NBA Free Agents 2012: Bench Players Who Will Shine Next Season

Ray Allen will be one of many 2012 NBA free agents who will give his new team impressive performances off the bench next season.

While the star signings receive most of the attention and headlines, it's often the bench-player signings that determine which teams have the best chance to win a championship.

Look at Shane Battier of the Miami Heat, for example. He signed as a bench player before last season and played an important role for the Heat in their title run.

Let's look at three bench players who will shine with their new teams next season.

Ray Allen, Miami Heat

Ray Allen will give the Heat another veteran sharpshooter who can knock down shots and tire defenders with his constant movement on the court. He will also give Miami another weapon on the fast break by spotting up at the three-point line and forcing defenses to adjust on the fly.

Allen can mentor young players such as Norris Cole and Mario Chalmers as well.

He will be a good addition to the Heat on and off the court.

Jerryd Bayless, Memphis Grizzlies

Jerryd Bayless is the newest addition to the Memphis Grizzlies. He will give them a quality scoring guard off the bench since it's doesn't look like shooting guard O.J. Mayo will return.

Bayless averaged a career-high 11.3 points per game last season for the Toronto Raptors. He was selected No. 11 overall in the 2008 NBA draft and played his rookie season for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Bayless hasn't lived up to his potential yet, but he's headed in the right direction and is a great talent. He will give the Girzzlies more athleticism and scoring off the bench.

Brandon Roy, Minnesota Timberwolves

When injuries forced Brandon Roy to retire, many basketball fans were devastated because he is a great guy and was one of the most exciting players in basketball.

He is making a comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who could certainly be a playoff team in the Western Conference next season if Roy and point guard Ricky Rubio stay healthy.

When healthy, Roy is a fantastic outside shooter and a player who can attack the rim and score as well as anyone in the league.

Hopefully Roy is able to play a full season with the Timberwolves, because the NBA is a better league with him on the court and having success.

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