Super Sidekicks

JOSH HOWARD'S emergence as a scorer, rebounder and defender casts him in the clear role of Robin to Dirk Nowitzki's Batman on the Mavericks. Herewith, other players--all of whom are in the Hall of Fame or will be--who have performed key roles in the shadow of a superstar.

KOBE BRYANT, G, Los Angeles Lakers
His stand-alone talent was always evident, but he never outscored Shaquille O'Neal in L.A.'s threepeat years (2000 to '02), when Shaq was the Finals MVP each time.

SCOTTIE PIPPEN, F, Chicago Bulls
Was a small forward but roamed all over the court and was first-team all-defense eight times. Averaged 18.0 points, 6.8 rebounds and 5.3 assists in 11 seasons in Chicago, helping Michael Jordan to six championships.

KEVIN MCHALE, F, Boston Celtics
Played with Larry Bird for 12 seasons, winning three titles. Was one of the best back-to-the-basket technicians ever (17.9-point career average) and a canny rebounder (7.3) and shot blocker (1.74).

JERRY LUCAS, F-C, Cincinnati Royals
One of the game's first truly versatile big men, he could rebound (15.6 career average) and shoot from way, way outside, though he never outscored Oscar Robertson in their six full seasons together.

CLIFF HAGAN, F, St. Louis Hawks
Played alongside all-timer Bob Pettit in the Hawks' frontcourt for nine seasons; fierce competitor with a great hook shot who finished with career NBA averages of 18.0 points and 6.9 rebounds. Won one title and lost to the Celtics in three Finals.