With the NBA All-Star weekend on the horizon, many of the game’s best stars are rightfully getting tons of praise. But what about some of the league’s overlooked players that are still incredibly impactful? These aren’t All-Star level players but are still stars in their role. Let’s shed some light on five of the league’s best role players. To qualify for this list players must average below 15 ppg per game and not have made an All-Star team within the last two seasons. This may seem arbitrary however these qualifications best represent the community’s definition of a role player. Without further adieu let’s dive into five role player All-Stars.
5 NBA All-Star Role Players This Season
Mike Conley: Minnesota Timberwolves Guard
Mike Conley has been a crucial part of the Timberwolves success this year. Conley’s playmaking provides a stabilizing force to Minnesota’s offense. The stats back up Conley’s impact, his 6.02 assist-to-turnover ratio ranks 3rd in the league. This steady presence is a welcomed change from Minnesota’s turnover-heavy roster and elevates both Anthony Edwards’ and Karl Anthony Towns’ production. Conley’s skill set is especially valuable for the Timberwolves who lack guard depth. In addition to his elite playmaking abilities, Conley has been a knockdown 3-point shooter netting 44% of his attempts. Furthermore, Conley has been credited as an amazing leader and veteran presence, a role that is certainly impactful for a young Timberwolves team. Ultimately Conley has been the underrated catalyst for the Timberwolves’ incredible success.
Jalen Suggs: Orlando Magic Guard
The emergence of Jalen Suggs has been one of the league’s most underrated stories this year. Coming into the season Suggs’ value was uncertain and his shaky jumper was a concerning sign. However, Suggs has been a pivotal piece to the Magic’s success and his two-way abilities are incredibly valuable. Suggs is an elite perimeter defender with an unmatched motor. This skill set is a perfect fit with Orlando’s defensive identity. Suggs has found his jump shot and is shooting a career-best 38% from beyond the arc. Furthermore, his finishing and connective playmaking abilities make him a perfect complementary guard. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are rightfully given the majority of credit for the Magic’s success however Suggs deserves more praise for his strong all-around impact.
Herb Jones: New Orleans Pelicans Guard/Forward
Herb Jones is an elite defensive stopper who uses his wingspan to disrupt the offense. Jones is one of the league’s most impactful and versatile defenders. Herb’s best traits are his unmatched versatility and elite perimeter defense. Throughout the year Jones has guarded and contained the likes of De’Aaron Fox, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Paul George, and Lauri Markkanen. There are few players with similar levels of defensive impact and responsibilities. Jones has surprisingly never made an all-defensive team and if he doesn’t make one this year it will be a flat out travesty. Offensively Herb is a high-quality spot-up shooter and connective piece. While Jones’ offense hasn’t caught up to his elite defense he is still impactful and important on that end of the floor for the Pelicans. Ultimately Jones is infinitely valuable to the Pelicans and one of the best glue guys in the league.
Aaron Gordon: Denver Nuggets Forward
Since being traded to the Nuggets in 2021 Aaron Gordon has been one of the league’s most impactful role players. While his counting stats are slightly down this year Gordon’s value is still there. Gordon’s elite and versatile defense is his best skill. Gordon is the Nuggets’ defensive stopper and often guards the opposing team’s best player regardless of position. His elite athleticism, strength, and IQ make him the complete package defensively. Offensively Gordon is the ideal glue guy his abilities to finish at the rim and catch lobs make him an efficient scorer. Additionally, Gordon’s consistent rebounding and playmaking make him the perfect connective piece. Overall Gordon’s elite defense and all-around impact make him a player every contender covets.
Deni Avdija: Washington Wizards Forward
Deni Avdija is quietly having a career season on the lowly Wizards. In his first three seasons, Avdija was a talented yet inconsistent young player. This year Deni has put everything together and been a bright spot for the Wizards. Avdija is a jack-of-all-trades forward with a positive impact on both sides of the court. His versatile defense and high-level rebounding stand out on a Wizards team that desperately lacks defense. Offensively is where Deni has made his biggest strides this year.
Deni is shooting a career-best 40% on three-point attempts this year and 60% at the rim while remaining a high-quality secondary playmaker. These scoring improvements have unlocked Avdija’s offensive potential. In his last 10 games, Avdija is averaging 19 ppg, 8 rpg, 3 apg, and 51 3pt % including a career-high 43 performance in a recent game against the Pelicans. At this pace and his young age, Avdija could soon outgrow his title as a role player. Deni’s well-rounded impact would be perfect for a contending team. Whether that eventually happens with the Wizards or he is traded, one day Avdija will be a crucial piece on a winning team.
