Depending on who you ask, there are many definitions of what exactly a “glue guy” is on an NBA team.
Some say it’s the guy who does the nitty-gritty stuff that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet (or at least didn’t until advanced metrics came along).
Others suggest it’s someone who plays with a high IQ; maximizing his team’s efficiency and elevating the play of those around him.
Yet another notion is a high-character teammate; someone who has his squad’s back, sets the tone with his work ethic, and gets along with everyone.
This is relevant to Shane Battier, as he very likely could embody all the above characteristics better than any recent NBA role player.