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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 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Charlotte Hornets center Al Jefferson (25) grabs a rebound against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Al Jefferson

It wasn’t that long ago that Al Jefferson earned Third Team All-NBA honors in a career season for the 2013-14 Charlotte Hornets. But with injuries dominating his last two seasons, Big Al has been unable to find the same level of success, and ever since returning from right knee surgery that’s limited him to 26 games this season, he’s been relegated to bench duty.

We’re working with tiny sample sizes here, but in his 17 starts, Jefferson has posted 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game with the Hornets going 10-7 in that span.

Ever since his return, Jefferson has been coming off the bench and is averaging 9.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game with the second unit on the season. Even better, Charlotte has gone 7-2 in those nine games. With Jefferson being so injury-prone and the Hornets having discovered their defensive groove with him sidelined, it’s for the best that this soon-to-be unrestricted free agent continues to come off the bench.

Next: No. 6