In the NBA, a team's success is primarily determined by how many star players they have on their roster, but role players are just as important. Steve Kerr (Bulls/Spurs - 1996 to 2003), Derek Fisher (Lakers - 2000 to 2010), and Lamar Odom are only a few names that come to mind (Lakers - 2009 and 2010).
They all played important positions alongside their teams' mega-stars and won several championships. There have been players on title-contending teams who have significantly impacted their teams' success this NBA season.
On that note, we look at five players from this season who have been and will continue to be highly impactful for their respective teams, boosting their chances of going all the way this season.