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Here's my early look at the top-8 bench units for next year, focusing on impact, not just raw scoring.

Depth Chart Dominators

1. Oklahoma City Thunder

Bench PPG (Projected): 43.5

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +6.8

Key Players: Cason Wallace, Ousmane Dieng, Jaylin Williams, Kenrich Williams, and a mid-level free agent wing.

Playing Style: The Thunder's bench is a continuation of their starting five's identity: long, athletic, and switchable. Wallace, heading into his third year, will be a menace defensively, able to hound opposing guards for 18-20 minutes. Dieng, if he takes the step many expect, could be a primary secondary playmaker, leveraging his 6'10" frame and improved handle. Jaylin Williams provides smart passing and rebounding from the center spot, averaging 4.0 assists per 36 minutes last season. Kenrich Williams is the ultimate glue guy, the kind of player every contender needs, shooting 44% from three in 2023-24. They're going to suffocate teams with waves of 6'6" to 6'10" athletes who can all pass and defend. This unit isn't just about scoring; it's about making life miserable for the opposition.

2. Boston Celtics

Bench PPG (Projected): 41.0

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +5.5

Key Players: Payton Pritchard, Sam Hauser, Al Horford, Oshae Brissett, and a draft pick big.

Playing Style: Boston's bench is a masterclass in complementary basketball, especially with Horford likely moving to a full-time bench role at 39 years old. He's still an elite defender and passer, posting a +7.4 net rating with bench units last year. Pritchard is a spark plug, capable of hitting four threes in a quarter and driving opposing coaches insane with his relentless energy. Hauser provides pure shooting, hitting 42.4% from deep on 5.9 attempts per game last season. Brissett is a versatile defender, and you know Brad Stevens will unearth another useful rotation piece. The key here is spacing and veteran savvy around Pritchard's burst. They punish mismatches and don't turn the ball over.

3. San Antonio Spurs

Bench PPG (Projected): 45.0

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +4.2

Key Players: Tre Jones, Malaki Branham, Julian Champagnie, Zach Collins, and a new veteran wing via free agency.

Playing Style: This is where the Spurs' youth and potential really shine. Jones is one of the best backup point guards in the league, averaging 5.8 assists and just 1.1 turnovers per game in 2023-24. Branham, with his smooth mid-range game, will be a go-to scorer for the second unit. Champagnie offers length and shooting (38.9% from three last season). Collins, despite some injury woes, is a skilled big who can score inside and out, and pass (2.8 assists per game). They play with pace, push the ball, and are starting to understand how to rely on their athleticism. With another year of development and a smart veteran addition, this bench will be a nightmare to keep up with.

4. Memphis Grizzlies

Bench PPG (Projected): 40.5

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +3.9

Key Players: Luke Kennard, Santi Aldama, GG Jackson, Jake LaRavia, and a veteran backup point guard.

Playing Style: The Grizzlies' bench is all about firepower and hustle. Kennard is a sniper, an absolute must for any second unit, shooting 45.6% from beyond the arc over his career. Jackson, still raw, showed flashes of explosive scoring (14.6 PPG in 44 games last year) and fearless attacking, making him a potential Sixth Man of the Year candidate down the line. Aldama is a versatile forward who can stretch the floor and hold his own defensively. LaRavia brings defensive intensity and improved shooting. They'll run, create chaos, and punish defenses that relax. My hot take: if Jackson cleans up his decision-making, this unit could easily crack the top two by mid-season.

5. Miami Heat

Bench PPG (Projected): 38.0

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +3.5

Key Players: Jaime Jaquez Jr., Caleb Martin, Nikola Jovic, and a savvy veteran guard addition.

Playing Style: You know what you're getting with Miami: unyielding effort, defensive toughness, and opportunistic scoring. Jaquez, after a stellar rookie campaign (11.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG), is a walking mismatch with his old-school post-ups and craftiness. Martin is a playoff warrior, bringing energy and switchability defensively, often taking on the toughest perimeter assignments. Jovic, if he continues to develop his playmaking and shooting, could be a real threat. Their bench plays with the same grit as their starters, making every possession a battle. They might not light up the scoreboard, but they will wear teams down.

6. Cleveland Cavaliers

Bench PPG (Projected): 39.0

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +3.2

Key Players: Caris LeVert, Georges Niang, Isaac Okoro, and a new backup center.

Playing Style: The Cavaliers' bench is built on versatility and veteran presence. LeVert is a microwave scorer, capable of creating his own shot and going on individual runs, averaging 14.0 PPG in 2023-24. Niang provides essential floor spacing and toughness from the power forward spot, hitting 36.8% of his threes. Okoro is a tenacious perimeter defender, able to guard 1-4, which is major for bench units. They'll need to solidify their backup big spot, but the core here is solid. This unit prioritizes defense and opportunistic offense, often benefiting from mismatches created by LeVert.

7. Orlando Magic

Bench PPG (Projected): 42.0

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +2.8

Key Players: Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs (if he doesn't start), Jonathan Isaac, Chuma Okeke.

Playing Style: The Magic's bench will be a mix of electric guard play and defensive versatility. Anthony is a dynamic scorer and playmaker, consistently putting up numbers (11.6 PPG, 2.9 APG) off the bench. If Suggs remains in a bench role, his defensive intensity and improved shooting (39.5% from three last season) would make this unit incredibly disruptive. Isaac, when healthy, is a major factor defensively, capable of blocking shots and guarding multiple positions. Okeke adds another layer of defensive length. This bench will bring a ton of energy, particularly on the defensive end, forcing turnovers and getting out in transition.

8. Philadelphia 76ers

Bench PPG (Projected): 37.5

Net Rating with bench on court (Projected): +2.5

Key Players: Paul Reed, Tyrese Maxey (if he doesn't start), Kelly Oubre Jr. (if re-signed), and a new shooting guard.

Playing Style: This spot is a bit more speculative, heavily dependent on Maxey's role and free agency. If Maxey comes off the bench, this unit immediately jumps. But assuming he starts, Reed is an energetic big who can rebound and defend with ferocity. Oubre, if he's back, provides much-needed scoring punch and athleticism. The Sixers usually have one or two veteran sharpshooters, and they'll need them. Their bench will rely on opportunistic scoring, strong rebounding, and a willingness to get gritty. They're a team that often tries to win with their starters, but their bench, with a few smart additions, could be surprisingly effective.

Bold prediction for 2025-26: The OKC Thunder's bench will lead the league in opponent turnovers per game, proving that defense truly travels.