The NBA Role-Player All-Stars
All-Star weekend has put a spotlight on the league’s flashiest names — now, let’s do so for the under-appreciated
THE ALL-STAR weekend has come and gone, with a controversial dunk contest for the ages, a surprisingly entertaining skills challenge, a hotly contested three-point contest, and arguably the best All-Star game we’ve ever seen.
But the stretch run of the NBA is upon us, and the role players that will help decide playoff outcomes need to be appreciated. Role-players are the players who can swing a playoff game with an unexpected performance, can take the load off of star players, and can become the hidden “x-factors” in high-stakes situations.
Below, find my creation of “Team Role Player” (a play on Team LeBron and Team Giannis in the real competition), a compilation of twelve role-players who have had a profound impact on their teams.
Starters:
Joe Ingles, Guard/Forward, Utah Jazz
When Mike Conley first arrived in Utah, his presence caused Joe Ingles to post some of the worst numbers of his career. Now, since Conley has returned from injury, Ingles is arguably the more valuable player. When Conley was out, Ingles slotted in as the team’s point guard, and he thrived, showing the benefits of years of experience with Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell.
Ingles is one of the league’s best shooters, at 39.6% for the season and 40.7% for his career. While it took him a while to get going, he was on a tear when first being reintroduced into the starting lineup. One adjustment he has made is in the type of threes he takes. Rather than shoot catch and shoot threes like a traditional off-ball wing, he is now taking more pull-up threes than ever before.
This newfound threat of the pull-up three makes Ingles one of the best pick and roll ball-handlers in the league, where his chemistry with Gobert is simply unparalleled. Ingles was already a terrific pick and roll player due to his craftiness; now, teams have almost no answer to stop the Ingles-Gobert connection.
Defensively, while he isn’t the best, he pairs quick hands with veteran guile, which have made up for his athletic shortcomings for many years now. But with Royce O’Neale, Donovan Mitchell, and Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert, the Jazz don’t need Ingles to be an out-of-this-world defender.
Ingles should remain in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future, as he and the Jazz have one of the best starting units in the NBA. In the playoffs, Ingles ability to defend and hit threes will be crucial, as well as his ability to be a secondary playmaker to relieve to load off of Donovan Mitchell. In just the past two seasons, fans have watched Ingles have terrific performances against the likes of James Harden, Russell Westbrook, and Paul George, and the Jazz will need Ingles to continue that success.
Marcus Smart, Guard, Boston Celtics
On a team with All-Star Jayson Tatum and All-Star level forwards in Jaylen Brown and Gordon Hayward, Marcus Smart has consistently carved out a role for himself by being arguably the NBA’s best perimeter defender. He has the aggressive, bulldog-like defensive style of Patrick Beverley, but what separates Smart is his strength and ability to battle down low against players who are over six inches taller than him.
Offensively, Smart begrudgingly refuses to hold back from shooting threes, now launching a career-high 6.5 threes per game. He is shooting a respectable percentage, however, and defenses can’t completely ignore him. He is also a strong secondary ball-handler, helping to run second units as a de facto point guard at times. Also, his aforementioned strength allows him to bully past players, either for easy post-touches or kick-out passes; he is averaging a near career-high 4.7 assists in Brad Stevens spaced-out offense.
It can be hard to put Smart’s defensive value into context, as defensive metrics are highly flawed, but Smart already has two defensive win shares and a defensive box plus/minus of 0.8, with just 43 games under his belt. It is hard to fathom that a 6'3" guard is a team’s best option against LeBron James, Kawhi Leonard, or even Giannis Antetokounmpo, yet that is what Smart is: an otherworldly defensive presence who chips in on offense.
The playoffs haven’t always been kind to Smart; he struggled from the field in the Celtics’ storied 2018 playoff run, and an injury limited him in last year’s playoffs. Smart, like the Celtics, will be looking to avenge last year’s disappointment this time around.
Davis Bertans, Forward, Washington Wizards
When Davis Bertans was quietly sent to the Washington Wizards so the Spurs could clear cap room to sign Marcus Morris, little was made of the move for Washington. While it was made clear that Gregg Popovich liked the Latvian sharpshooter, Popovich never favored Bertans over older, aging players like Rudy Gay.
Fast forward to this season and Bertans is making his case as the NBA’s most improved player. He is now a starter who is a legitimate tertiary option to Bradley Beal in D.C. Bertans is one of the best shooters in the NBA, and his tall frame, high release, and extreme range make him one of the most lethal offensive weapons in basketball.
At 6'10", Bertans’ shot cannot be blocked, and defenders need to stay attached to him at all times, which is an essential reason why the Wizards have one of the best offenses in the league. He doesn’t drive often, though his height does aid him when finishing inside.
