The Definitive List of Best 'Role Players' in the NBA (2024 EDITION)

Welcome to another episode of Islands in the League with JJ Redick presented by Draft Kings. In this video we discuss our favorite "ALFRED's" of the year. Alfreds being people who shine in their roles - players like Derrick White, Josh Hart and more. Then we do another "build around" segment - this time with Boston Celtics legend Bob Cousy. And finally, we take a look at Championship odds with our resident expert, Josh Appelbaum.

Subscribe to The Old Man and The Three podcast w/ JJ Redick (ESPN / First Take) and Tommy Alter YouTube channel today for more NBA analysis, player interviews and highlights.

[tylerwade]

JJ being practically in love with Derrick White has been one of the funniest running gags in the NBA circle this season

[kbrichmo]

Derrick White is playin like muthafuckin Batman right now

[VeeMediaTV]

Backwards hat JJ needs to make an appearance on First Take

[razcarsey]

14:44 JJ can barely hold back his laughter as he adds Wemby to his fever dream of a basketball team. This segment is so hilariously dumb. I love it.

[Vagotzia]

Conley is most definitely an Alfred but, Naz Reid is more like a Nightwing #letsmakethismorecomplicated

[dearmondmitchell]

Jeff Green belongs in the Alfred hall of fame.

[lawbinson]

It’s criminal that TJ McConnell didn’t play the end of the last IND vs. NYK game

[eliporter]

Josh Hart is surprising the hell out of me during the playoffs. He's playing like he's trying to get a max contract next year.

[vanlifedad]

When I listen to JJ talk basketball I feel like I’m in a math class.

[gabrielfleming]

: My list : Al Horford, Naz Reid, Josh Hart, DWhite, Lu Dort, Jalen Suggs, TJ McConnell, Herb Jones, PJ Wasington, Bobby Portis

[MrCgr]

JJ my brother - do not back down from the backwards hat movement. You and Dan Quinn will usher in an era of greatness for the backwards hat #RaiseHail

[poodoo]

This video is a prime example of why I subscribed, love the Alfred analogy and subsequent team. Honestly, you're a better broadcaster than you were a player and I think you were a very good player. Your NBA career was JJ, your channel is MJ. Keep up the good work!

[MrMagnaniman]

I only really watch my team, the Pacers. But I have no idea how people aren't raving about TJ McConnell, the man Shaq refers to, affectionately, as "Rudy." I try not to be too much of a Homer, but I've watched him dismantle almost every team in the league. With layups. And the vibes he puts out.

Standout performance to me was against the Thunder, near the end of the season. It was late in the 1stQ when the bench got put in, 10 points down. Through the end of the 1st and into the 2nd, the Pacers bench destroyed three waves of Thunder that were thrown at them, going on a run that swung them from 10 points down to 10 points up. They had the ball zipping around every which way, making cuts, finding the open guy, and racking up assists. It was... beautiful. And, in the middle of it all, TJ McConnell. All due credit to Obi 3 Kenobi, Stix, Ben Shepard, and Dougie McBuckets for playing their parts, but, thanks to TJ, they looked like a full roster of all-stars for 6 or 7 glorious minutes.

TJ changes the outcome of games. As a backup, and counterpoint, to Haliburton, in this "fast-and-free" Pacers system, he's a perfect fit. Milwaukee managed to keep TJ contained for most of the 1st round, but it wasn't an accident. They changed their entire defensive scheme, switching to a zone, when TJ was on the floor. Don't sleep on TJ, because I guarantee you that the scouting report of your favorite team isn't.

Also, you should all know about "Bloody TJ." He normally doesn't shoot 3s, BUT, if TJ's blood is spilt upon the court of play, his soul becomes one with the entire sport of basketball, and he gains the additional power to knock down three-pointers without missing. I first witnessed this miracle in the last game of the season, against the Hawks.

[codybarbour]

JJ…. Dude. I get it, you wanted all of the Alfred’s to be playoff guys… but hear me out. The injury to Malik Monk was the reason the Kings missed the playoffs this year. Go look at what happened to the kings season once he was out. That guy is the soul of that team. It is a tragedy that he did not make your list.

[schemekareem]

Building a team around Cousy where I would have ANYONE in the starting five handle the ball instead of him is crazy work, lol

[SandyMcJeeb]

JJ was straight cheating in The Build Around segment😭 I think he should make it a bit challenging and make rookies off limit, and should take into account dude who would get a pay bump if they resigned today.

[Melomanie-Red]

Great picks!!
Whenever I hear about lists like this I immediately think Steven Adams. (Unfortunately out this season) The guy is the workhorse who makes it easy for his other team mates. He’s not trying to be the showboat but he’s definitely the guy who consistently delivers. Also he diffuses unnecessary player escalation. Solid player. 24/25 season with the Rockets will be exciting.

[joshlaker]

Am I bad at counting or is that an 8 man rotation and not a 9 man rotation??
Counting is hard JJ, I get it 😂

[KrsBrs]

Thank you, Sir!! This category needs more recognition in the league. My favorite players to watch! I watch the NBA now just out of the skill that all the players display. It's amazing indeed. But those players who go hard and show 110% grit make the game for me. Great list. PS. I loved your game at Duke but then missed your NBA career regrettably. Got back into the NBA post pandemic. So, I'm a big fan of your work and you have the best hair in the game. Love the POD and the commentator work. Keep up the great work. Go Duke!

[joefaulkner]

Timberwolves whole bench could be here, NAW, Slowmo, Naz