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Every NBA team looks to add as many star players as possible to give themselves the best chance to win the championship. But adding big names to the roster doesn't necessarily guarantee success. Role players tend to make a great deal of difference, though. So acquiring the right ones is a vital aspect of a team's roster construction.
One of the key reasons behind the Milwaukee Bucks' championship-winning season last campaign was the depth in their roster. Players like PJ Tucker, Bobby Portis and Bryn Forbes, who were signed before or during the season, played key roles in helping the team win the championship.
During the 2021 offseason, teams realized that the right set of role players can help them achieve their goals. Most title contenders - the Brooklyn Nets, LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors, among others - tried acquiring the right support cast to complement their star players.
On that note, here's a look at five newly signed role players who could make a difference for their teams in the 2021-22 NBA season.
#5 Grayson Allen - Milwaukee Bucks
The Milwaukee Bucks acquired Grayson Allen from the Memphis Grizzlies via trade this offseason. Allen was added to the Bucks' roster to provide backup for Donte DiVincenzo, who is recovering from foot surgery heading into the 2021-22 NBA season.
Grayson Allen was impressive in the preseason. He is the Bucks' preferred option to start alongside Jrue Holiday in the backcourt when the regular season commences.
Allen is a remarkable scorer. He can finish at the rim, and shoot from deep. He made 39.1 % of his shots from the three-point line last NBA campaign, doing so on 5.5 attempts. The guard averaged roughly ten points per game.
Grayson Allen's addition helps the Milwaukee Bucks compensate for sharpshooter Bryn Forbes' absence; Forbes left the team in free agency this summer. Allen is also a decent defender, so his presence alongside the likes of Giannis Antetenkounmpo and Khris Middleton should give the Bucks a significant boost.
#4 Landry Shamet - Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns made an effective signing when they traded for Landry Shamet on NBA draft day. Shamet has played for three teams - the Philadelphia 76ers, LA Clippers and Brooklyn Nets - before. He did not have a significant role to play with either of the aforementioned franchises, but that isn't likely to be the case with the Suns.
Shamet displayed his potential to be a reliable shooting presence and be an additional ball-handler for the team. Monty Williams and the rest of the Suns' players have lauded the combo guard's skill set, which fits well in the Suns' setup. He can drive to the basket, shoot from the deep and also create scoring opportunities for his teammates.
Shamet showed during the NBA preseason that he could be effective as a starter and a reserve. He could also mesh into a three-guard lineup alongside Chris Paul and Devin Booker. The Suns now have two backup guards in Cameron Payne and Shamet to take the pressure off Paul and Booker when required.
#3 Carmelo Anthony - LA Lakers
The LA Lakers were one of the most active teams this NBA offseason. They had only seven players under contract heading into draft day.
After the acquisition of Russell Westbrook, that number came down to five. The Lakers still managed to get out of the situation by filling their roster spots by signing veterans on minimum deals. One coveted free agent they managed to sign was Carmelo Anthony.
Anthony transitioned into a bench role for the Portland Trail Blazers during the 2020-21 NBA season. He shot 40.9% from the three-point line, and averaged 13.4 points in just over 24 minutes of playing time per game. Melo gives the Lakers exactly what they need, thanks to his scoring and shooting prowess.
He can create his shots and score quick points off the bench. The 19-season NBA veteran should help the likes of LeBron James and Anthony Davis in offense because of his skills. LA did not have players of Carmelo Anthony's caliber last season, which put a lot of pressure on James and Davis in terms of scoring.
#2 PJ Tucker - Miami Heat
The Miami Heat had their best offseason this summer since 2010 when they formed the big three of LeBron James, Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. The team's All-Stars, Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo, will now be paired alongside veterans Kyle Lowry and PJ Tucker.
Tucker's signing was one of the most underrated moves the Heat have made this summer. He played for the defending champs Milwaukee Bucks last NBA season, and was key in their championship run. Signing a player who played for a championship-winning team last season is a great way to improve their chances of winning the title.
They had the cap space, so they did not take too long to make a splash, signing Tucker on a two-year $15 million contract. The forward is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. He should give Miami an edge, especially during the playoffs, as he tends to guard the best player in the opposing team.
Tucker is also a decent three-point shooter. His skill set fills an immediate need for the Miami Heat, making him the team's preferred option to start in the power forward position.
#1 Alex Caruso - Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls have been one of the most impressive teams to watch during the 2021 NBA preseason. They signed coveted free agents like DeMar DeRozan, Lonzo Ball and Alex Caruso this offseason to bolster their chances of playoff qualification.
The Bulls made a wise decision by acquiring Caruso. They needed a player to lead their bench and give them the push they may require in games where their starters fail to deliver. Caruso also brings the experience of playing with a NBA-winning team like the LA Lakers.
Caruso can impact games at both ends of the floor. He can shoot from all three levels, and get key defensive stops. He also gives the Heat the luxury of playing a three-guard lineup alongside Lonzo Ball and Zach LaVine. Caruso has already become a fan favorite with the Bulls after a stellar showing during the NBA preseason.
