Welcome to the first blog for End of the Bench (EotB). In this inaugural piece, we analyze the regular season performance of under-the-radar NBA players who made the most of their limited opportunities.
Criteria for Inclusion
We filtered players using the following criteria:
Minutes Played: 200 to 400
Age: 25 or younger
Games Played: 10 to 20
We determined these criteria because we wanted a pool of players that received good looks or a decent amount of time in the NBA and were not one-off games or just a few at the end of the season.
Our focus is on Fantasy Points (FP) per minute, a stat that reflects impact when on the floor, along with core efficiency metrics: FG%, FT%, and 3PT%.
In this review, we will breakdown the top performers for the 2024-2025 season:
Top Performers (2024-2025 Season)
The most impactful player coming in at #1 is Oscar Tshiebwe. No doubt buoyed by his 18/12 game against Minnesota on April 13th. Oscar has been a rebounding machine in the G-league and when given an opportunity at the NBA level. A Utah Jazz two-way player, his lack of three-point shooting (0 attempts in 14 games played) are certainly an off-season goal for the big man. Can he develop into a Julius Randle type?
Oscar Tshiebwe (UTA)
PTS/Min: 0.42
FG%: 60%
REB: 8.7 RPG
FP: 299 in 255.2 min = 1.17 FP/min (excellent)
Notes: Monster rebounder and efficient scorer inside. No 3-point attempts but elite FG and FT% for a big.
Next on the list is Jared Rhoden. Jared’s playing time with Toronto took off after March 4th when he returned on a 2-way contract after being released by the team after the pre-season. He contributed a four-game stretch in double figures as a big-bodied guard. Jared dominated the 76ers to the tune of 25 pts, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals during a March 12th victory. He underwent surgery for a torn labrum this off season. Jared will need to prove his health before next season in hopes of getting a contract with Toronto (a team he performed well for) or another team in the league.
Jared Rhoden (TOR)
FG%: 48.3%, FT%: 88%
FP: 219 in 226.2 min = 0.97 FP/min
W/L: 8-6 (positive impact)
Notes: Highly efficient wing with strong all-around stats.
Number three on the top 3 performers list is Tre Mann from Charlotte. Note: Tre was not kept in this deeper review because he is not quote/unquote a typical end of the bench guy for several of his years.
Next for our detailed review is Alex Reese. Alex showed signs of development when given minutes in March and April for the 76ers. He recorded 10 blocks and 47 rebounds showing some defensive utility. His 3pt shooting was solid for a big man showing upside as a stretch. Alex profiles as a floor spacing 4/5 who can protect the rim, rebound, and hit open threes. Those skills are a premium in the NBA and will likely give him additional opportunities to receive another two-way contract.
Alex Reese (PHI)
PTS: 76 in 216 min = 0.35 PTS/min
3P%: 36.6% (solid for a stretch big)
FP: 192 → 0.89 FP/min
Notes: Efficient floor-spacer with some rim protection (10 BLK); contributes in multiple areas; ideal depth piece for team.
Our final review is Marcus Bagley. Marcus showed out during an April 11th game against Atlanta with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists. He followed that game with a 10 point, 15 rebound, 4 steal game against the Chicago Bulls. Marcus demonstrated hustle and grit during his playing time with the 76ers. Bagley showed flashes of potential as an energy forward who could earn more opportunities with refinement. He will be looking to build upon his 10-day contract with Philly and secure a 2-way contract with an NBA team this coming season.
Marcus Bagley (PHI)
PTS: 67 in 253.2 min → 0.26 PTS/Min
REB: 70 | STL: 9 | BLK: 12
3PT%: 15.6%
FP: 222 in 253.2 min → 0.88 FP/Min
Notes: Brings energy and rebounding. Hustle stats standout but struggled with outside shooting and +/- (-84) during the season.
Summary Table: Best Value per Minute
| Player | FP | FP/Min |
| Oscar Tshiebwe | 299 | 1.17 |
| Jared Rhoden | 219 | 0.97 |
| Tre Mann | 295 | 0.92 |
| Alex Reese | 192 | 0.89 |
| Marcus Bagley | 222 | 0.88 |
League Context: FP/Min Comparison
How do these young role players stack up against the NBA’s elite?
| Rank | Player | FP | Min | FP/Min |
| 1 | Nikola Jokić | 4501 | 2570.8 | 1.75 |
| 2 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | 3845 | 2288.6 | 1.68 |
| 3 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | 4109 | 2597.6 | 1.58 |
| 4 | Luka Dončić | 2624 | 1768.5 | 1.48 |
| 5 | Cade Cunningham | 3360 | 2451.9 | 1.37 |
By comparison, Oscar Tshiebwe’s 1.17 FP/min places him in the same tier as Miles Bridges and ahead of stars like Darius Garland, Bam Adebayo, Jalen Brunson, and Tyrese Maxey.
Final Thoughts
This analysis highlights that even limited-minute players can deliver high impact, and some deserve longer looks. Keep an eye on these names since they may be rotation staples next season.
Stay tuned for more deep dives from End of the Bench. In the meantime, also check out our first player feature on Tolu Smith.
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