The 3 Best Glue Guys in the NBA

The 3 Best Glue Guys in the NBA

Every successful NBA team needs that player, the one willing to make the extra, extra pass, set picks, play lockdown defense, who doesn’t care about his stats, getting dunked on, looking foolish diving on the ground after a lose ball. Glue guys can either perform adequately at every task or superb at a few. Here are the best in the league right now;

*Andre Iguodala

People are mesmerized by Steph Curry’s shooting, Kevin Durant’s playmaking, Draymond’s intensity, but make no mistake, the key to the franchise’s success is Andre Iguodala.

In 2012 Iggy earned a Gold Medal in London as part of the Olympic team. Do you remember that quote from Allen Iverson back around 2004/2005 “I don't know any franchise players that come off the bench. I don't know any Olympian that comes off the bench. I don't know any All-Star that comes off the bench. I don't know any first team All-NBA (player) that comes off the bench. Why Allen Iverson?”….

Well guess what, I know a guy. His sacrifice of playing time is the most under appreciated glue he brings. Its not just that he can guard any position on the floor 1-5, lead a fast break, knock down a 3, its that he doesn’t care if he plays 10 minutes or 48.

It is not lost on me that Andre Iguodala was Allen Iverson’s Rook. I think his personality took shape that very rookie year when he witnessed the disfunction in the 76ers organization due to the egomaniac that Allen Iverson was. Sure its nice for everyone to celebrate the guy now after he retired, but he was selfish, the exact opposite of Iguodala.

By holding the King to 18-of-54 shooting in the 2015 Finals (as the primary defender), Iguodala earned Finals MVP! His absurd length and athleticism have allowed him to remain an elite defender throughout his career, his high IQ & professionaism have made him a veteran every team would die to have, and he is clearly the best glue guy in the league.

*Trevor Ariza

Ariza is a steady, unheralded contributor. His production is in line with Ryan Anderson’s and Eric Gordon, but Anderson’s salary nearly triples Ariza’s, and Gordon – who also earns more money – gets the recognition because he was Sixth Man of the Year last year.

In his fourth straight year with the Rockets, this stint in Houston has been his longest anywhere. He is a prototype 3 and D player, he has professionalism and a strong work ethic, athleticism, and also him and Chris Paul are best friends. They played together years ago in New Orleans. Helping Chris Paul become comfortable so quickly in Houston is an underrated aspect of the glue Ariza brings.

*Serge Ibaka

Serge learned how to play his role back on the OKC Thunder, when Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook, & James Harden were on his team. His game is simple but effective, hit the mid range jumper, and block anyone who comes into the paint. He isn’t afraid to knuckle up and fight someone or dive on the floor, he is the hustle every team would love to have.

Sometimes guys in the league can get to friendly with each other since they grew up playing AAU, or college ball together. The Congo-born athlete isn’t concerned with any of that. He has lead the league in blocked shots multiple times, and his time with the Thunder perfectly prepared him for this season with Derozan & Lowry who dominate the ball just like Westbrook & Durant used to.

Honorable Mention:

Draymond Green- It is very difficult to determine whether Draymond is a glue guy at this point. He does everything on the floor, and sure that would fit the category. But I like to think of glue guys as having underrated importance to there teams, and I don’t think anyone argues his importance. Three years ago, he would be #1 on the list, but at this point I will leave him as honorable mention

T.J McConell- Or as Joel Embiid would calls him the GOAT! McConnell is the opposite of Draymond, in that the casual fan literally has no idea who he is. He found a spot on the 76ers 3 years ago in the midst of there tanking, and to be honest they may have figured he would play an awesome role in that intentional losing. Little did they know, they stumbled upon the ultimate energy plug. He has come off the bench this year and recorded a triple double, is very well liked by his teammates, and does not care about minutes or stats.

Joe Ingles- A hard nose Australian who brings a chippiness to the game I love. Last season, Ingles finished third in the NBA with a 44.1 percentage on 3-pointers. He lacks athleticism, but has a canny ability to be in the right place at the right time on both ends of the floor. He rarely ever does too much.