The Athletic NBA Daily – “NBA Role Player Draft | Morning Shoot Around”

Date: February 11, 2026
Hosts: Andrew Schlecht, Dave DuFour, Zena Keita, George (Esfandiar Baraheni)
(with live chat input and participation)

Episode Overview

On this episode, the Morning Shoot Around crew dives into a lively, competitive “NBA Role Player Draft.” With All-Star talk dominating headlines, the hosts shine a light on the essential but often-overlooked players who glue teams together: NBA role players. Using a spirited draft format, strict eligibility debates, and real-time chat input, the conversation explores what makes someone a “role player,” the nuances of impact beyond the stat sheet, and how team dynamics shift with these unsung heroes.

Key Discussion Points & Draft Rules

Setting the Stage and Defining "Role Player"

• The draft’s purpose: Celebrate contributors who help win games but don’t get All-Star nods.
• Strict eligibility:
  • If a player is in the All-Star conversation, they're OUT. (e.g., Dylan Brooks, OG Anunoby ruled out)
  • “We cannot be in the all star discussion and be in the role player draft.” — Andrew ([03:46])
  • If a name is debatable, it goes to a group vote and chat input.

Draft Order

• Dave
• Zena
• George
• Andrew
  (Snake draft order)

The Live Role Player Draft

“This is about fit. This is about bringing guys in that’ll help you win a basketball game.” — Andrew ([03:16])

Round 1 Highlights

• Dave attempts to pick Nikhil Alexander-Walker—debated and ultimately ruled OUT for no longer fitting “role player” status.
• Adjusts and selects Jalen Suggs (Orlando Magic):
  • “His importance to [Orlando’s] team both ways stands out.” ([07:17])
• Zena: Anthony Black (Orlando Magic)
  • Versatile, strong defender, great in multiple lineups.
• George: A.J. Mitchell
• Andrew: Isaiah Hartenstein (New York Knicks)
  • “Isaiah Hartenstein—knew it. That’s a great one.” ([10:16] Dave)

Notable Quote

“OG is not a role player. You got some people that maybe would argue [he’s their] second best player.”
— Dave ([11:14])

Eligibility Debates, Vetoes, and LOLs

• Intense vetos for players on the edge, including OG Anunoby, Nikhil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, Jarrett Allen, and Naji Marshall.
  • “The chat has vetoed.” ([13:48] Andrew)
• Chat weighs in repeatedly, e.g., whether Zubac or Allen are “top three” on their teams.
• Ongoing tongue-in-cheek references to tanking, franchise cornerstones, and rookie picks.

Rounds 2–5: Notable Picks & Rulings

• Case and Wallace, Andrew Nemhardt (vetoed, then overruled), Mitchell Robinson, Peyton Watson, Nemas Queta, Jared Allen, Dylan Harper, Jaden McDaniels, Keldon Johnson, Andrew Wiggins, Tumani Kamara, Nas Reid, Jaylon Tyson, Jabari Smith, Devin Vassell, Alex Caruso, and more.

Fun Banter

• “I would like Bryce Sensabaugh on my team… for aesthetic.” — Dave ([41:25])
• “You mother— (mocking draft war rooms).” — Zena, talking about getting sniped by Dave ([24:51])

6th Man Bonus Round

• Each team adds a “sixth man,” with some talk of further bench depth and even fantasizing about historical role players.
• Sixth man selections include Mikal Bridges, Dennis Jenkins, Duncan Robinson, and Tari Eason.

Sample Final Rosters (As Read At [39:47])

Dave:

• Jalen Suggs, Reed Shepherd, Peyton Watson, Josh Hart, Namayus Queta, Tari Eason

Zena:

• Anthony Black, Dylan Harper, Jalen Tyson, Jabari Smith, Mitchell Robinson, Duncan Robinson

George (S):

• A.J. Mitchell, Devin Vassell, Jaden McDaniels, Naz Reid, Jared Allen, Dennis Jenkins

Andrew:

• Case and Wallace, Alex Caruso, Andrew Wiggins, Keldon Johnson, Isaiah Hartenstein, Mikal Bridges

