The Dirty Dozen -- The NBA's most dependable role players (Round 2)

In Round 1 of the Dirty Dozen, we looked at four players that make things happen for their teams.

They don't get the spotlight, and they don't get any hype. Luckily, those things don't matter to them. They just want to win.

Our next four players more than meet the criteria to be part of the Dirty Dozen.

They, like our first four, do what it takes to help their team to the "W" for their team.

They may not make regular appearances on the front page of your sports section, but make no mistake... these guys make a difference.

So here we go with Round 2.

5. Derek Fisher, Los Angeles Lakers

It is very easy to get lost in the middle of the L.A. Lakers roster. Last season, Fisher's teammates were Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. Two future Hall of Famers. This year, add in two more in Karl Malone, and Gary Payton. Fisher will have to give up his starting job to Payton, but that won't keep him from being a quiet contributor. Fisher has averaged double-digits the last three seasons, and has shot over 41% from beyond the arc. He's been the guy to come up big numerous times when defenses focus on his big-name teammates.

6. Kerry Kittles, New Jersey Nets

Kittles will never be an All-Star. Not because of his abilities, but because of the other shooting guards that play in the Eastern Conference (Jerry Stackhouse, Allan Houston, Tracy McGrady and Richard Hamilton to name a few). He has been one of the most consistent players at his position, however, averaging 14.6 points for his career. He did this, even though he was the third option behind Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin. If we were a first or second option on another team, he'd explode. For now, he is content to go to the Finals year after year while filling his role.

7. Raef LaFrentz, Boston Celtics

LaFrentz has never reached his full potential. Many have called him a "bust." His last two seasons were spent in Dallas, where he was a third, and sometimes fourth option. Still, he managed to average nearly 10 points and five rebounds per game. Not bad for a "bust" on a team full of superstars. Now, in Boston, he'll get a chance to improve and evolve into the player others have said he should be.

8. Jim Jackson, Atlanta Hawks

Jackson had the lowest scoring season of his career last year, but it may have been his most important. Playing off the bench for the Sacramento Kings, he provided numerous sparks to get his team fired up, and hit some big shots to prove he wasn't all talk. Moving to Atlanta, Jackson will be given an increased role. Now he'll be a leader, a motivator and he'll still be expected to provide the big shots that help his team win.

There you have it. You now know the top eight role players in the NBA, according to me. Round 3 with numbers nine through 12 are still to come. Stay tuned.