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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Apr 29, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies forward Jeff Green (32) celebrates after scoring against the Portland Trailblazers in game five of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum. Memphis defeated Portland 99-93. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Jeff Green

It’s no secret that Jeff Green never became the game-changer that the Memphis Grizzlies envisioned when they traded for him midseason last year. The Grizz were still a respectable 29-16 after Green joined the mix, yet in the eight games he came off the bench, Memphis was only 4-4. So why is Green better off as a sixth man?

Well, the Grizzlies posted better win percentages when both Courtney Lee (.649 in 74 games) and Tony Allen (.756 in 41 games) started. Memphis went 25-12 with Green as a starter (.676), but that was in a smaller 37-game sample size, which means their win percentage with Lee and Allen starting is more indicative of what to expect for this team to be successful.

Furthermore, Green posted better individual numbers off the bench as well. As a starter for the Grizz, he averaged 12.6 points and 4.0 rebounds per game. Coming off the bench, those jumped to 15.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. His -6.6 plus/minus as a reserve is worrisome, but it speaks more to the state of Memphis’ bench than it does to his value as a sixth man.

With a logjam on the wing, Green is the one who should be coming off the bench.

Next: No. 8