Notable Debates & Memorable Quotes

On Role Player Definitions

• “It’s got to be right now. It’s got to be right now.” — Andrew ([06:29])
• “I kinda think Jaden McDaniels is a role player… but he can also be their best player on some nights.” — Andrew ([20:28])

On Player Value & Team Impact

• “When you watch the Knicks last night without Mitchell Robinson and they gave up 137 points… it is nuts how important he is.” — Dave ([15:25])
• Comparing Keldon Johnson to Boris Diaw: “He’s playing—watch how he uses his body, a very good athlete, fun guy to watch. Like a bumper car as a basketball player.” — Dave ([21:46])

On the Draft Format and Process

• “We’ve stalled long enough. You get two rights here.” — Andrew setting up Dave ([15:46])
• “Every single time [Patrick Williams] shoots, I just—I have this tick now.” — Dave ([23:46])

On All-Star Weekend & NBA Fun

(Later in the show, after the draft)

• Dissection of All-Star suspension news (Isaiah Stewart, Miles Bridges, etc.)
• Debates on improving All-Star weekend: paying players more, format changes, do we even need to “fix” it?
  • “It is insane the amount of effort and mental energy the league spends on this. Nobody really cares.” — Andrew ([45:41])
  • “The NBA had something with their All-Star Weekend and now it’s dried up.” — Zena ([46:17])
  • “If you pay the players, they will not be spending their time elsewhere… they’ll just play hard.” — George ([56:05])

Key Timestamps

• 03:16: Draft rules and eligibility discussion
• 05:11: Opening pick debated—Nikhil Alexander-Walker
• 07:17: Dave settles on Jalen Suggs
• 10:16: Andrew’s Hartenstein pick, everyone reacts
• 11:09: OG Anunoby is debated, ruled out
• 13:44: Chat and host vetoes fly for several picks
• 21:41: Keldon Johnson = “like Boris Diaw?”
• 24:33: Zena switches pick to Nas Reed, strategic sniping
• 29:17: Discussion on Jabari Smith’s best fit, career outlook
• 31:32: Zena nabs Devin Vassell, hosts approve
• 32:42: Andrew makes the “homer” Caruso pick as essential role player
• 39:47: Recap of completed draft teams
• 41:25: “Hoopers Draft” joke about picking Bryce Sensabaugh for style
• 45:41: All-Star game debate—“Nobody really cares…”
• 56:23: Final thoughts—no need to fix All-Star, just pay winners

Standout/Memorable Moments

• Debate chaos: Joyful arguments over who does or doesn’t qualify—players like Naji Marshall, Jaden McDaniels, and Peyton Pritchard spark prolonged debate.
• Draft "snipes": Teasing and mock frustration when one host picks a player another wanted.
  • “You mother—” (Dave & Zena, laughing about draft war room strategy) ([24:51])
• Love for defense and grit:
  • “My team is fighting, though. I will say my guys, they are gonna fight.” — Dave ([40:29])
• Making the unsung heroes central:
  • “He just makes your team work. The Thunder don’t win the title last year without [Caruso].” — Andrew ([32:43])
• All-Star Weekend riffs:
  • “Just give the winners money. Make it east vs. west and forget the rest.” — Andrew ([45:54])

Closing Notes

• Each host expresses strong opinions about the value and definition of a "role player," providing both serious and playful insights.
• The chat’s engagement gives a live, democratic feel to the draft and player debates.
• The show ends with requests for listeners to vote on who built the best role player team, acknowledging the essential but overlooked NBA contributors and poking fun at the very concept of sports discourse.

Essential Takeaways

• Role players matter: The episode is a fun but serious ode to NBA glue guys—players who don’t get All-Star buzz but drive team success.
• Debate and nuance: Eligibility isn’t simple; chat and panel argue over careers, team context, and current-year impact.
• NBA culture: From All-Star gripes to draft room drama, the conversation encapsulates the joy, absurdity, and analytical depth that define NBA fandom.

For full details, team rosters, and all the laughs and hot takes, check out the episode and join the ongoing conversation in the comments!