Hoops Habit
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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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Feb 19, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls head coach Fred Hoiberg talks with forward Taj Gibson (22) during the first half of an NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

10. Taj Gibson

Taj Gibson‘s presence in the starting five has more to do with injury problems than Fred Hoiberg making a questionable call, but suffice it to say that the Chicago Bulls would prefer bringing him off the bench. With Nikola Mirotic and Joakim Noah injured in the frontcourt, however, he hasn’t had much of a choice.

In 41 starts for the Bulls this season, Gibson is averaging 8.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game, but the Bulls have gone 19-22 in that span. In his 18 games coming off the bench, Gibson’s numbers drop to 6.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 0.9 blocks per game, but the Bulls have gone 11-7 in that span.

Gibson’s move into the starting lineup came out of necessity more than anything else, but at age 30, it appears that any lingering questions about what he might be able to do in a starting role have been answered.

Next: No. 9