bench Player of 2015-16$

Every NBA Team's Best Bench Player of 2015-16

By Chipper Murphy

Every NBA Team's Best Bench Player of 2015-16

Jeremy Lamb Charlotte Hornets — After a month's worth of games, the rotations of even the worst of teams have begun to take shape. The role of the most effective bench player for each team has become apparent which carries a great deal of importance. With more and more teams looking to play at a fast pace, great bench play can be an incredible asset. These are players who have stepped up for each team in the first month of the season in their bench role.

Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder Atlanta Hawks

Atlanta Hawks: Dennis Schroder

Dennis Schroder Atlanta Hawks — Once again Dennis Schroder is struggling with his shot, but when on the court with one of the league's best point guards, Jeff Teague, he still forms one of the league's most unguardable backcourts. He is the only Hawks bench player scoring in double digits, as Tim Hardaway Jr. has been a monumental disappointment. Without him the second unit would be offensively inept.

Boston Celtics: Evan Turner

Evan Turner Boston Celtics

Boston Celtics: Evan Turner

Evan Turner Boston Celtics — Before the season it would have been obvious to say that Isaiah Thomas would be in this slot; he isn't, but that has nothing to do with his play. Due to Marcus Smart's injury, Thomas has been forced into the starting lineup, and although Turner has not been a standout by any means, scoring just 9 PPG on 41.6 percent shooting, the other expected bench contributors like David Lee and Kelly Olynk have not done anything so far.

Brooklyn Nets: Shane Larkin

Shane Larkin Brooklyn Nets

Brooklyn Nets: Shane Larkin

Shane Larkin Brooklyn Nets — The Brooklyn Nets have had little to be excited about this year, and GM Billy King has rarely made any celebrated moves in his tenure. After one month, however, it looks like his low-risk signing of Shane Larkin will pan out. In less than 20 MPG he is averaging 7.4 PPG on 48.7 percent from the field. With the consistently inefficient play of starter Jarrett Jack, it could be Larkin's turn in the starting lineup sometime soon.

Charlotte Hornets: Jeremy Lamb

Jeremy Lamb Charlotte Hornets

Charlotte Hornets: Jeremy Lamb

Jeremy Lamb Charlotte Hornets — Jeremy Lamb has been one of the more pleasant surprises this season after signing a contract extension that most believed he didn't deserve. Lamb was considered a bust during his time with the Thunder, but in his first season with the Hornets he has thrived coming off the bench in a score-first role, averaging 12.8 PPG on 51.2 percent shooting.

Chicago Bulls: Aaron Brooks

Aaron Brooks Chicago Bulls

Chicago Bulls: Aaron Brooks

Aaron Brooks Chicago Bulls — With Derrick Rose playing the worst basketball of his career, Brooks' role as his backup been more important than ever. He has played admirably off the bench, scoring better than Rose and shooting at a better rate. His defense and size are still an issue, but without him the Bulls would not be third in the Eastern Conference.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson Cleveland Cavaliers

Cleveland Cavaliers: Tristan Thompson

Tristan Thompson Cleveland Cavaliers — The $ 82 million man has been a beast on the boards, sixth in the league in rebounds per 48 minutes with 18, and his 7.3 PPG doesn't impact a Cavs team that is third in offensive efficiency. Thompson's contract might be preposterous, but he is doing exactly what Cleveland expects from him.

Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell

Dwight Powell Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Mavericks: Dwight Powell

Dwight Powell Dallas Mavericks — The Mavericks have been historically ineffective, even during their prime years, when it comes to developing young talent. They were known to shift away from using draft picks at all, so the early development of the 24-year-old Dwight Powell is exciting. With Dirk Nowitzki on the way out, the 6-foot-11 Powell looks like he could be help for the future. He's shooting 45.5 percent from the field on mid-range jump shots and continues to improve.

Denver Nuggets: Will Barton

Will Barton Denver Nuggets

Denver Nuggets: Will Barton

Will Barton Denver Nuggets — I'm usually pretty honest when I do these slideshows, so I had no idea who Will Barton was before I started researching this. I love Jameer Nelson, but he has been so bad this year that I can't possibly put him here. I'm a stat nerd, so I looked at Barton's numbers and he became the clear choice.

Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson Detroit Pistons

Detroit Pistons: Stanley Johnson

Stanley Johnson Detroit Pistons — The Pistons have the worst bench in the NBA, and rookie Stanley Johnson is the only bright spot. He's had flashes of the player Detroit hopes he can be while showing constant inconsistencies. Until the return of Jodie Meeks and Brandon Jennings from injury, this team remains thin.

Golden State Warriors: Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala Golden State Warriors

Golden State Warriors: Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala Golden State Warriors — Last year's NBA Finals MVP is currently leading the league in three-point percentage, making an absurd 48.1 percent from behind the line. Iggy might not be the best bench player in the league, but he would win the award for bench MVP.

Houston Rockets: Clint Capela

Clint Capela Houston Rockets

Houston Rockets: Clint Capela

Clint Capela Houston Rockets — Clint Capela doesn't belong starting alongside Dwight Howard, and the fact that Houston needs him there shows how pathetic the rest of their roster is. Capela is one of the league's best shot blockers and rim protectors, so if he is ever able to attempt a shot from outside of five feet from the rim he will become one of the deadliest players in the league.

Indiana Pacers: Jordan Hill

Jordan Hill Indiana Pacers

Indiana Pacers: Jordan Hill

Jordan Hill Indiana Pacers — Frank Vogel and Larry Bird became seemingly obsessed with small ball in the offseason, so a big like Jordan Hill who can shoot is invaluable to them. Hill fits in better to what they are trying to do now than his predecessor, Roy Hibbert.

Los Angeles Clippers: Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford Los Angeles Clippers

Los Angeles Clippers: Jamal Crawford

Jamal Crawford Los Angeles Clippers — It's hard to pick out one Clipper on the bench who has shown out above the rest, because it has really been a team effort. A case can be made for Paul Pierce because he has clearly had an incredible effect on this squad, but his shooting numbers are awful. Say whatever you want about Jamal Crawford, but he still puts the ball in the basket and gives his team good minutes. The fact that he shoots 26 percent from three is alarming, however.

Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass Los Angeles Lakers

Los Angeles Lakers: Brandon Bass

Brandon Bass Los Angeles Lakers — Brandon Bass is one of the most underrated players in the league. He's averaging just 5.6 PPG but he is only averaging 4.2 field goal attempts in his 16.2 MPG. The basic stats are misleading, however, because like every other Laker he has to fight for his shot. The veteran has an offensive rating of 115 and averages over nine rebounds per 36 minutes.

Memphis Grizzlies: Jeff Green

Jeff Green Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis Grizzlies: Jeff Green

Jeff Green Memphis Grizzlies — Jeff Green did not play well last year for the Grizzlies post-trade, and that's being nice. Although Green is currently being moved into the starting lineup, he has played his best ball in Memphis while coming off the bench.

Miami Heat: Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow Miami Heat

Miami Heat: Justise Winslow

Justise Winslow Miami Heat — Just a month into his career, Justise Winslow has already become the most important player off of the Miami bench and Erik Spoelstra's must trusted defender. His offensive game needs to develop, but Winslow has made himself a dark horse for not just the Rookie of the Year, but also the Sixth Man of the Year.

Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson

John Henson Milwaukee Bucks

Milwaukee Bucks: John Henson

John Henson Milwaukee Bucks — John Henson's offense has become a casualty of a loaded frontcourt in Milwaukee, but his value as a shot blocker can not be understated. New center Greg Monroe is not known for his defense, and it's good to have a defensive backup big to spell him.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine Minnesota Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves: Zach LaVine

Zach LaVine Minnesota Timberwolves — With Ricky Rubio's return from injury last night, Zach LaVine will return to his natural bench role. Although folks love to talk about his freakish athleticism, what is equally impressive about LaVine is the fact that he is a 20-year-old kid shooting 44 percent from the field, 35 percent from three and 92 percent from the free-throw line.

New Orleans Pelicans: Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans Pelicans: Ryan Anderson

Ryan Anderson New Orleans Pelicans — The Pelicans are having a terrible start as injuries have crushed them, but sharpshooter Ryan Anderson has been a bright spot. Averaging 18 PPG and shooting 37.6 percent from behind the three-point line, Anderson is having one of the best seasons of his career as his team struggles.

