There's no question that the NBA is star-driven and trending toward super teams, but more than 90 percent of the league is made up of role players. And the best of those role players are essential additions to any roster.
What do elite role players look like in the modern NBA, and how do scouts find them in the draft?
Here's a breakdown of 13 different types, the desired qualifications and NBA prototypes.
The two-way combo forward
This is arguably the most coveted non-superstar position in the NBA. With the league's emphasis on switching and spacing, any athlete 6-foot-8 or taller with length, a projectable frame and even the slightest chance to turn into a reliable shooter is a prospect.
Ideal qualifications:
Stands at least 6-8 with above-average length, a strong frame, fluid athleticism and toughness
Defends both forward spots, has the strength to slide all the way up to the 5 in super small-ball lineups
Knocks down enough open 3s to create driving lanes
Good decision-making vs. scrambling defenders
Makes a one-dribble pullup or gets all the way to the rim if a defender runs him off the 3-point line
Adds value as an off-ball defender and rebounder
Stats to watch:
Efficiency: 50 percent on 2s, 35 percent on 3s and 70 percent from the line
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
Steals plus blocks per 40 minutes > 3.0
Rebounds per 40 minutes > 7.5
NBA prototypes: Jae Crowder, Marcus Morris, James Johnson, Robert Covington, Wilson Chandler
The 3-and-D wing
The 3-and-D label is often overused when evaluating prospects, but there's significant value in wing defenders who can spot shoot with a good feel for the game.
Ideal qualifications:
Positional size and length; defends the opponent's best perimeter player, oftentimes 1 through 3
Makes enough spot-up 3 to keep the defense honest
Comfortable attacking closeouts to finish or playmake
Fluid athlete with high basketball IQ
Does the little things that impact winning: rebound, move off the ball, quick to 50-50 balls, etc.
Stats to watch:
3-pointers made per 40 minutes > 1.5
Efficiency: 50 percent on 2s, 35 percent on 3s and 75 percent from the line
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
Steals plus blocks per 40 minutes > 3.0
NBA prototypes: Danny Green, Wesley Matthews, Kent Bazemore, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tony Snell
The 3-and-D style off guard
Every oversized lead guard needs this kind of player next to him (an ideal fit next to a James Harden type).
Ideal qualifications:
Plus-defender of 1s and 2s who is oftentimes viewed as undersized for an off guard
Above-average spot shooter who can also make a one-dribble pullup or rise up out of a dribble-handoff
Quick decision-maker who doesn't need many dribbles to have an impact
Can make basic pick-and-roll reads on second side actions
Serves as a secondary ball handler; capable of running the show for stretches in second units
Stats to watch:
3-pointers made per 40 minutes > 1.5
Efficiency: 50 percent on 2s, 35 percent on 3s and 75 percent from the line
Assist per field goal attempt > 0.25
Steals plus blocks per 40 minutes > 2.0
NBA prototypes: Avery Bradley, Langston Galloway, Donovan Mitchell, Ian Clark, Ron Baker
The rangy big man
Switching is king in today's NBA and having a 5 who can hold his own versus 1s, protect the rim when off the ball and catch lobs on offense is extremely valuable.
Ideal qualifications:
Long-armed, agile center capable of covering a lot of ground defensively
Has the feet to switch every ball screen and either contain or recover to contest at the rim
Good timing as a weakside defender; rotates for blocks with sharp verticality technique
First one down the floor as a rim runner; long strides and light on his feet
Spaces the floor vertically as a lob threat out of ball screens
Uses his length and agility to keep plays alive on the offensive glass
Stats to watch:
Blocks per 40 minutes > 3.0
Offensive rebounds per 40 minutes > 4.0
Shoots better than 70 percent at the rim
NBA prototypes: Rudy Gobert, Clint Capela, Bismack Biyombo, JaVale McGee
The stretch big
With spacing more important than ever, NBA teams want to play with at least one shooting big on the floor at all times.
Ideal qualifications:
Above-average catch-and-shoot threat who spaces the floor via spot-ups or pick-and-pops
Can make a one-dribble pullup or floater if run off the 3-point line
Capable of attacking open space to score or playmake after the big recovers out of pick-and-roll
Able to read closeouts and stunt defenders; heady passer versus scrambling defense
Strong and skilled enough in the post to punish a switch either as a scorer or passer
Smart defender who understands positioning; adequate defensive rebounder
Stats to watch:
3-pointers made per 40 minutes > 1.5
At least 75th percentile in catch-and-shoot efficiency
Efficiency: 50 percent on 2s, 35 percent on 3s and 75 percent from the line
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
NBA prototypes: Patrick Patterson, Ersan Ilyasova, Channing Frye, Marvin Williams
The old-school big
Back-to-the-basket big men have been phased out to some degree, but there's still a role for post scorers who can efficiently destroy bench units from 15 feet or closer.
Ideal qualifications:
Excellent scorer in the post -- has jump hooks, counters and turnaround jumpers
Capable of inverting a team's offense and facilitating out of the post
A threat out of short rolls by way of midrange jumpers, push shots or playmaking
Adequate defender dropping on pick-and-rolls
Sound rebounder on both ends of the floor
Stats to watch:
Score more than 20 points per 40 minutes
Efficiency: 60 percent on 2s and 75 percent from the line
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
Rebounds per 40 minutes > 10.0
NBA prototypes: Jonas Valanciunas, Al Jefferson, Ivica Zubac
The energy big
These players don't quite have the shot-blocking or lob-catching ability of the rangy bigs, but they're still very important as energy infusers.
