The Bench
- Points: 32.6 (20th)
- Rebounds: 17.9 (6th)
- Assists: 8.5 (9th)
- Steals: 3.1 (10th)
- Blocks: 2.3 (4th)
New York’s bench is in the top-10 in nearly every major statistical category due in large part to the play of Willy Hernangomez and Brandon Jennings. Hernangomez is averaging 13.6 rebounds per-36 minutes, and Jennings leads the team in dishing.
The lack of scoring does put a lot of pressure on the starters. Jennings was supposed to be the No. 1 option off the bench, but he’s averaging just 8.7 points and shooting only 38.6 percent from the field.
He’s had just four games where he’s scored 20 or more points all season. Jennings was signed with the hope of being a Sixth Man of the Year Award candidate, but his defense prevents him from being on the floor for long stretches.
Hernangomez has been a pleasant surprise. He’s first among rookies in field goal percentage, second in rebounding and PER and third in double-doubles.
Justin Holiday has exceeded all expectations. The team plays better when he’s on the court. The 27-year-old has an on/off net rating difference of +6.2 points. He was a throw-in to make the Derrick Rose trade work, and now there’s a better chance he’ll be back with the team next season than Rose.
Mindaugas Kuzminskas has shown flashes of talent, but inconsistency from three-point range and weak defense will keep him from replacing Lance Thomas in the rotation.
