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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Jan 15, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers center Timofey Mozgov (20) during the game against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Timofey Mozgoz

This one’s a bit of a no-brainer, but Tyronn Lue‘s recent decision to put Timofey Mozgov back into the starting lineup to boost his confidence should probably be shot down. Like, immediately.

In 32 starts for the Cleveland Cavaliers this season, Mozzy is averaging a meager 6.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game on 50.9 percent shooting, and he’s posted a -1.4 plus/minus. The Cavaliers are also 22-10 in that span.

But head coach David Blatt’s decision to move Mozgov to the bench and start Tristan Thompson at the 5, coupled with Iman Shumpert‘s return, unlocked the door to Cleveland’s defensive potential. Mozgov adjusted to his bench role relatively well, averaging 6.0 points and 4.7 rebounds per game with a +2.6 point differential.

With the Cavs going 18-6 in games where Mozgov comes off the bench, and Mozzy shooting 61.1 percent coming off the pine it’s pretty clear this team can only afford to play him about 15-20 minutes per game, which makes his limited mobility a better fit for the second unit.

Next: No. 8