When delivering the usual upbeat lines about fitness, team cohesion, and improved health, the Wizards have been heaping praise on the “upgraded” bench. John Wall even called it “great” at Media Day. Training camp optimism aside, have the Wizards improved their bench? And, if it is better, how much of a difference will it make?
It makes sense that having a good bench would help a team win more often. Analysis shows that isn’t the case, however. In the NBA, starters are the key difference makers because they’re better players, they consume more minutes, and they include what separates great from good from average from bad: the superstars.