31.   A lot of great teams only had one or two and had great role players.

32.   A man who makes a good prince need not always be a prince, and an earthier dramatic dancer might comfortably try his hand as a classical role player.

33.   A role player makes stars better.

34.   According to a Western Conference executive who spoke on condition of anonymity, the Rockets will send Pippen to the Portland Trail Blazers for six role players.

35.   After Raul Mondesi asked to return to right field three weeks ago, Hubbard has taken over in center, but knows his future is as a role player.

36.   Bring in some role players, some second-tier guys, and it looks like the same old Kings.

37.   But a few Clippers are in the final year of their contracts, and could be considered functional role players for teams involved in the playoff chase.

38.   But an unlikely group of role players managed to challenge the American stars.

39.   But as a Jayhawk, he has been a role player counted on for defense, rebounding and setting screens.

40.   But Barros seems comfortable with the adjustment from marquee attraction to role player, a change some would perceive as a threat to their ego.