The stretch fours aren’t the sexiest players that can be the lead guy in a championship-caliber team. But they are often the glue guys who can galvanize a championship team replete with high-volume shotmakers and high-usage stars.
Think of those championship teams that have Robert Horry, Chris Bosh, Kevin Love, Draymond Green, Pascal Siakam, or even the less successful Houston Rockets’ small-ball team that has PJ Tucker and Robert Covington. Or if you’re a New York Knicks‘ die-hard, think of the late Anthony Mason or Larry Johnson.
All these players share the same quality: versatility and defensive tenacity.