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10 NBA Starters Who Might Be Better Off As Sixth Men

By Gerald Bourguet

Feb 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 109 - 89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 109 - 89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here’s a look at 10 starting-caliber players in the 2015-16 NBA season who might be more helpful to their teams in the role of sixth man.

NBA
Feb 23, 2016; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) dribbles as New Orleans Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday (11) defends during the second half at Verizon Center. The Washington Wizards won 109 – 89. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

From the peaks of being a championship contender to the depths of being a draft lottery bottom-feeder, it’s all too apparent when an NBA team doesn’t have a solid grip over its rotations. With so many players’ production rising and falling from year to year, finding the right mix of scoring, defense, chemistry and team-first attitude is a rare achievement in this league.

Over the last few seasons in particular, we’ve seen many a talented scorer sacrifice the glory of appearing in the starting lineup on a night-to-night basis in order to bolster the second unit. Lamar Odom did it with the Los Angeles Lakers, James Harden did it with the Oklahoma City Thunder, and already this year we’ve seen quite a few starting-caliber players take their skill set to the bench in favor of team balance.

But in a league where massive contracts are set to be doled out at a sky high rate, players may not be as inclined to accept what is often perceived to be a lesser role as the team’s sixth man. Everyone who’s ever dreamt of playing in the NBA always pictures their name being announced in the team’s starting lineup during pregame routines, and it’s only natural to aspire to be in that position.

However, there are some players who are currently starting for their respective teams that would probably be better suited for the less appreciated but vitally important role of sixth man. Here’s a look at 10 such players, and why they’re better suited for the second unit than the starting five.

NOTE: Players starting for terrible or injury-riddled teams where not included, since it’s not the team’s fault that better options are unavailable. This list pertains more so to teams that have alternative options but have chosen to ignore them, as we’re mostly dealing with starting-caliber talents who would be better off serving a bench role.

Honorable Mentions: Michael Carter-Williams, C.J. Miles, Tony Snell, Lou Williams, Jose Calderon, Andre Robertson and Tayshaun Prince

Next: No. 10