Decade’s Best: Bench

by Nick Rattner The last decade proved an definitive one for benches. Much ink was spilled over the rise of a new breed of superstar; it seemed no one would play hard as second-fiddle let alone auxiliary tuba (Mbenga). But if the Chicago Bulls’ success in the 90s taught bball fans anything, it was that a great team needs great players… and several not-so-great players (Cliff Levingston, Jud Buechler). Phil Jackson’s ability to get role players to play roles was discussed as frequently as was his ability to get star players to play hard. Indeed, ask any talking head on ESPN and they will tell you: a championship team needs depth. And depth is measured with a bench. So, with all this in mind, I wonder: what was the best bench of the last decade? The bench, as a unit, defies the traditional rubrics of basketball excellence. Thus, the bench testifies to the abilities of the players, the charisma and planning of the coach, and the eye of the GM. Playing a secondary role, a bench becomes...