NBA: Bradley Beal, 10 Starters Better Off As Sixth Men

10 NBA Starters Who Might Be Better Off As Sixth Men

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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Mar 1, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat center Hassan Whiteside (21) dunks the ball as Chicago Bulls forward Cristiano Felicio (6) looks on during the second half at American Airlines Arena. The Heat won 129-111. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Hassan Whiteside

There’s no question the Miami Heat will have their hand’s full with Hassan Whiteside‘s unrestricted free agency this summer, but ever since the league’s leading shot-blocker returned from his oblique injury, he’s been coming off the bench. And though the Miami Heat are only 7-5 in those 12 games so far, Whiteside’s individual production has vastly improved.

In his 40 starts for the Heat this season, Whiteside is averaging 12.4 points, 11.2 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game, but he’s posted a -0.4 point differential. In his 12 games as a reserve, Whiteside has feasted on opposing second units, averaging a monstrous 15.3 points, 12.6 rebounds and 4.1 blocks per game on 62.1 percent shooting with a +0.9 differential.

This recent development will make negotiations interesting between Whiteside’s camp and Miami’s front office this summer, since he and the Heat have been better with him coming off the bench. But for now, somehow, starting Amar’e Stoudemire and letting Whiteside dominate the second unit might give the Heat their best shot at contending in the East.

Next: No. 5