Margaret BauerFACT: Will Smith has starred in six movies which have grossed over $100 million in the U.S. alone.
FACT: The last 10 NBA Champions have had either Steve Kerr or Robert Horry as a member of their team.
FACT: Will Smith and Robert Horry have never been seen together in the same room at the same time.
Some people say that the key to an NBA title is to have two marquee players and point to the success of the Jordan and Pippen led Bulls. Some people say that one individual star’s brilliance is enough and cite the Olajuwon led Rockets and the Duncan led Spurs. I say if I’m Jerry Bruckheimer, I call Robert Horry after the playoffs are over, stick him next to Martin Lawrence and I’ve got Bad Boys III at a fraction of the cost with no one the wiser for it. If you’re reading this Jerry, I’ve also got some great ideas for a Schwartzenegger/Sandler project-it can’t miss.
But just as there is no one right way to make a hit movie, there is no single correct way to put together a championship team. There is a common denominator, however, in all the championship teams-colorful role-players. It’s no accident that Kerr and Horry, two of the best role-players ever, have been on the last 10 champions (O.K., maybe a little bit of an accident). Still, there is powerful historical evidence to suggest that the often-overlooked role-player may be just as critical to his team’s success as the team’s stars.
From Vinnie “the Microwave” Johnson of the Pistons to Ron Harper of the Bulls and later the Lakers, every champion has had key role-players who have been major contributors. These players function in a manner similar to supporting actors in movies-complementing the stars. For instance, action superstar Arnold Schwartzenegger was at his best in years in True Lies when cast alongside funnyman Tom Arnold. Arnold, giving yet another virtuoso performance in a career full of them, brought out the best in Schwartzenegger. Schwartzenegger was nowhere near as good in End of Days with Kevin Pollak as support. And while I am a fan of Pollak, whose performance in Willow as one of the Brownies can only be described as masterful, Pollak is no Tom Arnold. For Schwartzenegger and NBA stars alike, the quality of the supporting cast, can make a big difference.
Each year, there are new role-players that rise to the challenge and this year is no exception. The Spurs rely on the aforementioned Horry. The Nets count on Rodney Rogers and Brian “Veal” Scalabrine. The Lakers, who formerly employed Horry, now make do with Luke Walton. For the Pistons, there are Mike James and Corliss “Big Nasty” Williamson. While many NBA fans are unfamiliar with players like James, the impact of James and his fellow role-players should not be underestimated.
Besides being big contributors to their teams, rooting for role-players is fun since rooting for them is like rooting for the underdog. Even if you’re not a Pistons fan, it’s hard not to like Mike James; he’s tough and he plays hard. Plus, as a fan you have the opportunity to cheer on James with colorful phrases. A James bucket (to borrow from Chappelle’s Show) could be accompanied by an “I’m Mike James, bitch!”