Championship basketball is rarely built on a starting five alone. Time and time again, history proves that the difference between hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy and falling short in June comes down to elite depth—specifically, a game-changing unit capable of maintaining intensity and providing instant offense off the bench.
As front offices across the league finalized their rotations for the upcoming 2026/27 NBA campaign, several contenders made massive moves to fortify their second units. Every great bench needs a general to lead it, and looking ahead to the new season, five standout reserve players are primed to make an astronomical impact.
5. Reed Sheppard (Houston Rockets)
Following what was a largely underwhelming team campaign for the Rockets last year, Reed Sheppard emerged as a shining beacon of hope. Taking a monumental leap forward from his rookie season, the young guard averaged 13.5 points per night while scorching the nets at a blistering 39% clip from beyond the arc.
While Sheppard handled himself admirably during a 21-game starting stretch in his sophomore run, the return of veteran floor general Fred VanVleet means Sheppard will slide back into his customary sixth-man role. That is hardly a downgrade for Houston. Armed with elite, red-hot shooting, Sheppard provides an explosive offensive safety valve whenever the starting unit stalls, making him one of the most dangerous floor-spacers in any second unit across the league.
4. Anfernee Simons (Philadelphia 76ers)
The offseason in Philadelphia has been nothing short of a Hollywood blockbuster, highlighted by a blockbuster trade for Jaylen Brown and the stunning arrival of LeBron James. However, beneath the massive headlines, the Sixers’ acquisition of Anfernee Simons flies under the radar as a masterstroke of roster construction.
Simons is no stranger to the bench role, having put up a stellar 14.2 points per game on an exceptional 39.5% three-point percentage through 49 appearances for the Celtics last term. As a reliable shot creator and elite perimeter spacer, his presence gives Philadelphia the kind of high-level bench scoring that proves invaluable when the grueling playoff grind sets in.
3. Jrue Holiday (Portland Trail Blazers)
The Portland Trail Blazers boast an embarrassment of riches in their backcourt. With Damian Lillard and Ja Morant projected to anchor the starting guard spots, veteran stalwart Jrue Holiday is set to embrace a vital mentorship and reserve role.
Entering his 17th professional season, the championship-proven guard still has plenty left in the tank. Holiday posted impressive numbers last year, averaging 16.3 points and 6.1 assists while shooting 45% from the field and 37.8% from deep. Operating as a luxury reserve, he will supply Portland with experienced scoring, veteran poise, and ferocious perimeter defense. Do not be surprised if head coach Jason Kidd leans heavily on Holiday’s championship pedigree to close out tight games alongside his star guards.
2. Ajay Mitchell (Oklahoma City Thunder)
Ajay Mitchell proved to be a revelation for the Oklahoma City Thunder last season, stepping up brilliantly on the grandest stage during their deep postseason run to the Western Conference Finals. On that high-pressure stage, Mitchell carved out a stellar stat line of 15.1 points, 4.3 assists, and 3.7 rebounds, firmly establishing himself as a devastating secondary playmaker alongside Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
With Jalen Williams returning to reclaim his starting spot next season, Mitchell is expected to anchor OKC’s second unit. Far from a step backward, this role allows him to orchestrate the offense with his supreme ball-handling and elite knack for generating paint touches, ensuring the Thunder’s offensive rating never dips when the starters catch a breather.
1. Dylan Harper (San Antonio Spurs)
If you tuned into the NBA Finals, the player sitting at the pinnacle of this list comes as zero surprise. San Antonio Spurs guard Dylan Harper put together one of the most astonishing rookie showcases in Finals history, lighting up the stage with averages of 18 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists. He provided the exact spark San Antonio needed whenever the starting lineup hit an offensive wall.
Heading into the 2026/27 campaign, Harper is poised for an expanded role with increased minutes and responsibilities. Expect him to refine his playmaking chops and become an even more lethal long-distance sniper for the Spurs. If head coach Mitch Johnson manages his rotation effectively, Harper is on an absolute collision course with the Sixth Man of the Year award, setting the stage for a historic sophomore campaign in Texas.
Basketball fans, the floor is open! Which of these elite bench weapons do you think will have the biggest impact next season, and is Dylan Harper a lock for Sixth Man of the Year? Drop your predictions below!
