Some NBA players are born to be the centerpiece of a franchise. Others, well, they catch a couple of hot games and suddenly think they’re carrying the team on their back.
This list is all about the guys who forgot they were supposed to play a supporting role. Whether it was the shot selection, the postgame quotes, or just the vibes, these role players truly believed they were that guy.
19. Dion Waiters
Waiters never lacked confidence, and sometimes it was downright hilarious. He’d launch shots like he was LeBron’s equal, not his sidekick.
18. Nick Young
Swaggy P didn’t just play basketball—he performed it. The problem was, his self-belief often outpaced his actual impact.
17. J.R. Smith
J.R. could heat up fast, but he played like every night was his time to shine. His decision-making didn’t always agree with the game plan.
16. Monta Ellis
Monta had the greenest of lights in his head, even when his team would’ve preferred a dimmer bulb. He was a volume scorer who thought every night was his show.
15. Kelly Oubre Jr.
With fashion and flair, Oubre brought star energy every night. The only problem was that the box score didn’t always back it up.
14. Lance Stephenson
Blowing in LeBron’s ear was just the tip of the iceberg. Lance always acted like he was the heartbeat of whatever team he was on.
13. Austin Rivers
Being Doc Rivers’ son might’ve given him a longer leash, but Austin played like he was the best player on the floor. Reality often said otherwise.
12. Jeff Green
Green would occasionally have a breakout performance and then spend weeks hunting for that same rhythm. His inconsistency never matched his self-confidence.
11. Michael Beasley
Beasley had all the tools, but he thought he was the main character even when he was a supporting extra. His on-court choices were rarely shy.
10. Jordan Clarkson
Clarkson plays every game like he’s chasing a scoring title. Sixth man or not, he’s out there launching like the game depends on it.
9. Corey Brewer
Brewer ran the floor like he was a max-contract guy. Energy? Yes. Star-level production? Not so much.
8. Rashad McCants
McCants talked the talk before he could fully walk. He had moments, but they didn’t quite match his star-level ego.
7. Delonte West
West played with fearless energy, but sometimes that bordered on thinking he was the first option. Confidence was never his issue.
6. Josh Smith
Smoove believed he was a three-point sniper even when everyone else begged him to stay in the paint. His shot selection told the whole story.
5. Reggie Jackson
Reggie left OKC to prove he could be the guy. Unfortunately, that belief didn’t always come with consistency.
4. Glen Davis
Big Baby had a big personality to match his big frame. He saw himself as more than just a role player, even if the rest of us didn’t.
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3. Terrence Ross
Ross once dropped 51 points and thought he unlocked a new tier. But instead, he stayed firmly in role-player territory.
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2. Isaiah Rider
Rider had the swagger of a franchise player but rarely delivered on that level. He played like the lights were always on him.
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1. Javale McGee
McGee acted like a highlight machine, and to be fair, he kind of was—just not always for the right reasons. His confidence was unmatched, even when his role was limited.
