Per recent data from PBP Stats, an organization dedicated to analyzing NBA play-by-play information, the Philadelphia 76ers’ coach, Doc Rivers, has utilized lineups that do not include any of the team’s starters against opponents’ lineups that feature at least one starter for a total of 45 minutes over the first eight games of the season. This statistic places the 76ers at the top of the league in terms of all-bench minutes.
To put this in perspective, the Washington Wizards follow closely behind with 43 all-bench minutes, while the Miami Heat, with only 26 minutes in similar configurations, rank third in this category. It is important to note that this specific statistic does not cover all-bench versus all-bench minutes, which helps eliminate “garbage time” scenarios where both teams have their lesser-known players on the court.
This strategic approach by Rivers may reflect a focus on developing the team’s depth while also providing rest to the starters during crucial stretches of the game. As the season progresses, how Rivers balances these minutes could impact both the performance of the team and the growth of younger players, fostering a more robust squad for the challenges ahead. This highlights the 76ers’ commitment to building a competitive team not just through their starters, but also leveraging the potential of their entire roster.