All articles tagged with #role players
The article highlights five young NBA role players—Jonathan Kuminga, Ajay Mitchell, Ryan Rollins, Kyshawn George, and Jaime Jaquez Jr.—who are significantly improving early in the 2025-26 season, potentially impacting their teams' success.
The Philadelphia 76ers, led by Daryl Morey, are focusing on acquiring role players in free agency to complement stars Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid. Potential targets include Nico Batum, Kelly Oubre Jr., and Kyle Lowry, who fit well with the team's needs and budget constraints. The Sixers have around $65 million available and are considering trades involving their draft picks to build a competitive roster. The strategy involves balancing max-salary players with high-caliber role players to maximize their championship potential.
Alabama's basketball team secured a spot in the Final Four after defeating Clemson, with role players Mo Dioubate, Grant Nelson, Jarin Stevenson, and Nick Pringle stepping up in crucial moments. Despite star player Mark Sears' standout performance, it was the supporting cast that made significant contributions, with Stevenson and Pringle making critical shots and plays. The team's journey to the Final Four represents a redemption story for last year's missed opportunity, with the role players transforming into legends and leading the team to victory.
The Boston Celtics defeated the San Antonio Spurs 117-98, with role players like Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, Oshae Brissett, Sam Hauser, and Payton Pritchard stepping up in the absence of key starters Kristaps Porzingis and Derrick White. Kornet's strong performance against rookie phenom Victor Wembanyama, along with contributions from other role players, showcased the team's depth and resilience, while Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, and Jaylen Brown led the charge in scoring.
Lamar Jackson silenced doubters by leading the Ravens to a comeback victory over the Rams with a clutch touchdown pass in the pouring rain. Jackson's ability to lead the team back from behind and with his arm has been questioned, but he proved his critics wrong. With a healthy Jackson, the Ravens have a strong chance of securing the No. 1 seed in the AFC and are seen as legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Home-field advantage at M&T Bank Stadium, known for its passionate fans and challenging weather conditions, is a real advantage for the Ravens. Unheralded players like Tylan Wallace and role players have also played key roles in the team's success this season.
As the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers prepare for their Game 7 showdown, it's worth noting that role players have often emerged as heroes in past Game 7s for the Celtics. With Boston's strong homecourt advantage, it's possible that another unexpected player could step up and make a significant impact. The Celtics have a 6-1 record in Game 7s since Marcus Smart and Jaylen Brown joined the team, with players like Kelly Olynyk, Terry Rozier, and Grant Williams making key contributions in those games. Anything can happen in a Game 7, and the intensity will be at an all-time high as both teams fight for a spot in the next round.