Most championship teams have rotations that can go at least nine deep in terms of players. The exception to that is the San Antonio Spurs. The Spurs usually have teams that can legitimately go 11 or 12 deep, because head coach Gregg Popovich has prepared each and every player so that they are ready for the playoffs.
The Golden State Warriors beat the Cleveland Cavaliers last season because the Cavs had to play differently after losing Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving to injuries. The Warriors were playing nine or 10 players with a fast pace, and the Cavaliers had to slow the pace down because they were only playing with six or seven guys at best. Having a good and reliable bench that has been built up throughout the season is a very important thing.
New Orleans Pelicans head coach Alvin Gentry may have lost Tyreke Evans to injury, but he is still trying to maintain his bench. Ryan Anderson is still doing admirably by averaging 17.1 points per game and shooting 38.3 percent from the three-point line. Jrue Holiday is averaging 15.6 points and 5.8 assists per game off the bench. Holiday has only started 14 games this season, but he has usually performed worse in those games.
In the 38 games Holiday has come off the bench, he has looked more confident and aggressive. He is usually playing against the second unit of opposing teams which means he will likely have an advantage. Holiday isn’t what he used to be in terms of health, but he was an All-Star in the Eastern Conference a few years ago.
When Anthony Davis exploded for 59 points and 20 rebounds, the Pelicans only beat the Detroit Pistons by five points. If it wasn’t for Holiday’s unnoticed 20 points, seven rebounds and nine assists, the Pelicans would have lost that game and Davis’ historic performance would have been for nothing. If the Pelicans can keep bringing Holiday off the bench and attain at least two more good bench players, the team will be able to withstand injuries better and be a better team for years to come.
