No team in the NBA is going to succeed by having an unproductive and lackluster bench, no matter how strong the team’s starting lineup is, a team’s second unit is what separates them from pretenders to contenders. The Houston Rockets bench over the last few years has been a part of what has been holding them back from achieving lasting success.

Yes, a major part of the team’s downsides have been injuries, coaching issues, and a lack of team chemistry, but the teams second unit was a mess last year.Inconsistency was their brand, as some nights guys like Josh Smith and Michael Beasley would show up and have big games, but on most nights the bench would falter and fail to give the starting five any support.

This season, the Houston Rockets second-unit, dubbed the “Rocket Boosters” on a broadcast of the Rockets on Root Sports, looks completely different as Eric Gordon,Nene, and Sam Dekker were added as active members of the bench. This re-built and much improved Rockets bench looks like they are playing with real chemistry and has been an essential part in leading the Rockets to a 17-7 record.

The Houston Rockets bench has performed exceptionally well this season, and unlike previous years, the bench has become a consistent source of production. The second unit rotation of Patrick Beverley, Eric Gordon, Sam Dekker, Corey Brewer, and Nene have a NetRtg (Offensive Rating + Defensive Rating) of 23, which ranks 7th of all 5 man units in the NBA to have logged at least 50 minutes together. They are also ranked among the top units in the NBA in Defensive Rating, which is much needed in a team that runs an up-tempo offense. This second unit also passes the “eye test” as it looks like they have good chemistry when either James Harden or Eric Gordon are able to facilitate the bench offense at a high level.

The largest upgrade to the Rockets bench is former New Orleans Pelican Eric Gordon, who was predicted as a 6th man of the year canidate prior to the season by Rocket GM Daryl Morey, and has been nothing short of sensational this year. Gordon has been a huge offensive spark to the Rockets, averaging 17 points a game (2nd most on the team), and always seems to make the shots when they count. Gordon is one of the only “true” 6th man the Rockets have had in recent years, and having a player of Gordon’s caliber on the bench is paramount to the team’s success.

Also upgrades from last year’s bench are Sam Dekker and Nene, who are constant contributors to the Rockets bench and have pleasant surprises this season.

Dekker, who sat out most of last year with injuries and was a reserve, has been playing really well as he has been an encouraging presence on offense and defense. The former Wisconsin Badger has been filling up the highlight reels, while also being one of the smarter players on the court and at the forefront of many big plays.

Now in his 16th season, Nene Hilario brings the veteran presence to this team that includes being a mentor to big men Clint Capela and Montrezl Harrell. Nene, averaging 17 minutes a game, is performing well for someone who is far in their career, as his 14.39 Player Efficiency Rating is ranked a little below the league average. Dekker and Nene are a good example of the different personalities to come to make the second unit, in that one is at the start of their career with something to prove, while the other is in the final years of their career and a mentor to the younger players.

The Rockets bench has shown their impact on the season with road wins against Western Conference contenders Warriors, Thunder, and Spurs and a 17-7 record. Something notable about this year’s bench is they only give 5 guys most of the bench minutes (Dekker,Brewer,Harrell,Gordon,Nene), which is different from some teams that give notable run to 6-8 players on their bench. The reason the coaching staff is limiting the bench minutes to those 5 guys is because they have been playing really well and it improves team chemistry. If one of the five go down with an injury or their performance starts declining, look for rookie Kyle Wiltjer,Tyler Ennis, Bobby Brown, or K.J. McDaniels to get more run.

All that we can do as fans is marvel at watching this exciting team move their way up the standings and hope that what we are watching is not a fluke, but it is certainly exciting that the Houston Rockets have the best bench in basketball right now and mixed in with a starting 5 that included an MVP candidate,there is no ceiling for a team of this caliber.