What's better in a role player skills or athleticism?

Because they really helped Memphis in their real games?

 

Don't know they can help or not, but Battier surely did not.

 

Brandon Roy is an example of a player who is athletic and strong who doesn't make boneheaded plays or chokes when it counts.There are guys who are faster than him but he is not a slow/skilled player.
Having said that I wouldn't want a player who just relies on his speed either.One needs to have skills backed up with good athleticism.

 

Perkins has a lot more coordination and skill than Cato ever did. Perkins isn't a total oaf (Cato, Foyle, etc).

I don't think Cato would ever be that valuable to a really good team. Too lacking in skills to be anything more than like an 8th or 9th man on a good team (situational sub if you need inside size). Think of Cato on the Spurs. He has a ton more athleticism than Oberto or Kurt Thomas, but I don't think he could get PT from either guy on that team because of their superior skills and mental attributes.

 

Both, can't have one without the other.

 

It seems to me that really athletic players without significant skills get relegated to minor roles almost immediately, and they only stick around if they have size. Best example in the league right now is DJ MBenga.

 

I see Roy in the middle of the two choices. He's athletic, strong, AND has skills (thanks to 4 years of college). Besides, he's more than a role player.

 

Yes,Roy is more than a role player.Would you consider Martell Webster a role player? I think he is an example of a strong,athletic player who plays well on both ends most of the time.He needs to get better but he plays his role well IMO. I'm not trying to criticize you,I would go for a slow/skilled player over an athlete with a poor IQ or no work ethic.