New York Knicks: Langston Galloway

Langston Galloway New York Knicks

New York Knicks: Langston Galloway

Langston Galloway New York Knicks — Langston Galloway has struggled since his early stretch from behind the three-point line, but he is still shooting 43.5 percent. And with an offensive rating of 112, he is the most efficient bench player on the team. The Knicks' bench has been very inconsistent, but Galloway has done his best to keep his play solid.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter Oklahoma City Thunder

Oklahoma City Thunder: Enes Kanter

Enes Kanter Oklahoma City Thunder — Enes Kanter has an incredible offensive rating of 122, and although his defense is still awful, with just an average of 20.8 MPG that damage has been limited.

Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic: Victor Oladipo

Victor Oladipo Orlando Magic — New coach Scott Skiles moved Victor Oladipo to the bench in favor of Evan Fournier, and the move has paid off while both Fournier and Oladipo have excelled in their new roles. Fournier has been a breakout star, but Oladipo, once thought to be the future of the franchise, could now have a role as a top sixth man in the league.

Philadelphia 76ers: Hollis Thompson

Hollis Thompson Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers: Hollis Thompson

Hollis Thompson Philadelphia 76ers — Hollis Thompson is shooting 39.4 percent from downtown, one of only two players shooting over 35 percent from that range on the entire roster.

Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren

T.J. Warren Phoenix Suns

Phoenix Suns: T.J. Warren

T.J. Warren Phoenix Suns — T.J. Warren is off to a hot start shooting 53.6 percent from the field, 40.9 percent from downtown and putting up 12.3 PPG. Warren shot 23.8 percent from three-point range on the season in his rookie year, so the huge improvement is giving Phoenix fans hope for the future.

Portland Trail Blazers: Allen Crabbe

Allen Crabbe Portland Trail Blazers

Portland Trail Blazers: Allen Crabbe

Allen Crabbe Portland Trail Blazers — Allen Crabbe is having a breakout season shooting over 45 percent from the field, 40 percent from three and nearly 90 percent from the free-throw line. In 23.3 MPG he is scoring 8.6 PPG with an offensive rating of 110.

Sacramento Kings: Omri Casspi

Omri Casspi Sacramento Kings

Sacramento Kings: Omri Casspi

Omri Casspi Sacramento Kings — Omri Casspi is another having a breakout season, scoring 11.1 PPG while shooting over 45 percent from three and 50 percent from the field. Casspi's averaging 6.1 RPG and has been one of the lone bright spots during a tumultuous Kings season.

San Antonio Spurs: Manu Ginobili

Manu Ginobili San Antonio Spurs

San Antonio Spurs: Manu Ginobili

Manu Ginobili San Antonio Spurs — Manu Ginobili looked bad in the playoffs last year and many said that he should retire. He decided to come back and responded with one of the hottest starts in recent years. In just 20.2 MPG, he is averaging 10.5 PPG on 44.6 percent shooting from the field.

Toronto Raptors: Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph Toronto Raptors

Toronto Raptors: Cory Joseph

Cory Joseph Toronto Raptors — Cory Joseph's offensive rating is 117, and he's scoring 9.4 PPG on 50.4 percent from the field. The former San Antonio Spur has been an unappreciated surprise for the Raptors this season.

Utah Jazz: Alec Burks

Alec Burks Utah Jazz

Utah Jazz: Alec Burks

Alec Burks Utah Jazz — After the loss of Dante Exum, Utah needed another guard in their rotation to step up. The oft-criticized Alec Burks was that guard as he has improved his three-point shooting (39.4 percent) and his scoring (15.4 PPG).

Washington Wizards: Jared Dudley

Jared Dudley Washington Wizards

Washington Wizards: Jared Dudley

Jared Dudley Washington Wizards — Jared Dudley was brought in to be the veteran replacement for Paul Pierce and give Washington some scoring help off the bench at the stretch four position. He has rewarded their confidence by shooting 46.3 percent from three-point range and 50 percent from the field.

Chipper Murphy is a Beat Writer for the New York Knicks on www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy or Google. “Like” him on Facebook.

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