Tunisia World Cup
As I sit down to analyze the 2019 NBA landscape, I can't help but reflect on how the game has evolved. Having followed basketball for over two decades, I've witnessed positions transform from rigid categories to fluid designations where versatility reigns supreme. The traditional framework of point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center still provides our foundation, but today's elite players consistently defy these conventional boundaries. This evolution reminds me of that incredible boxing match I watched recently - the one where the 5-foot-5 Mata took the best Magsayo threw at him, surviving a fourth round assault by the Filipino including a perfectly set up right uppercut that wobbled the Mexican for a while. That fight demonstrated how size isn't everything when you have heart, skill, and determination - qualities that translate perfectly to basketball evaluation.
When we talk about point guards in 2019, we're no longer just looking at pure facilitators. The position has become about offensive engines who can both create and score at elite levels. Stephen Curry, despite being 6-foot-3, revolutionized what we expect from the position with his unprecedented shooting range. His impact goes beyond traditional point guard metrics - he forces defenses to extend beyond reasonable limits, creating driving lanes and opportunities that simply didn't exist before. I'd argue that Curry's influence has been so profound that we now evaluate point guards differently, prioritizing spacing and scoring gravity alongside traditional playmaking. The numbers back this up - teams with elite three-point shooting point guards averaged 112.3 points per 100 possessions last season compared to 104.7 for those without. That's a staggering difference that highlights how the game has changed.
The shooting guard position has similarly transformed into what I like to call "wing initiators." James Harden epitomizes this evolution with his unprecedented usage rate of 40.5% last season - a number that would have been unthinkable for a shooting guard even five years ago. What makes Harden special isn't just his scoring volume but his ability to generate efficient offense through both scoring and playmaking. His step-back three has become the most unstoppable move in basketball, and defenses have to build entire game plans around containing him. I've noticed that the most successful teams often feature shooting guards who can create their own shot while also spacing the floor for others. Klay Thompson represents the other end of the spectrum - an off-ball specialist whose movement and shooting create immense value without requiring high usage.
Small forwards have become the Swiss Army knives of modern basketball. Kawhi Leonard demonstrated this perfectly during the 2019 playoffs, dominating on both ends while leading the Raptors to their first championship. What impressed me most was his ability to score 30.5 points per game while simultaneously shutting down the opponent's best perimeter player. This two-way impact is what separates good small forwards from great ones. Kevin Durant, before his injury, was putting up historically efficient numbers - 32.3 points per game on 51% shooting from the field and 43% from three during the playoffs. These aren't just All-Star numbers; these are all-time great performances that redefine what we expect from the position.
Power forwards have undergone perhaps the most dramatic transformation. The traditional back-to-the-basket big has been replaced by stretch fours who can protect the rim and space the floor. Giannis Antetokounmpo, despite being listed at 6-foot-11, often functions as a power forward and represents the ultimate modern iteration of the position. His combination of size, athleticism, and ball-handling ability is something we've never seen before. What's remarkable is how he averaged 27.7 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists last season while winning MVP - numbers that showcase his unique versatility. I believe we're witnessing the emergence of positionless basketball where traditional labels matter less than skill sets and impact.
Centers are no longer just rim protectors and rebounders. The elite modern centers like Nikola Jokic have become offensive hubs who facilitate from the high post. Jokic averaged 7.3 assists per game last season - a number that would be impressive for a point guard, let alone a 7-foot center. His basketball IQ and passing ability create offensive advantages that transcend traditional center responsibilities. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid represents the traditional center skills updated for the modern game, combining post mastery with three-point range. His 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds per game demonstrate how dominant he can be when healthy.
As I reflect on evaluating players by position, I'm reminded again of that boxing match between Mata and Magsayo. The 5-foot-5 fighter proved that heart and skill can overcome physical disadvantages, much like undersized players in the NBA who excel through intelligence and determination. Isaiah Thomas' 2017 season comes to mind, where he averaged 28.9 points despite being only 5-foot-9. These exceptions prove that while physical tools matter, they don't determine destiny. The best players find ways to maximize their unique strengths while minimizing their weaknesses.
Looking at the complete picture, I'm convinced that positional analysis must account for both traditional responsibilities and modern innovations. The most valuable players are those who not only excel within their positional framework but also expand its possibilities. As we move forward, I expect the lines between positions to blur even further, with versatility becoming the ultimate currency in basketball. The 2019 season gave us numerous examples of this evolution, from Giannis' point forward capabilities to Jokic's point center brilliance. What excites me most is that we're only beginning to understand basketball's positional future, and the possibilities are endless for players willing to redefine what's possible.