Bertans has only started 4 games this season, mostly for defensive purposes. At 15 points per game, however, he is one of the most prolific scorers on the Wizards. With Bertans entering free agency in an otherwise weak free-agent class, one contender is sure to offer a massive contract to gain the Latvian sharpshooter, an investment that is worth making.
Paul Millsap, Forward, Denver Nuggets
A former All-Star transitioning to life as a role player, Paul Millsap has become an invaluable piece for the Denver Nuggets. His offensive capabilities, ability to anchor a defense, and veteran leadership all make him one of the best role players in the league. In the playoffs, he re-emerged as a primary scoring option when fatigue and inexperience plagued Denver’s young stars in Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic.
This year, Millsap is shooting 44.0% from three, effectively eliminating one of his only weaknesses. While he has lost a step defensively, he relies on his smarts more than his athleticism, anyways.
He missed a large slate of games as well, but with Jerami Grant, the Nuggets are more prepared to survive when Millsap exits the floor. Recently, he has been coming off of the bench for the more athletic Grant, but his impact remains, as in just his second game back from injury, he scored 22 points with 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and a block against the Spurs.
Whether Denver will keep Millsap, who is on an expiring contract, remains to be seen. But Millsap is still central to Denver’s playoff chances, where he will have to match up with some combination of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Kawhi Leonard, Rudy Gobert, and Kristaps Porzingis.
Aron Baynes, Center, Phoenix Suns
When Aron Baynes became the starting center in place of the suspended Deandre Ayton, nobody could have anticipated the meteoric rise of Baynes as a starter. Suddenly he was utilized everywhere offensively, hitting hook shots, face-up jumpers, and even three-pointers.
It is his three-point shot that took Baynes from being an average, physical center, to a true offensive weapon. Early in the season, before teams were aware of his shooting ability, Baynes launched 4.4 threes per game — and hit them at a remarkable 48.4% clip. The unanticipated aspect of Baynes’ shooting was a catalyst in the Suns’ surprising 5–2 start.
But Baynes has maintained the rest of his game, still setting solid screens to free up guards and playing physical defense. He is a solid finisher in the lane, though his frame doesn’t allow him to elevate very far off the ground. Overall, for the season, he is averaging 11.5 points, far and away a career-high
Recently, Baynes has struggled with injuries, and the reintegration of Deandre Ayton means an end to the fun actions that coach Monty Williams ran for Baynes at the beginning of the year. Still, Baynes will likely end up on a contender soon, where his unique 3&D abilities as a huge 6' 10" center will be better put to use.
Reserves:
George Hill, Guard, Milwaukee Bucks
Very quietly, George Hill developed into one of the NBA’s best bench players, boosting the Milwaukee Bucks backcourt with his steady play and veteran guile. He has always been known for taking care of the ball and smoothly running offenses well, a trait developed in his previous stops in San Antonio and Indiana.
But this season, he has turned into the NBA’s top shooter, hitting an unfathomable 51.1% from three. This sudden improvement is seemingly unprecedented, especially considering that Hill struggled during the last regular season, hitting only 28% of his threes with the Bucks last season.
Teams can’t go under on screens when guarding Hill, and with strong screens set by Robin and Brook Lopez, Hill can get free and set up Milwaukee’s array of shooters and cutters. He perfectly complements both Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounmpo, as he can play on or off the ball, and every once in a while, he uncorks a drive to the rim.
Defensively, he is above average at the point guard position, and he is great at funneling guards into the paint, where Milwaukee’s shot-blockers are waiting. With a PER of 18.1 and an effective field goal percentage of 65.9%, Hill’s numbers portray him as a star in the limited numbers he receives.
Per 36 minutes, he averages 16.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 5.2 assists, numbers that would make Hill in contention for Sixth Man of the Year. With starting guard Eric Bledsoe’s struggles in the playoffs being well known, we may see Hill get increased opportunity come playoff time.
Matisse Thybulle, Guard, Philadelphia 76ers
Matisse Thybulle is one of the most unique rookies the league has seen in years. While most 4-year college players come in with more refined offensive skills, Thybulle entered the league with the most refined and polished defensive skills.
Sixers coach Brett Brown has been more willing to put Thybulle on the opposing team’s best players. He made his NBA debut against All-Star starter Kemba Walker, and he held Walker to 12 points on 4/18 shooting while recording 2 blocks and 2 steals.
Scanning through Thybulle’s box scores is almost comical; there are nights where his block and steal totals are greater than his point total. As the season has progressed, Thybulle learned when to gamble for steals and when to use his 7-foot wingspan and elite athleticism to stay in front of his man.
Offensively, Thybulle’s shooting has been better than expected, as he is connecting on 37.3% of his three-pointers. Before going down with a knee injury, Thybulle was progressing well offensively, seeing his three-point percentages rise to over 40%. After the injury, Thybulle has been more quiet offensively, but he is still a crucial member of a contending team due to his near All-NBA-level defensive abilities.
