Atlanta Hawks: Top 5 Bench Players in 2016

The 2015-16 Atlanta Hawks will likely have to rely on its deep bench rotation for the team to have a similar level of success it had in 2014-15.  A crucial part of HC Mike Budenholzer’s system is to have significant contributions from the entire team, not just the starters a few role players off the bench.

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Coach Bud normally plays 10-12 players a night in an NBA game, even in the playoffs.  After Game 3 with the Brooklyn Nets in the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals, I often saw Budenholzer go at least 10 deep in the Atlanta Hawks’ remaining 13 playoff games.

It’s that theory of the sum being greater than the parts that works so well in Atlanta for Coach Bud.  Knowing that the second unit and sometimes third unit can deliver meaningful minutes during the grind of a 48 minute professional game.

While I suspect that Mike Budenholzer will again have strong bench play in 2015-16, there are a few major shakeups in the roster that will impact the team’s depth chart this season.  With free agent starting small forward DeMarre Carroll signing with the Toronto Raptors, it essentially moves top-tier wing defender Thabo Sefolosha into the Atlanta Hawks’ starting five with Thabo likely at the 3.

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Not all was lost in free agency as Coach Budenholzer acquired one of his former players in San Antonio C Tiago Splitter.  Splitter’s ability to thrive alongside great big men (Tim Duncan!) and play great in the low post on both ends of the floor should give Bud some flexibility in lineup construction if he does choose to go big to start a game with Splitter at the 5, Al Horford at the 4, and Paul Millsap at the 3.

Backing up Sefolosha on the wing will be a challenge for the Atlanta Hawks again this year.  But Bud and GM Wes Wilcox explored the many buy low-sell high options on the wing this offseason, acquiring Tim Hardaway Jr. from the New York Knicks in a draft day trade and signing Justin Holiday from the NBA Champion Golden State Warriors.

With the starting five likely being Jeff Teague at point guard, Kyle Korver at shooting guard, Thabo Sefolosha at small forward, Paul Millsap at power forward, and Al Horford at center, here are the five most important players coming off the bench for Mike Budenholzer in 2015-16.

Next: Help Is On The Wing