In the sport of basketball, the focus and spotlight are on the superstar players on a roster. However, what determines whether a team will be successful or not, are the impactful role players on the roster. In addition, the impact of role players are highlighted during those times in a game, where the star player(s) are resting. That period of time during a game is crucial because that can determine the result. Especially in the playoffs, where the impact of role players may determine who advances and who goes home. So attaining impactful role players is a primary focus of most front offices in the NBA.
3 Impactful NBA Role Players Heading Into This Season
Naz Reid
Last season, the Minnesota Timberwolves had one of the most balanced rosters in the association. Also, they had various role players on the bench. None were more important than Naz Reid. The reigning Sixth Man of the Year played a pivotal role in helping the Timberwolves get to the Western Conference Finals. They fell just short of making it to the NBA Finals, thanks to the Dallas Mavericks.
Reid will be one of the most impactful role players this season, especially with his ability to hit three-pointers. Additionally, he can take full advantage of the high-percentage shooting opportunities created by Anthony Edwards. If Reid can continue to knock down shots and improve as a defender, then the Timberwolves will be in great shape to be a legitimate title contender this season.
Alex Caruso
One of the best teams in the league last season were the Oklahoma City Thunder. Last season, the Mavericks eliminated them in the Western Conference Semifinals. During that series, the Thunder did not have enough wing defenders to keep the Mavericks in check. So they acquired Alex Caruso to help out with that weakness. Caruso is one of the best defensive guards in the association and should be the most impactful role player on OKC’s roster this season.
As a result of the acquisition of Caruso, the Thunder now have one of the best defensive duos in the association. In addition, the pairing of Caruso and Luguentz Dort will be a difficult matchup for a majority of the teams in the Western Conference. Caruso can take the opposing team’s best scoring option out of a game, and he gives OKC another dependable ball handler. If Caruso can continue to be a defensive menace and continue to improve as a scorer, then the Thunder will continue to be one of the best teams in the league.
Kelly Oubre Jr.
Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers signed Kelly Oubre Jr. to a veteran’s minimum contract. That turned out to be one of the biggest steals of the offseason, as Oubre was a significant role player for the Sixers during an up-and-down season. Also, he helped stabilize Philadelphia when Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid missed multiple games because of various injuries.
Oubre Jr signed a multi-year contract this summer and will be the starting shooting guard for the Sixers this season. He should be one of the most impactful role players this season. Oubre Jr. should be able to cash in on the high percentage shooting opportunities created by Maxey, Embiid, and Paul George. If Oubre Jr. continues to effectively use his shot creation and athleticism to create scoring opportunities for his teammates and himself, then the Sixers are in great shape to contend for a championship this season.
