Knowing Your Role

Came across this article from Globe Sports courtesy of TrueHoop about Reggie Evans and the role he's played in the NBA. If you don't know, Evans is your typical "role player." Doing all the dirty work while others around him get glory. He's a quote from the story, from Evans.

“The only way to succeed in this game is certain people have to bring certain things to the table,” he said. “Everyone has different roles. Mine is playing tough guys at my position and rebounding and bringing a lot of energy to the game. I have fun doing that. I don’t mind doing that. It’s a perfect fit.”

I think the Evans article brings up a lesson in basketball. Everyone on a team has their role, whether be it the star, the complimentary player or like Evans plays the hard nosed scrappy player. The lesson here is...these players are important too.

Too often being dubbed a 'role player' has a negative connotation. And granted nobody is saying you have to be content with your role or that your role is going to be that forever. You can work hard, develop different skills and become a better all around player. Then maybe someday you can take on a bigger role. The important thing about wanting to take on a bigger role is the players motives. Do they want to take on a bigger role to improve the team and have a better shot at winning? Or do they want to take on a bigger role for personal satisfaction.

Either way, basketball is a game of roles and the faster you can, not to quote the Rock, "know your role" and accept your role and perfect your role...the better off the team is going to be.

-Dif