NBA: 10 Players Better Off As Sixth Men

Apr 23, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard J.R. Smith (5) drives the ball past Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the second half in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. The Cavaliers defeated the Celtics 103-95. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 22, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Nick Young (0) reacts to a 3-point basket in the second half of the game against the Boston Celtics at Staples Center. Lakers won 118-111 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Nick Young

In his last two seasons (and 106 games) with the Los Angeles Lakers, Nick Young has started in a grand total of nine games, so maybe this one is a bit obvious. In fact, in his eight-year career, Swaggy P has only started in 131 of his 522 games, so he’s pretty accustomed to his role as sixth man. But considering the state of the Lakers’ current roster, it’s tempting to wonder if he should start.

Even with a roster severely lacking in talent on the wing, however, Young’s role as sixth man shouldn’t change in 2015-16. Hell, you could make an argument that Young needs to come off the bench now more than ever, so Jordan Clarkson and D’Angelo Russell can start in the backcourt with Kobe Bryant shifting over to the wing.

That’s dependent on Kobe’s willingness to shift to the 3 instead of the 2, but something tells me he’d play pretty much the same no matter where he’s put on the floor: with a gunner’s mentality and completely lethargic defense. Swaggy P’s antics will always entertain us, but coming off an injury riddled season, the sixth man role should continue to define him.

via GIPHY

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