The modern NBA landscape is evolving at an unprecedented pace, with traditional positions becoming a thing of the past. Top players are redefining their roles, showcasing versatility that stretches across the entire positional spectrum. The league is being reshaped by the emergence of combo guards, versatile wings, and multifaceted big men.
Take Zion Williamson, for instance. Standing at 6-foot-6 and playing as a power forward, Williamson frequently initiates plays from the perimeter, defying the conventional power forward mold. Then there’s Giannis Antetokounmpo, listed as a four but often operating from the perimeter and defending opposing centers with finesse. Despite his frequent battle with playoff injuries, Giannis consistently ranks in the top-15 in scoring, rebounding, and assists each season, embodying the modern NBA's positionless paradigm.
The defensive prowess of players like Rudy Gobert continues to gain recognition. Celebrated for his rim protection, Gobert has established himself as one of the league's premier defenders. "He has already established himself as one of the best rim protectors in the league," notes Jasmyn Wimbish. Similarly, Bam Adebayo, who has been a full-time starter for five years without missing an All-Defense selection, exemplifies defensive consistency.
The Rise of Versatile Big Men
Big men today are no longer confined to the paint. Karl-Anthony Towns stretches defenses with his perimeter shooting, while Chet Holmgren, with his guard-like handle and three-point shooting, is making waves with the Oklahoma City Thunder. Lauri Markkanen of the Utah Jazz, on a five-year, $238 million extension, averaged 23 points and 8 rebounds with an impressive true-shooting percentage, further showcasing the multifaceted skill set of modern bigs.
Emerging Stars Making An Impact
Orlando Magic's Paolo Banchero brings versatility and promise. Following up his Rookie of the Year award, Banchero earned his first All-Star selection, setting high expectations for his career trajectory. Meanwhile, Victor Wembanyama has captured the league's attention with his all-around game, averaging 23.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5.3 assists, 4.5 blocks, and 1.5 steals per game post-All-Star break in his rookie season. "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," Sam Quinn observes.
Seasoned Performers Leading by Example
Veterans like Anthony Davis and Joel Embiid continue to set the bar high. Davis had nearly 75% of his shot attempts come in the paint last season, the highest percentage since joining the Lakers, cementing his role as a powerhouse down low. "Davis just had his best season since winning the 2020 championship," affirms Sam Quinn. Embiid, blending a face-up jumper with a dominant post game, remains a force on both ends. "Embiid has made great strides as a hub," says Brad Botkin.
Domantas Sabonis is proving invaluable for the Sacramento Kings. Leading the league in rebounds and placing eighth in assists last season, Sabonis joined Wilt Chamberlain as the only players to average at least 19 points, 13 rebounds, and 8 assists in a season. Describing his impact, Jack Maloney states, "He is a true playmaking hub for the Kings."
Nikola Jokic: The Unparalleled Maestro
No discussion of modern NBA versatility would be complete without mentioning Nikola Jokic. Often considered the world's best player, Jokic's ability to facilitate is unparalleled. His dominance is palpable both in obvious and subtle ways. "Jokic’s dominance occurs both in plain sight and on less visible margins," says Brad Botkin. Adding to his offensive repertoire, Jokic has made significant defensive improvements, making him an all-encompassing threat on the court.
The NBA's evolution towards positionless basketball has allowed players to showcase their versatility and transcend traditional roles. This shift not only enriches the game but also ensures that fans witness basketball at its most dynamic and engaging. As the league continues to evolve, these players will undoubtedly inspire the next generation to dream beyond positions and reshape the future of basketball.