In the NBA, superstars tend to get most of the attention and credit for their team’s success. However, championship rosters are often filled with high-quality role players who make meaningful contributions behind the scenes.
This article will rank 10 of the top NBA role players this 2023-2024 season who are making a real difference for their respective teams.
The focus will be on players who may fly under the radar but have a tangible impact when they step on the court.
10. Larry Nance Jr., New Orleans Pelicans
On a New Orleans roster loaded with capable perimeter defenders, Larry Nance Jr. stands out as the only one who brings any oomph nearer the basket.
Though he’s just 10th among Pelicans regulars in minutes per game overall, Nance’s defensive mobility, passing, and versatility allow him to make an outsized impact during close-and-late moments.
New Orleans has outscored opponents by seven points in Nance‘s 17.2 clutch minutes this season, significantly better than the minus-7 they’ve managed with center Jonas Valanciunas‘ 31.2 clutch minutes.
Nance deserves credit as a key role player who strengthens the Pelicans‘ defense and helps them close out tight games.
9. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves
Sixth on the Timberwolves in minutes per game and averaging just 7.0 points, Nickeil Alexander-Walker is easy to overlook statistically. But his impact is far greater than the numbers suggest.
A rangy and high-energy defender at 6’7” (2.00m), Alexander-Walker can change games on that end with his ball pressure and screen navigation.
When necessary, he can also pick his spots as a scorer whether on or off the ball. Alexander-Walker is a disciplined role player who provides tremendous value to the Western Conference-leading Timberwolves.
8. Duop Reath, Portland Trail Blazers
Rookie big man Duop Reath owns one of most remarkable stories in the league, overcoming incredible adversity in his journey from South Sudan to the NBA.
On the court, the 27-year-old is making his mark as a floor-spacing center, shooting 38.5% from deep and averaging 8.9 points in just 17.4 minutes per game.
Reath signed a standard three-year deal with the Blazers earlier this month, a testament to how valued he is as a locker-room presence and offensive role player.
His ability to knock down threes gives Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons more room to attack the basket.
7. Amir Coffey, Los Angeles Clippers
Lost in the shuffle behind stars Paul George and Kawhi Leonard, Amir Coffey is quietly putting together a career year for the surging Clippers.
The versatile wing is only eighth on the team in minutes but makes the absolute most of his opportunities.
With a 55.3/44.0/89.4 shooting split, Coffey scores efficiently thanks to his discipline and knowledge of his role. His ability to defend multiple positions and play off the Clippers‘ talented playmakers perfectly embodies an impactful yet underappreciated role player.
6. Dante Exum, Dallas Mavericks
After two seasons away from the NBA, guard Dante Exum returned from Europe with a stronger frame and a more reliable jumper. Before a recent knee injury, the former No. 5 overall pick slotted into the Mavericks‘ starting lineup for much of December.
Now 28, Exum is hitting 47.7% of his threes and averaging 16.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 5.1 rebounds per 36 minutes, reinventing himself as a contributor.
If he stays healthy, his energy and defensive activity could give Dallas a major lift down the stretch.
5. T.J. McConnell, Indiana Pacers
In today’s three-point-centric NBA, crafty point guard T.J. McConnell has tremendous value despite rarely shooting from outside. He pushes the pace, gets into the lane at will, and sets up teammates for quality looks in Indiana‘s fast-paced offense.
McConnell is averaging 17.4 points and 11.4 assists per 36 minutes on a solid 54.7% shooting.
The 31-year-old steps on the accelerator when needed, providing 17.3 energetic minutes per game behind starter Tyrese Haliburton. He’s an old-school role player thriving in a new-school league.
4. Andre Jackson Jr., Milwaukee Bucks
Rookie wing Andre Jackson Jr. hasn’t played much for the retooled Bucks, but he figures to have a major playoff impact as perhaps their standout perimeter defender.
Jackson, an energetic 6’6” (1.98m) disruptor with great length, will likely be called upon to help slow elite playoff scorers like Jayson Tatum and Kevin Durant.
Though still raw and relatively unknown, Jackson‘s readiness to defend at a high level and provide hustle plays should earn him key minutes for a Milwaukee team with championship aspirations. He could wind up being an X-factor in the postseason.
3. Miles McBride, New York Knicks
Second-year guard Miles McBride flies under the radar, averaging just 12.6 minutes for the star-studded Knicks.
But with reliable three-point shooting now a part of his game, the defensive pest has carved out a role as an impactful situational contributor.
Hitting 40% from deep with solid point-of-attack defense, McBride gives New York quality minutes whether they need him to handle the ball or work off it.
For a team with eyes on a deep playoff run, McBride‘s emergence as a three-and-D role player makes their strong rotation even more versatile.
2. Ayo Dosunmu, Chicago Bulls
Ayo Dosunmu entered the year no higher than fourth on Chicago‘s overloaded guard depth chart, but injuries have provided an opportunity for the second-round pick. The defensive menace has erupted on the offensive end, scoring with unforeseen efficiency.
After averaging 10.2 points on 50/41/77 shooting splits this season, Dosunmu put up 15.7 points on an unfathomable 66.7% from the field and 57.6% from three over a red-hot six-game stretch before the All-Star break.
With Zach LaVine now out for the year, Dosunmu‘s emergence is a huge development for Chicago‘s future.
1. Josh Okogie, Phoenix Suns
If only Josh Okogie could score more consistently, he would likely be a coveted starter rather than a key role player.
Nonetheless, the 25-year-old terrorizes opponents with relentless on-ball defense and supreme effort. Okogie consistently ranks near the top of the league in deflections, charges drawn, and loose balls recovered.
His career 29.2% three-point percentage prevents teams from ignoring him altogether. Okogie finds ways to compromise defenses without shooting prowess due to his hunger crashing the boards and drawing fouls.
For Western Conference contender Phoenix, he’s an impact regular perfectly content staying under the radar while doing all the dirty work.
Sources:
bleacherreport.com/articles/10109912-every-nba-teams-hidden-gem-who-needs-more-respect
