Not everyone is meant to be the main character, and that’s totally okay—especially in the NBA. Some players shine brightest when they’re not burdened with carrying the entire franchise on their shoulders.
Whether it was playing next to a dominant big man, a superstar scorer, or an all-time great, these guys found their groove as the perfect second option. Here are 16 NBA stars who proved they were way better as sidekicks.
16. Carlos Boozer
Boozer was a reliable scorer and rebounder, but he looked his best playing off stars like Deron Williams and, later, Derrick Rose. The pressure to lead never suited him quite like the freedom of being the number two guy.
15. Khris Middleton
Middleton is a clutch shooter and smooth scorer, but he’s at his best when Giannis is drawing all the attention. The Bucks needed a Batman, and he was more than happy to be the perfect Robin.
14. Rashard Lewis
Lewis thrived when Dwight Howard was the centerpiece in Orlando, spacing the floor and letting his shooting do the talking. Once he was asked to do more, things started to unravel.
13. Pau Gasol
Gasol was incredibly skilled, but it wasn’t until he joined Kobe Bryant in L.A. that he truly flourished. Being the smart, steady complement to Kobe’s fire made him the ultimate sidekick.
12. Klay Thompson
Klay has had massive individual moments, but his sweet spot has always been thriving alongside Steph Curry. His off-ball movement and unconscious shooting made him the perfect second option.
11. Chris Bosh
Bosh was a monster in Toronto, but when he teamed up with LeBron and Wade, he sacrificed numbers for rings. As the Heat’s third wheel, he was quietly elite and exactly what the team needed.
10. Kevin Love
Love racked up video game numbers in Minnesota but didn’t sniff the playoffs. Playing next to LeBron and Kyrie helped him win—and redefine his role as a complementary piece.
9. Lamar Odom
Odom had all the tools but needed structure and stars around him to fully click. He became a do-it-all weapon when paired with Kobe and Pau in those Lakers title runs.
8. Andre Iguodala
As the top guy in Philly, Iguodala was solid but unspectacular. Once he joined the Warriors and embraced his role, he became a Finals MVP and a winning machine.
7. Scottie Pippen
Pippen was legendary in his own right, but there’s no denying he peaked with MJ by his side. When he had to carry the full load, the magic wasn’t quite the same.
6. Shawn Marion
Marion was a stat-sheet stuffer, but he truly thrived when Steve Nash was running the show in Phoenix. As a sidekick, his versatility and energy became deadly weapons.
5. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie hit one of the most iconic shots in NBA history, but his best stretch came riding shotgun with LeBron. Once he left that dynamic, things got… complicated.
4. Draymond Green
Draymond is the heart of the Warriors, but not the engine. His genius comes alive when he’s surrounded by sharpshooters and scorers—not when he’s asked to be the man.
3. James Worthy
Worthy was a beast in his own right, but was at his most effective while Magic and Kareem drew the spotlight. He picked his spots and made opponents pay when they forgot about him.
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2. Manu Ginóbili
Manu had the talent to start anywhere, but he embraced his role in San Antonio’s system. That selflessness made him one of the greatest sidekicks ever.
Read More: 16 NBA Stars Who Alienated Everyone on the Way Out
1. Anthony Davis
When AD plays next to a superstar like LeBron, everything flows. He’s dominant, sure—but as the sidekick, he’s downright terrifying.
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