San Antonio Spurs all-time role player starting lineup

Saving the universe is a colossal job. People love Superman, Wonder Woman, and other heroes with superpowers for the pivotal part they play in accomplishing that daunting task, but you still need guys like Green Arrow and Batman to do all the little things essential to ensuring the safety of every citizen. Playing high-level basketball is no different. Role players elevate our favorite superstars, and it's time to recognize the heroes who have been glue guys for the San Antonio Spurs overs the years.

Center: Matt Bonner

This two-time NBA champion from the University of Florida joined the Spurs in 2007 and immediately nestled his way into the hearts of the Silver and Black fanbase. His strange shooting form looked like a launching mechanism, earning him one of the best nicknames in NBA history: The Red Rocket.

As a career 41% three-point shooter, his presence space the floor for the downhill playing styles of Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili while providing plenty of room for Tim Duncan to operate in the post. He wasn't great at much else, but what he brought to the table was more than enough.

The late, great Kobe Bryant did not take basketball lightly. He was infamous for the lack of respect he showed others who did, and though Matt Bonner never went for 81, Kobe would assign Bonner a new moniker: The Red Mamba. That type of approbation can't be overstated and helps land the Sandwich Savant, Matt Bonner, on San Antonio's all-time role player starting lineup.

Runner-Up: Tiago Splitter

Power Forward: Boris Diaw

Boris Diaw is a man of class, substance, and understanding. Understanding the game of basketball, in particular. He was a virtuoso who could see moves coming three steps ahead of the competition, and he would manipulate defenses with his foresight. As an exceptional and creative passer, Diaw was the perfect point-forward and acted as a Swiss Army Knife for San Antonio during their 2014 title run.

There was almost nothing Diaw could not do, including defending multiple positions. He made three-pointers, finished layups, and had immaculate footwork in the post. It is nearly impossible to describe just how perfectly Diaw fit into the starting lineup when Coach Pop called upon him in the NBA Finals.

Consider the universal love for breakfast tacos. Breakfast tacos are amazing, but what makes them perfect is a soft, warm, homemade tortilla. That is the type of magnificence that puts Boris Diaw on par with that doughy delicacy. The 2014 revenge tour does not happen without the frenchman, and Spurs nation is grateful that his strong relationship with Tony Parker brought him to San Antonio.

Runner-Up: Robert Horry

Small Forward: Bruce Bowen

Bruce Bowen is the man you call when you know you have to go up against some menacing hoopers—the guys who try to embarrass you with their endless bag of tricks. Bowen was a fearless defender who would get in your face for every second of the game even if he gave up a bucket on the previous possession.

The California product was essential to fortifying the defense-first mentality Coach Pop preached. He would cover Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, and any other superstars he could get his hands on. Bowen had a reputation for being a little too physical. Some would go as far as to call him a dirty player, but to Spurs fans, his reputation was as pristine as a surgeon preparing his tools for surgery.

Bowen helped the Spurs capture three championships with his aggressive defense and timely corner threes, which is very impressive for someone who didn't join San Antonio until after his 30th birthday. His continued contributions to the franchise have not gone unnoticed, and his jersey will dangle from the rafters of the Frost Bank Center forever.

Runner-Up: Sean Elliott

Shooting Guard: Danny Green

Danny Green is one of the easiest inclusions on this list. His story as a player who was cut numerous times before finally solidifying his spot in San Antonio and carving out a successful career as a two-time champion is an exceptional tale of perseverance. Green experienced a national title with the Tar Heels and Tyler Hansbrough, but things were vastly different in the NBA.

Once Green became a starter for the Spurs, he form one of the stingiest wing combos in the league alongside Kawhi Leonard. The rest of the league was becoming more athletic each season, and San Antonio was lagging behind with the youth movement. Green wasn't a freak athlete, but he was smart, long, and fiery. Understanding how to utilize those tools allowed him to make the most of his career.

Danny Green shot over 40% from three for four consecutive years from 2011 to 2015. He broke Ray Allen's league record for most threes made in an NBA Finals series during the 2013 loss to the Miami Heat, which came against the man who set the all-time mark. Spurs fans were sad to see him traded to Toronto alongside Leonard, but his impact will long be remembered in the 2-1-0.

Runner-Up: Michael Finley

Point Guard: Patty Mills

One of the all-time greatest nicknames in Spurs history belongs to Patty Mills. It is difficult to top Sir Patrick Thrillingston, and there will be no apologies for that being part of the criteria. Monikers aside, the Australian point guard was a fan favorite for the infectious energy he brought on and off the court during his time in Alamo City.

If you compiled the best teammates in NBA history, Mills would no doubt see his name on that list. His towel-waving, yelling, and celebrating from the bench is legendary, and he genuinely loved seeing his teammates do well. Patty Thrills never caused an issue for the team. He knew his role and played it to perfection for the Spurs.

Patty brought the same energy he possessed on the bench to the hardwood. It was difficult to keep up with him as he sprinted to his spots for wide-open looks and pulled up for an occasional 30-foot three-pointer. He ran the offense when Parker was on the sidelines, and he could drop 20 points on your head if you didn't pay enough attention to him.

Runner-Up: Avery Johnson

These guys are rare. They played the game with care and a special attention to detail that made them fantastic teammates. Spurs fans will remember them not for the number of points they scored, but all the emotions they evoked as everyone cheered for San Antonio to take home another championship. None of them were superstars, but that doesn't mean they weren't super for the Silver and Black.