Last Updated on April 16, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Below is a structured table for the NBA Connectors archetype. These players are the glue of elite offenses—linking actions together, making quick decisions, and ensuring offensive flow without needing high usage or volume scoring.
| PLAYER | HEIGHT | POSITION | PRIMARY ERA | PLAY STYLE NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Draymond Green | 6-6 | PF | 2010s–2020s | Elite offensive connector facilitating from short roll and half-court reads |
| Boris Diaw | 6-8 | PF | 2000s–2010s | High-IQ passer who connected Spurs offense through ball movement |
| Shane Battier | 6-8 | SF | 2000s–2010s | Low-usage connector who made quick reads and spacing decisions |
| Andre Iguodala | 6-6 | SF | 2010s | Secondary facilitator and decision-maker in motion offense |
| Nicolas Batum | 6-8 | SF | 2010s–2020s | Versatile wing connecting offense through passing and spacing |
| Lamar Odom | 6-10 | PF | 2000s–2010s | Point-forward who linked transition and half-court offense |
| Shawn Marion | 6-7 | SF | 2000s | Off-ball connector thriving in transition and quick decision play |
| Al Horford | 6-9 | C | 2010s–2020s | Passing big who facilitates offense from perimeter and elbows |
| Marc Gasol | 7-1 | C | 2010s | Hub-style connector operating through high-post passing |
| Danny Green | 6-6 | SG | 2010s | Low-usage connector providing spacing and quick ball movement |
| Kyle Anderson | 6-9 | SF | 2020s | Methodical connector using pace and vision to link possessions |
| Josh Giddey | 6-8 | PG | 2020s | Tall playmaking connector facilitating ball movement within system |
Key Characteristics of Connectors
- Low to moderate usage players who enhance offensive continuity
- Excel at quick decision-making (pass, shoot, or drive within seconds)
- Maintain ball movement and spacing integrity
- Often operate as link players between primary actions
- Strong basketball IQ and positional awareness
- Contribute across multiple areas without dominating possessions
Connectors are critical to scalable, high-efficiency offenses. While they may not produce gaudy box score numbers, their ability to process the game quickly and keep the offense synchronized elevates team performance. In elite systems, connectors are often the difference between stagnant isolation play and fluid, unpredictable offense.
