To those unfamiliar, the term “Glue Guy” may seem confusing and in no way related to sports. However, a Glue Guy is exactly what it sounds like. It is someone who brings the team together. The glue on the roster both on and off the hardwood. Urban Dictionary defines Glue Guy as, “The guy who helps everyone work together. Not always the best player, but still a guy with a leadership role.” While the stars of the team gain all the media and fan attention, the Glue Guy is in the back diving for rebounds and hitting clutch shots, while also playing electric, possession-ending defense.
As we enter a new NBA season, it’s time to appreciate the underappreciated. From 3-and-D wings to pick-and-roll bigs. Here are the top three Glue Guys ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
Josh Hart
The DMV native has been a Glue Guys in every step of his career, his championship winning days at Villanova, to his young Lakers years, and now to his time for the Knicks. Former New York head coach Tom Thibodeau is known for playing players as many minutes as they possibly can, and Josh Hart is no exception. During the 2024-25 season, Hart averaged the most minutes per game in the league with over 37 a night. Those weren’t just cardio minutes. They were hard-fought, floor-hitting and ball-chasing minutes. Hart often guarded the opposing team’s best player, regardless of position.
On the offensive end, Hart continuously hit big time threes that had Madison Square Garden ready to explode. Throughout the postseason, Hart would secure crucial rebounds and dive for loose balls. Despite his size, he is one of the best rebounders around the league. As Hart enters his veteran years, he is seen as an emotional leader that fuels his teammates. The Knicks have a loaded roster full of stars that outshine Hart, however, New York doesn’t compete for a championship without a Glue Guy like Josh Hart.
Cason Wallace
It is no secret that the Oklahoma City Thunder have the deepest depth chart in the whole league. The defending champions have stars all over the court. One that often goes unnoticed is former Kentucky Wildcat Cason Wallace. Wallace is a defensive menace, much like Hart, he is a lockdown defender who chases through screens, gets physical and frustrates opponents. During the Thunder’s championship run, Wallace gained praise for his relentless hustle and effort. Diving for loose balls and sacrificing his body helped the Thunder get their first championship since 1979.
Not only is Wallace’s effort always on display, but so is his playmaking and basketball IQ. Despite being young, Wallace is a smart ball mover who makes the extra pass to create an efficient offense. Cason Wallace consistently provides energy off the bench. A generational Glue Guy that can help Oklahoma City become a dynasty.
Luke Kornet
Despite being a role player for the majority of his career, the journey-man veteran is as valuable to a team as any max-contract star. Kornet helped the Boston Celtics win their 17th title in franchise history by doing the underappreciated dirty work. Kornet gained media attention for his comedic mic’d up possessions and his defensive technique to contest opposing player’s jumpshots. Kornet has a positive attitude that keeps energy high on any team. That mixed with his high basketball IQ and stellar defense creates one dangerous Glue Guy. Kornet is known for his ability to hustle for offensive rebounds, protecting the rim, and effective screens which allow his teammates to create points.
He is a dependable backup big, whose comic relief keeps the team light-hearted and focused. Kornet signed a multi-year contract with the San Antonio Spurs this past offseason. A minute-soaking center paired up with a once-in-a-lifetime player like Victor Wembanyama can only scare other contending teams. The guard-heavy Spurs look to compete in the west, and a Glue Guy like Luke Kornet is a perfect piece for them.
Leaves on the ground means a new NBA season is among us and nothing is more exciting than watching 10 athletically-gifted players attempt to put a ball in a basket. While the high-scoring, three-point shooting, and fast-paced playstyle of today’s game is exciting for all fans, this year is as good as any to appreciate the players hustling for loose balls, bringing energy and being the glue for their team.
