luther

Someone who consistently fills a role. In other words, he is counted upon to play and do [task]. That means anyone who regularly plays minutes and contributes something is a role player. The role might be one skill (rebounding, defense, shooting) or it might be providing depth at a position and contributing in several categories while on the court (Bobby Jackson in his prime would score on penetration, play defense, gather loose balls, get assists and sometimes get hot from outside, but he was always a role player.) Most of all, I don't think role player is an insult. It shouldn't have any negative connotations. But that said, there are different roles. Some role players are asked to bring 3 points, 4 rebounds and solid post defense for 15 minutes a night (without checking stats, I'd guess Ervin Johnson was close to that the year he started as Wolves center...and they made the W.C. Finals.) Another role player may be a double digit scorer.

However, then I'd build a pyramid to account for better players. I'd go with complementary players and featured players, for lack of better terms. I try not to worry too much about whether a guy is a role player or complementary player, or a complementary player or a featured player (or a featured player or a star, or a star or a franchise player), because I don't think it matters. The sum of the entire team's production is what matters, and so if there is one franchise player and four complementary players, fine; if there are two featured players and one complementary player and a bunch of really good role players, fine. It isn't important.

So a team of 15 guys probably has one featured player, two to four complementary players, and three to six role players. That isn't to say the final guys on the roster couldn't be role players if given consistent minutes, but if they aren't filling a certain role regularly, I'd probably consider them something else: insurance, the future, etc.