1. A long seat, often without a back, for two or more persons.
Some may think that "riding the pine" is bad and totally useless.
News flash folks; it isn't!
In fact, it is the most vital part of any team. Without a bench, your starters are screwed. The bench players are there to give the starters the rest they need, and to help keep the energy high during the game.
Let us continue ranking the top five benches going in this 2009-2010 season.
5 - Chicago Bulls
The Windy City may seem like an unpredictable place at this moment, but their bench also seems to have some sort of steady pace.
Last year, guard Derrick Rose was given the duty to step up as starting point guard.
Kirk Hinrich did an outstanding job holding his own. He was constant, averaging 9.9 points per game and 3.9 assists per game.
With Ben Gordon gone, the guard slot is not as talented as before. Bringing guard Jannero Pargo brings back a nice consistency of play and experience.
The forwards are not in a bad spot either.
Brad Miller can hold his own in the post, and can knock down the open jumper if he so desires. Tyrus Thomas and Joakim Noah are there for hustle and defence. Offense from them is simply gravy. Having Brad Miller is a good back drop from some offensive need.
Oh, let's not forget James Johnson and Taj Gibson, two legit rookies who are ready to play on the professional stage.
4 - Minnesota Timberwolves
Well, many people are expecting big things from this young team. They've made some mistakes this off-season, but have fixed them with so very good signings.
Aleksander Pavlovic was a good snag. He was under utilized in Cleveland and can now be useful for this Minnesota squad. He is good spot up shooter, which the T'Wolves need.
Ryan Hollins proved himself this past playoffs with the Dallas Mavericks. He is a high energy player who did his best against Kenyon Martin and Tim Duncan.Expect him to log heavy minutes for Kevin Love and Al Jefferson.
What the T'Wolves did this off-season was log up on guards. As of now the T'Wolves have Jonny Flynn, Antonio Daniels, Ramon Sessions, and Wayne Ellington.
These guards are extremely talented and can handle the rock as well as score.
Kurt Rambis will have a tough time managing talented guards.
3 - Los Angeles Lakers [Tie]
The Los Angeles Lakers are part of this fiasco. Many argue the Laker's off-season changes; whether they were good or bad. As of now however, the Lakers still have a solid bench.
It appears that Lamar Odom will be working the sixth man position, which he has done with better composure.
Shannon Brown, Sasha Vujacic, and Jordan Farmar seem to be the bench-guard rotation for Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.
The wilkd-card for this bench squad is Adam Morrison. His role was keeping the bench warm last year. Expect him to sub in for Ron Artest.
Many have forgotten his game in Gonzaga and some of Charlotte. I see it as Luke Walton and
Morrison battling for playing time.
3 - Dallas Mavericks [Tie]
This team has had many ups and downs in the past five years. Some are still unsure about thier potential in the West. Dirk Nowitzki is the main guy, followed by Josh Howard, Jason Kidd, and Shawn Marion.
As regards to bench, the Mavs are equipped with the proper tools. Jason Terry is still there holding down the sixth man spot and potentially being a starter is JJ Barea can keep up with starter minutes.
Rodrigue Beaubois is the rookie who everyone in Dallas will be looking at. He is talented and can definitely be able to back up Barea.
The Mavs bulked up on forwards this offseason, aqcuiring Shawn Marion, Drew Gooden, and Tim Thomas.
Quinton Ross and James Singleton are two under looked players coming in this season. If Rick Carlisle gives them steady minutes, expect energy and hard nose-to-nose defence.
2 - Cleveland Cavaliers
LeBron James and his troops hit the jackpot this offseason.
It remains to be seen how Shaq and LeBron will co-exist with each each, but with this there is also questions about the bench rotation.
With Shaquille O'Neal in town Zydrunas Ilgauskas will most likely be sitting down to start games, which is totally fine. Having Big Z off the bench is more than enough for a solid bench, but it gets better.
Anthony Parker is an amazing sntach for Cleveland. His inside and outside game is steady, and brings defence 100 percent every night.
Leon Powe will be a nice fit. his ability to rebound and play the low-post has been well documented. He is going to be a nice back-up for Anderson Varejao.
LeBron has no excuses to not winning a ring this year.
1 - Boston CelticsThe Bostons Celtics' bench has been well-structured since the arrival of Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett.
When Eddie House isn't peeing his shorts, the Celtics' bench can be a very intimidating bench.
But entering this season, regardless of the potty errors, the Boston bench is going to be one hard force to stop.
It is somewhat uncertain of Rasheed Wallace's place on the Celtics; some say a starter, others call out bench player.
His role will be much appreciated coming off the bench for the Celtics. Coming in for a semi-injured Kevin Garnett will help the boys in green a lot. The Celtics need that one more ounce of energy and Wallace supplies it.
Maquis Daniels will need to keep his play consistent this year. He is going to come in for Ray Allen or Paul Pierce, but either way, solid play will be expected by Doc Rivers. Daniels proved that he is a force to reckon with in Indiana. Now the test is Boston.
"Big Baby" Glen Davis has proved that he can hang with the big boys, but his worth will be going back to the bench.
He did an outstanding job stepping in this past playoffs. He will be a good substitution for the Celtics.
Other noteworthy bench figures are Eddie House, Shelden Williams, Tony Allen, and J.R. Giddens.