Duncan Robinson, Forward, Miami Heat
Out of nowhere, Duncan Robinson has become a starter on the NBA’s most surprising team in the Miami Heat. He is a pure shooter, and he is averaging nearly 13 points per game on 43.8% from behind the arc.
He has a lightning-fast release, and he shoots threes from all over the court, at all angles. At 6'7", he has more height than the average three-point shooter, and defensively, his size makes him more versatile than smaller guards and allows him to play multiple spots in Miami’s vaunted 2–3 zone.
Miami has Robinson running all over the court, moving off of screens, dribble hand-offs, and backdoor cuts, looking for an opening. He opens up Miami’s offense, opening room for Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo to drive to the basket.
On an extremely cost-controlled contract, Robinson is a valuable piece of Miami’s future, potentially being a fifth starter next to Miami’s stars when they are set for title contention.
P.J. Tucker, Forward, Houston Rockets
P.J. Tucker’s revitalization under Mike D’Antoni tells the story of the evolution of modern basketball. At 6'5" and 245 pounds, Tucker is built like a football star, and it is this strength that makes him an extremely versatile defender.
With Houston shipping out Clint Capela, Tucker is now the Rockets’ official starting center, a position that Tucker had played sporadically throughout the last two seasons. His strength paired with his speed on defense makes him able to guard positions 1–5.
Offensively, he is a definition of a specialist, becoming one of the league’s best corner three-point shooters, a skill that pairs perfectly with the scoring exploits of James Harden and Russell Westbrook.
Tucker’s hustle and willingness to give maximum effort is much needed on a Houston team that can be lackadaisical at times. It is his hustle that makes him a top defensive player, and he may be the deciding factor in the Rockets’ playoff run, as he will guard the other team’s best players over and over again.
Dwight Howard, Center, Los Angeles Lakers
Dwight Howard’s revival in Los Angeles is one of the nicest feel-good stories in the league. Though he plays limited minutes — mostly a byproduct of playing alongside LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Kyle Kuzma — he is still putting up 8 points and 8 rebounds off the bench.
He is still a terrific defender, as his understanding of positioning has allowed him to average 1.3 blocks per game. He is also shooting a ridiculous 73.8% from the field, mostly a byproduct of him eliminating post-ups from his game to accommodate the team. Per 36 minutes, he is putting up a 14/14 double-double, numbers that would make him comparable to near-All-Star level players like Andre Drummond.
He has fully bought into being a pick-and-roll screener, something he never fully did when he was a star. He has also improved team camaraderie and chemistry, which he was consistently scrutinized for ruining in his previous stops in Charlotte, Houston, and L.A.
Now, with the Lakers looking to go on an extended playoff run, Howard looks to be a key piece of the team — something that never would’ve been expected when injuries and denial threatened to end his Hall of Fame career.
Wildcards
Danuel House Jr., Forward, Houston Rockets
Before the Houston Rockets traded for 3&D specialist Robert Covington, they found a very similar player in Danuel House Jr. In just two seasons in Houston, House Jr. has carved out a role as a very capable shooter and surprisingly talented. At 6'7", he is also a very switchable defender, which will become invaluable come playoff time.
He functions as a spot-up shooter offensively, playing off of Harden and Westbrook, similar to how Robert Covington and P.J. Tucker play. But House Jr. has more offensive potential than both Tucker and Covington, as he occasionally drives the ball, putting pressure on the defense. However, he is less erratic than Eric Gordon, which may gain him playoff minutes over Gordon.
House Jr. may have surpassed Gordon as a player due to his consistency on offense and superior versatility on defense. However, during last year’s playoffs, House Jr. struggled with his shot and lost minutes to Gordon, Gerald Green, and Iman Shumpert.
On an extremely cheap contract, House Jr. will be a staple in Houston for years to come. With the Rockets trotting out a small-ball lineup, however, House will need to contribute immediately. Based on his production thus far, he will fare far better during this postseason compared to last year.
Brook Lopez, Center, Milwaukee Bucks
Though many don’t recognize Brook Lopez’s impact, he has quietly been the key to unlocking the Bucks’ offense and defense. As a former post scorer, Lopez infamously reinvented himself to shoot threes and space the floor from the perimeter. This season, though he has slumped from three, his overall impact on the Bucks’ offense remains.
Defensively, he remains under-appreciated. Though Giannis Antetokounmpo and Eric Bledsoe will rack up All-Defense nominations, Lopez is just as central to the Bucks’ stifling defense. Big enough to guard big, bruising centers and fast enough to stay with perimeter-oriented centers, Lopez is a terrific defender at the center.
Coach Mike Budenholzer has his team funnel players into the paint, and it is Lopez’s rim protection that makes this possible. He is a good shot blocker, and challenges shots with his 7-foot frame.
Come playoff time, where the Bucks are looking to make up for past failures, Lopez is central to everything the Bucks do, offensively and defensively.
All stats via Basketball Reference