Ideal qualifications:
Very agile and hardworking despite being undersized
Aggressive rim runner; can play above the rim in space
Relentless offensive rebounder who uses a combination of effort, quickness and strength to get to the glass
While not always a lob target, hard roller who can finish in space
Capable of switching screens and competing on the perimeter
Stats to watch:
Offensive rebounds per 40 minutes > 4.5
Steals plus blocks per 40 minutes > 3.0
Shoots better than 55 percent on 2s
NBA prototypes: Tristan Thompson, Ed Davis, Kenneth Faried, Tarik Black, Mathias Lessort
The agitator
Although the game is as skill based as ever, there's a role for a defender, rebounder and hard-foul taker who stays in his lane and knows his value on the floor -- no matter the position.
Ideal qualifications:
Guard: Picks up 94 feet with heavy pressure; gets into the hip of the opponent in pick-and-roll, fighting over every screen; digs down on the post with quick and active hands; cracks down on the defensive glass with weakside wedges; makes basic reads on offense
Wing: Defends the opponent's best wing and takes him out of the offense by bumping on cuts, pushing off of spots and contesting every jumper with a hand in his face; plays with activity off the ball; goes hard to the rim offensively, finds open teammates and makes enough 3s to keep the defense honest
Big: Defends the post with physicality; offers rim protection on the interior and takes hard fouls when necessary; the best rebounder on the floor; uses strength and aggressiveness to keep plays alive on the offensive glass
NBA prototypes: Patrick Beverley, Tony Allen, PJ Tucker, Andre Roberson, Matthew Dellavedova, Marcus Smart, Steven Adams, Zaza Pachulia
The versatile shooter
A lot of players can make standstill 3s at an above-average clip, but those who can fill it up in a variety of ways while thinking the game at a high level really have importance.
Ideal qualifications:
Quick trigger shooter via spot ups; gravity creates driving lanes for teammates
Has the footwork and quick release to sprint off of screens and make contested 3s
Quick decision-maker off of pindown screens -- can catch and shoot, curl for floaters or hit the slip
Can make a pullup or play out of drive-and-kick when he's run off the 3-point line
Adequate defender; understands pick-and-roll tags and positioning off the ball
Stats to watch:
3-pointers made per 40 minutes > 2.0
Efficiency: 50 percent on 2s, 40 percent on 3s and 80 percent from the line
Off-ball screens > 10 percent of possessions
Catch-and-shoot efficiency > 80th percentile
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
NBA prototype: Kyle Korver, JJ Redick, Troy Daniels, Eric Gordon
The bucket-getter
These instant-offense scorers can reliably kill a long scoring drought. However, they're usually very inconsistent given their style of play.
Ideal qualifications:
Talented one-on-one shot creator who brings instant scoring off the bench
Dangerous in early offense or late-clock situations; tough shot maker out of ball screens or isolations
Quick trigger from 3; confidence never wavers
Savvy pick-and-roll player who can get to pullups and has a floater game
Wants buckets but can make basic reads while on the move
Stats to watch:
Points per 40 minutes > 20.0
Isolation plus pick-and-roll plays > 30 percent of possessions
Off the dribble jumper efficiency > 75th percentile
Free throw attempts per field goal attempts > 0.30
Assist-to-turnover ratio: 1.0
NBA prototypes: Lou Williams, Jamal Crawford, Dion Waiters, Will Barton, Monta Ellis
Change-of-pace guard
This is the NBA equivalent of a change-of-pace running back who can bust a 90-yard run and change the momentum of the game at any moment.
Ideal qualifications:
Guard with above-average athleticism who plays with assertiveness
Puts consistent pressure on the rim in transition thanks to speed and mentality
Makes bigs work in ball screens, regularly getting downhill and going right at them
Can make a quick-hitting transition 3 or a midrange pullup to keep the defense honest
Not a pure facilitator but can drive-and-kick or dish while on the move
High-energy defender who plays with toughness
Stats to watch:
Transition plus pick-and-roll plays > 40 percent of possessions
3-pointers made per 40 minutes > 1.5
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
Steals plus blocks per 40 minutes > 2.0
NBA prototypes: Tyler Johnson, Norman Powell
The organizer
In a league of scoring guards, the floor general types aren't as common. However, these guards can stabilize bench units in key moments.
Ideal qualifications:
Brings a sense of poise to the floor; gets the team into its offense while limiting turnovers
Figures out which mouths to feed and when -- get scorers going and rewards bigs for rolling/running
Makes all the right reads in pick-and-roll
Enough of a shooting threat to force teams to go over; knocks down spot-ups when off ball
Applies ball pressure and play with intensity on the defensive end
Great leadership skills
Stats to watch:
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 3.0
Assists per field goal attempt > 0.75
Efficiency: 50 percent on 2s, 35 percent on 3s and 75 percent from the line
Pick-and-roll plays > 30 percent of possessions
Steals per 40 minutes > 2.0
NBA prototypes: T.J. McConnell, Tim Frazier, Fred VanVleet, Tyler Ulis
The non-PG facilitator
These 4s and 5s who can facilitate from the perimeter and interior usually have to possess at least one or two more elite skills to supplement the rest of their game (spot shooting, defense or rebounding).
Ideal qualifications:
Good positional size; can see over the top of the defense
Capable of pushing in the open floor and finding rim runners, lane fillers or shooters
Big: Great short-roll passer who can hit the dunker spot or shooters around the perimeter; excellent facilitator out of the post; pass-first player
Wing: Comfortable operating on the ball and running the show in second units; unselfish, almost to a fault; good pick-and-roll passer
Stats to watch:
Assists per 40 minutes > 5.0
Assists per field goal attempt > 0.5
Assist-to-turnover ratio > 1.0
NBA prototypes: Mason Plumlee, Boris Diaw, Dario Saric, Kyle Anderson, Andre Iguodala