In the NSL, depth isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity. And one of the most valuable weapons a team can have has been an efficient scoring guard coming off the bench. The ability to keep an offense rolling when the starters sit can be the difference between a playoff team and a true contender. This season, Colin Sexton, Anfernee Simons, and CJ McCollum have been proving just how impactful an elite sixth man can be.

Instant Offense Against Second Units

Basketball is a game of runs, and those runs don’t happen without scoring firepower. A high-level sixth man doesn’t just keep a team afloat while the starters rest—they make sure the team stays aggressive and dangerous. The best bench scorers attack defenses that are often fielding weaker lineups, capitalizing on mismatches and defensive lapses.

Anfernee Simons has embraced that role in Cleveland, where he’s torching defenses to the tune of 21 points per game on elite 46/37/93 shooting splits. His ability to light up second units has helped propel the Cavaliers to a league-best 32-8 record, showing that a strong bench presence isn’t just an afterthought, it’s a key ingredient to success.

Colin Sexton is doing the same for the Chicago Bulls, dropping 18 points a night while hitting an absurd 50% from the field, 39% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line. With Sexton leading the charge off the bench, the Bulls have surged to a 30-11 record, currently riding an 11-game winning streak. His scoring punch ensures that Chicago doesn’t miss a beat when its starters hit the bench.

Then there’s CJ McCollum, who, despite Miami’s struggles, is delivering an elite scoring season with 26 points per game. The Heat has been bitten by the injury bug, sitting at 17-24, but McCollum has remained a bright spot. He’s shooting 47% from the field and 39% from deep, making him the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year. If Miami can get healthy, McCollum’s firepower could make them a real threat down the stretch.

Lineup Flexibility and Depth

Having a scoring guard off the bench doesn’t just add points, it adds versatility. A player like Sexton, Simons, or McCollum gives a team the ability to experiment with different rotations. Need a scoring burst late in the first quarter? They’re ready. Want to play small ball with multiple shooters? They fit right in. These guards can slide into different roles, whether as a lead ball-handler or an off-ball sniper.

This flexibility is particularly valuable in the NSL, where well-balanced rosters tend to outperform those that rely too heavily on their starters. A dynamic sixth man makes that possible.

Closing Lineups and Clutch Scoring

A good sixth man doesn’t just come in, get buckets, and sit back down—they often play key minutes in crunch time. Sexton’s aggressive drives, Simons’ deep shooting range, and McCollum’s veteran shot-making all make them ideal late-game options. Opposing defenses that lock in on a team’s primary stars often find themselves burned by a bench scorer who’s just as capable of taking over a game.

McCollum, in particular, has shown his ability to carry Miami late in games, even if it hasn’t translated to wins just yet. Sexton and Simons, meanwhile, have been essential closers for their squads, proving that a sixth man doesn’t have to stay in a supporting role when the game is on the line.

Ensuring the Offense Runs Effectively When Starters Are Out

One of the biggest challenges for any team is maintaining consistency. A strong starting lineup is great, but if the bench can’t hold its own, leads evaporate, and momentum shifts. That’s where an elite sixth man changes everything. Instead of merely treading water while the stars rest, a team with a scoring guard off the bench continues attacking, keeping the offensive rhythm intact.

Without a reliable bench scorer, teams run the risk of stagnating in key stretches, allowing opponents to go on extended runs. Sexton, Simons, and McCollum prevent that from happening by keeping the tempo high and the scoreboard active.

The Impact of a True Sixth Man

Depth is often the difference between an average team and a championship contender. Teams that struggle to generate points off the bench often see their win totals suffer, while squads with a reliable sixth man can sustain their offensive output across all four quarters.

Sexton, Simons, and McCollum have each shown why having a high-scoring sixth man is one of the smartest investments a team can make. Their efficiency, ability to take over games, and knack for exploiting second units have made them invaluable pieces to their respective rosters. The lesson remains the same: if you want to win, don’t just stack your starting five, make sure your bench has a weapon, too.

Conclusion

The numbers speak for themselves. An efficient scoring guard coming off the bench isn’t just a luxury; it’s a game-changer. Simons has helped the Cavaliers dominate, Sexton has been instrumental in the Bulls’ rise, and McCollum is proving that even on a struggling team, a great sixth man can still shine. In today’s game, depth matters. And having a proven scorer leading your second unit? That’s the ultimate edge.