We can still be important "spokes in the wheel" and very important to the success of our team.
Coaches love good role players. Usually, you need important players who can come off the bench and play quality minutes.
What makes a great role player? A role player could be a starter who has a special skill... such as being a great defensive player, or a great rebounder, or a point guard who can handle the ball and pass.
A role player is often the player who comes off the bench. He understands and accepts his role on the team. While on the bench, the good role player keeps his head in the game, and observes what's going on and he is "ready to go" when the coach calls.
A good role player will come off the bench and really hustle on defense, go for loose balls, get the important rebounds.
The good role player will not hurt the team with turnovers, or weak defense. Many times I have seen the momentum of a game change because of the renewed "spirit" and energy that a role player brings into the game. It takes great maturity to be a good role player.
The role player understands that "it's not who starts the game, but who can finish it!"