The landscape of the modern NBA is ever-evolving, rendering traditional positions almost obsolete. Today's elite players are dynamically fluent, often stretching their impact across various roles, not just game to game, but even possession to possession.
Combo Guards and Versatile Wings
Positionless play has given rise to combo guards and versatile wings. Take for example Zion Williamson, officially listed as a power forward at 6-foot-6, yet frequently initiating plays from the perimeter. Similarly, Giannis Antetokounmpo, a player nominally positioned at the four, operates predominantly on the perimeter while also defending opposing centers with remarkable efficiency. Giannis frequently finds himself in the top-15 in scoring, rebounding, and assists each season, despite often facing playoff injuries.
Rookies and young talents are also redefining positions. Chet Holmgren, known for his guard-like handle and three-point shooting, is making waves with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Paolo Banchero of the Orlando Magic became the first Magic player since Mike Miller to secure the Rookie of the Year award and followed it up with an All-Star season. The league is rife with such multifaceted players who defy conventional roles.
The Big Men Revolution
Big men in today's NBA are arguably at their most versatile. While Rudy Gobert is celebrated primarily for his defensive prowess and rim protection, Karl-Anthony Towns stretches defenses with his perimeter shooting. Domantas Sabonis, another versatile big, led the league in rebounds and finished eighth in assists, becoming the only player alongside Wilt Chamberlain to average at least 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists in a season. According to Jack Maloney, “He is a true playmaking hub for the Kings.”
Bam Adebayo, too, typifies this new breed of bigs. “Adebayo has been a full-time starter for five years and has never missed an All-Defense selection,” lauds Sam Quinn. Last season, Adebayo even attempted a career-high number of three-pointers and mid-range shots, showing his willingness to adapt his game further.
Emerging Superstars and the Established Elite
Victor Wembanyama is another player grabbing headlines. With his remarkable post-All-Star break stats of 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game in his rookie season, the basketball world is abuzz. Quinn articulate the excitement, “We’re not just talking about the next great NBA player here. We’re talking about the sort of player this sport has never seen.”
Among the veterans, Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid continue to be dominant forces. Davis had nearly 75% of his shot attempts come in the paint last season, marking his highest percentage with the Lakers. Quinn points out, “Davis just had his best season since winning the 2020 championship.” Embiid's game, too, showcases a blend of traditional and modern skillsets. He combines a devastating face-up jumper with a robust post game while continuing to protect the rim effectively. Brad Botkin adds, “Embiid has made great strides as a hub.”
Nikola Jokic, often considered the world's best player, is another paragon of modern versatility. “Jokic’s dominance occurs both in plain sight and on less visible margins,” says Botkin. Jokic's facilitation skills are unparalleled, adding another layer to his game that defies the traditional center role. Over the years, he's made significant defensive improvements, rounding out his skill set on both sides of the court.
The Future of Positional Play
The era of rigid positional play appears to be firmly in the rearview mirror. The emergence of these multi-talented players, comfortable in a variety of roles, is reshaping the league's structure. Lauri Markkanen, now with the Utah Jazz on a five-year, $238 million extension, offers another template of this shift. Averaging an impressive 23 points and 8 rebounds with a standout true-shooting percentage, Markkanen exemplifies the versatile, high-impact player that is becoming the NBA norm.
The traditional boundaries that once defined player roles are dissolving, making way for a more fluid and dynamic game. As the league continues to evolve, fans and analysts alike are poised to witness a new era of basketball, one in which versatility is not just valued but essential.