Best role players of all time

So, there is always all this talk about the GOAT of the NBA (e.g. Jordan, Magic, etc) but we often overlook the role players, the sidekicks that have contributed to many championship runs in the past. Therefore, I thought it would be interesting to ask your opinion of who you feel are the greatest role players of all-time.

I know some believe that it is hard to determine the GOAT of all time and prefer the term, the greatest PF, PG (for example) of all time. So, give me a list of the best role players of all time for each position.


Bonus question, who would you consider the best role player for your franchise?


Ok, thought I would add a basketball question here to facilitate more "real basketball talk" (haha, cheesy joke I know) before the season starts.

I think every player has a role, so it's Mike. haha

really, probably Scottie Pippen, or Clyde Drexler, or I guess one could even argue Moses Malone

My team's best role player right now is Josh Howard. There is a huge difference between when he plays and when he doesn't play. It's because ihe's so fragile that he's always out, but when he is playing, the Mavs look a lot better. Jason Terry comes to mind as well

Sweet, thanks for your input.

Hmm; with regards to players all-time, I would also add Reggie Miller and John Stockton as some of the best role players of all time for their respective positions.

For franchise player, I would say Manu Ginobili. This guy is a huge asset to the Spurs with his offense and provides a great spark off the bench. The X factor for the Spurs team most definitely.

Best Point Guard Role player of all time is Fisher

"Derek Fisher is a typical role player. He runs the Laker's offense efficiently, plays hard defense, and hits that open three when needed to. Derek Fisher is that silent assassin who everyone fears. He’s the type of player that will hit that three pointer that quiets the crowd." BP

Errrm...do you think Fisher is better than Stockton?

Spurs Raptors Fan wrote:

Errrm...do you think Fisher is better than Stockton?

Fisher has four Rings, Stockton has 0. Stockton dominates Fisher in most statistical categories. But Stockton is not a Role Player he is a 10 time All-star, i thought we were only talking about Role players?

Good point, now I am debating whether I should include Stockton as a role player, haha.

You have to define " Role Player", because technically Stockton falls under the same category as big time players. I dont think he ever was a Role Player on the Jazz, him and Malone were all-stars and carried that team.

Ok, my bad there. True that.
I think I made it too broad...then I won't include Stockton then, lol.

But I still am sticking with Reggie Miller and I will also agree with J that Scottie Pippen should be considered. In addition, I feel that James Posey as well as my boy Bruce Bowen should be included into that list too.

Robert Horry!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jaleesa, Scottie Pippen is an All-star also lol....

But I still see him as a role player nonetheless.
Role players can be voted as all-stars too...

I see where your coming from, but when Scottie played with Jordan in the late 80's into the 90's, they both were recognized as All-star players. The Role players of the team were Rodman, Kukoc,etc

Oooo...Rodman was good too.
A headcase but still effective.

James Worthy was a very good Role player for the Lakers, one of my fav players.

I'd say Pippen. Definitely. Yes, Abdi, he was a role player.

For the Magic, it has to be either Nick Anderson, Grant Hill, or Tracy McGrady.

robert horry,dennis rodman,danny ainge,michael cooper, dennis johnson.





Pippen wasn't a " role player" he was 2nd option to the GOAT, thats like calling paul pierce a "role player"

Hmm. I like Visa's list.
Id definatly have to agree with Horry and Rodman.

For the Cavs, that's a toughie.
I'm sure Campy Russel could be in this convo, and then maybe Lenny Wilkens.
Yeah, it's Lenny Wilkens.
Unless you want to count Mark Price as a role player(never was the first option, but always solid), then it's him.

Horry is good pick,Cooper,Worthy....

Lambier, Cooper, Worthy, Rodman, Pippen