Veteran NBA player Steve Novak has sparked a fresh debate about the evolving role of superstars in the modern league, arguing that elite players shoulder an outsized responsibility for the success of their entire teams. In a blunt assessment during a recent interview, Novak claimed that “not a lot of people that can carry that weight”—a statement that underscores the growing pressure on stars to not only dominate statistically but also elevate supporting casts in an era where team chemistry and role-player development are increasingly scrutinized.
The comments come at a time when the NBA is grappling with how to balance star power with collective effort, especially as franchises invest heavily in bench players and role specialists. Novak, a 14-year veteran who played for teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Boston Celtics, has built a reputation as a sharp analyst of the game, often weighing in on topics from player workload to coaching strategies. His latest remarks, however, zero in on a tension that has simmered for years: Can superstars like Nikola Jokić, Luka Dončić, or Giannis Antetokounmpo truly “carry” the weight of a team’s offensive and defensive systems, or does the league’s modern structure demand a more distributed approach?
Novak’s perspective gains traction amid a league-wide trend of superstars taking on expanded roles beyond scoring. Players like Jokić, who won MVP in 2022 and 2023, have redefined what it means to be a “two-way” superstar, averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, and 8.3 assists per game last season while also anchoring defenses. Yet, even with such dominance, teams still rely on role players to fill gaps in spacing, defense, and floor management—a dynamic that has led to both success stories (like the Denver Nuggets’ deep playoff runs) and frustrations (such as the Miami Heat’s struggles despite having two MVP-caliber players in Jimmy Butler and Bam Adebayo).
The debate over workload and responsibility isn’t new. In 2021, a New York Times investigation highlighted how NBA stars often log more than 35 minutes per game, a pace that tests physical and mental endurance. Novak’s remarks add a layer of philosophical weight to the discussion, suggesting that the league’s emphasis on superstars has inadvertently shifted the burden onto a select few to compensate for systemic issues, such as uneven player development pipelines or front-office misjudgments in drafting and free agency.
Novak’s Claims: What He Said and Why It Matters
During the interview, Novak didn’t shy away from criticizing the league’s reliance on superstars, framing the issue as one of sustainability. “You can’t ask a guy to do everything,” he said. “Not a lot of people that can carry that weight.” His point hinges on the idea that while stars like LeBron James or Stephen Curry can dominate for years, the physical and tactical demands of the modern game—where defenses scheme specifically to disrupt primary ball-handlers—make it nearly impossible for one player to single-handedly dictate success.
To illustrate, Novak pointed to the 2023 NBA Finals, where the Nuggets’ depth allowed them to outlast the Heat despite Miami’s star power. “Jokić was incredible, but you needed Michael Porter Jr., Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and even Aaron Gordon to step up in big moments,” Novak noted. “That’s the difference between a team and a one-man show.”
His argument aligns with recent data showing that teams with three or more All-Stars have a higher chance of reaching the playoffs (68%) compared to those with one or two (52%). Yet, the NBA’s salary cap and roster construction rules often force teams into a “superstar plus role players” model, leaving little room for true depth. Novak’s critique suggests that the league’s structure may need to evolve to better support role players, whether through improved development programs, smarter drafting, or even rule changes to reduce the workload on primary ball-handlers.
Role Players in the Spotlight: Who’s Stepping Up?
The NBA has seen a rise in role players who defy expectations, proving that Novak’s assertion isn’t about diminishing their contributions but rather highlighting their necessity. Players like Keldon Johnson (Sacramento Kings), who averaged 18.7 points per game last season, or Jaren Jackson Jr. (Memphis Grizzlies), who leads the league in blocks, have become indispensable cogs in their teams’ success. Yet, their paths to prominence are often non-linear, relying on opportunity, coaching, and sometimes sheer grit.
Novak’s interview also touched on the rise of “two-way” role players, athletes who excel in both offense and defense without being traditional stars. Players like Bam Adebayo (who won Defensive Player of the Year in 2021) or Michael Porter Jr. blur the line between role player and superstar, forcing teams to rethink how they classify and compensate non-stars.
However, the league’s data tells a mixed story. While role players are more valuable than ever, their average salary has stagnated relative to superstars, with the top-earning role players (like Jrue Holiday or Klay Thompson) making $35–40 million annually—a fraction of what stars like Jokić ($45 million) or Giannis ($48 million) command. This disparity raises questions about whether the NBA’s financial model incentivizes teams to invest in bench talent or continue relying on superstars to fill gaps.
The Coaching and Front-Office Challenge
Novak’s comments also serve as a wake-up call for coaches and general managers, who often face criticism for over-reliance on superstars. Take the 2023 NBA Draft, where teams prioritized high-upside prospects like Victor Wembanyama and Brandon Miller over more experienced role players. While the draft is a gamble by nature, Novak’s argument suggests that front offices should also be more aggressive in acquiring veteran role players who can provide immediate depth, rather than waiting for young players to develop.
Coaches, too, are under pressure to design systems that don’t overburden stars. The 2023 NBA coaching trends report noted a shift toward “positionless basketball,” where role players are given more freedom to operate without rigid defensive assignments. Yet, implementing such systems requires buy-in from superstars, who may resist changes that could limit their influence. Novak’s remarks imply that this resistance is unsustainable in the long run.
What Comes Next: The League’s Response
The NBA has already taken steps to address the workload issue. In 2022, the league officially limited the number of games a player could play in back-to-back nights, reducing the risk of injury for stars and role players alike. The 2023 salary cap increase to $134.9 million gives teams more flexibility to sign role players, though whether this translates to better depth remains to be seen.
Looking ahead, the league may need to explore more radical solutions, such as:
- Rule changes to reduce the frequency of “hero ball” situations, where defenses collapse on superstars.
- Expanded development programs for role players, similar to the NBA’s G League Ignite initiative.
- Incentive structures in contracts that reward role players for specific contributions (e.g., defensive metrics, playmaking).
Novak’s interview serves as a reminder that the NBA’s future success may hinge on its ability to strike a balance between superstar dominance and role-player empowerment. As the league continues to evolve, the question isn’t whether stars can carry the weight—but whether the system will allow the players around them to thrive alongside them.
What do you think? Should the NBA prioritize role-player development over superstar workload, or is Novak’s assessment too critical of a system that rewards individual excellence? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
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