NBA superteams shift focus from star power to depth in roster building
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Sep 18, 2026, 11:33 AM
Last updated Sep 18, 2026
The of NBA team construction has evolved, with a move away from traditional superteams. Teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers showcased strong bench depth during the 2025 NBA Finals, emphasizing contributions from role players. This approach is evident in the Spurs and Knicks, who similarly rely on a complete roster rather than solely on star players. The trend indicates that depth is becoming equally vital for success in today’s NBA.
- •Oklahoma City Thunder and Indiana Pacers emphasized bench depth in the 2025 NBA Finals.
- •Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jaylen Williams were complemented by key role players.
- •San Antonio Spurs and New York Knicks focus on complete rosters alongside star players.
- •Teams now require nine players averaging significant playoff minutes.
- 11:33 AMYahoo Sports — NBA superteams aren’t what they used to be
"Having a superteam in the NBA means something different than it used to.
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