NBA PLAYERS ARCHETYPES THAT DISAPPEARED IN MODERN DAY

In the dynamic world of the NBA, player roles have undergone a notable transformation. As the game continues to evolve, certain player archetypes that were once prevalent have gradually faded from prominence. In this article, we'll delve into some of these archetypes, examining their historical significance and exploring the reasons behind their disappearance in today's NBA landscape.

From dominant post players to defensive specialists with limited offensive contributions, we'll take a closer look at how changes in playing style, strategic shifts, and the demand for versatility have shaped the modern game, leaving behind a legacy of archetypes that are now seldom seen on the hardwood.

Short Scoring Guards

Player Style: Isaiah Thomas, Nate Robinson, Kemba Walker

Certain player types are gradually losing their foothold as the NBA keeps evolving. Among them are the short-scoring guards, once celebrated for their ability to light up the scoreboard despite their diminutive stature. Players like Isaiah Thomas, Nate Robinson, and Kemba Walker thrived in this role, captivating audiences with their electrifying scoring prowess. However, as the league undergoes significant changes, characterized by a shift towards taller, more versatile players, the traditional role of the short-scoring guard is facing extinction.

The contemporary NBA showcases a new breed of point guards, where size and versatility reign supreme. Giants like Luka Doncic and LeBron James have redefined the position, emphasizing the importance of playmaking and defensive versatility. Even players traditionally considered small for their position, like Kyle Lowry, are finding it challenging to maintain relevance in today's game.

This shift can be attributed to several factors. Teams now prioritize players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game, including defense and playmaking, not just scoring. Additionally, changes in offensive philosophy, with an emphasis on three-point shooting and efficiency around the rim, have rendered the scoring-centric approach of short guards less impactful.

While the contributions of players like Thomas, Robinson, and Walker are undeniable, the changing dynamics of the NBA have led to a decline in the relevance of their archetype. As the league continues to evolve, the days of the short-scoring guard will likely become increasingly numbered, replaced by taller, more versatile players who can excel in all aspects of the game.

Pure Lockdown Defenders

Player Style: Tony Allen, Andre Roberson, Thabo Sefolosha

As the NBA continues its evolution, the traditional archetype of the pure lockdown defender is facing unprecedented challenges. Once celebrated for their ability to shut down the opposing team's best scorers, players like Tony Allen, Andre Roberson, and Thabo Sefolosha are now a dying breed. The league no longer has room for specialists who excel solely on the defensive end without offering any significant offensive contribution.

The game has changed, and with it, the demands placed on players have evolved. In today's NBA, even the most elite defenders are expected to make a meaningful impact on the offensive end of the floor. Take Matisse Thybulle, for example, who was once hailed as a generational 3-and-D player. Despite his defensive prowess, his inability to consistently knock down three-pointers has diminished his reputation. Similarly, Herb Jones, a candidate for Defensive Player of the Year in the 2023-24 season, averages 14.1 points per game, highlighting the importance of offensive production for modern defenders.

The days of a perimeter player thriving solely on defensive skills are numbered. In today's game, players must be able to contribute on both ends of the floor to earn significant minutes. Even Ben Simmons, known for his defensive prowess, maintained his status as a star player due to his playmaking ability and transition scoring. However, players who lack offensive versatility, particularly the inability to shoot, find it increasingly difficult to carve out a role in the NBA.

In conclusion, the era of the pure lockdown defender is fading away in today's NBA. While defensive skills remain highly valued, they are no longer sufficient for a player to make a meaningful impact in the league. As teams prioritize offensive versatility and scoring prowess, players who cannot contribute offensively are finding themselves marginalized.

Post Up Big Men

Player Style: Jahlil Okafor, Greg Monroe, Enes Kanter Freedom

In the modern landscape of the NBA, the traditional role of the post-up big man is rapidly losing relevance. While stars like Nikola Jokic, Joel Embiid, and Domantas Sabonis continue to thrive in the low post, utilizing their back-to-the-basket skills to dominate opponents, the days of role players or lesser-skilled players relying solely on this style of play are numbered.

The reality is that in today's NBA, only the elite can get away with playing predominantly in the post. Role players who lack versatility are often overlooked, as teams prioritize players who can contribute in multiple facets of the game. This shift in priorities is evident in the case of Zach Edey, whose draft stock in 2024 isn't as high as expected, partly due to his reliance on post-up scoring.

Players like Jahlil Okafor, Enes Kanter, and Greg Monroe serve as prime examples of the post-up big men who have struggled to find a place in the modern NBA. These players brought a specific skill set to the table, relying heavily on their ability to score in the post. However, in today's game, where versatility is king, their one-dimensional approach has become obsolete.

Unlike the stars who excel in the post, these players often lacked other facets of their game to compensate for their reliance on post-up scoring. Furthermore, their value to NBA teams was further diminished if they couldn't provide adequate defense, particularly in the paint.

In conclusion, the era of the post-up big man as a standalone role player is coming to an end in today's NBA. While stars can still dominate in the low post, role players must possess a diverse skill set to remain relevant in the modern game. As teams prioritize versatility and adaptability, players who rely solely on post-up scoring without offering much else find themselves marginalized in an increasingly dynamic basketball landscape.

Pass Only Point Guards

Player Style: Ricky Rubio, Michael Carter-Williams, Elfrid Payton

Pass-only point guards, once a staple in NBA lineups, are now becoming increasingly rare. While classic playmakers like Chris Paul and Lonzo Ball still thrive, the league now demands more from its floor generals. Players like Ricky Rubio, Michael Carter-Williams, and Elfrid Payton, known primarily for their passing skills, struggle to find a place in today's game, where scoring is as essential as playmaking.

In the modern NBA, point guards must contribute offensively, not just facilitate. Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, and James Harden exemplify this trend, combining scoring with passing to dominate games. As a result, the traditional pass-only point guard is being phased out, unable to keep up with the evolving demands of the league.

This shift in the NBA landscape can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the rise of analytics has emphasized the importance of efficient scoring. Teams now prioritize players who can create scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates, rather than solely relying on traditional playmakers.

Additionally, changes in defensive strategies have made it challenging for pass-only point guards to excel. Opposing defenses often sag off these players, daring them to shoot from the perimeter and clogging passing lanes, thereby limiting their effectiveness as playmakers.

Furthermore, the evolution of player development has led to an increase in versatility among guards. Many modern point guards possess the ability to both score and distribute, making them more valuable assets to their teams.

In conclusion, while the pass-only point guard was once a respected position in the NBA, its relevance in today's game is diminishing. As teams prioritize scoring and versatility in their backcourt players, pass-only point guards find themselves marginalized, unable to meet the evolving demands of the league.

Inside The Arc Scorers

Player Style: DeMar DeRozan, Dwyane Wade, Paul Pierce

In today's NBA, the traditional role of inside-the-arc scorers is slowly disappearing. Players like DeMar DeRozan, Dwyane Wade, and Paul Pierce once thrived in this style, dominating in the mid-range and post. However, with the game's emphasis on spacing and three-point shooting, the significance of these players is diminishing rapidly.

In the past, the ability to score efficiently from mid-range and inside the paint was highly valued. Wing scorers like DeRozan, Wade, and Pierce could excel in these areas, using their footwork, strength, and craftiness to create scoring opportunities. However, as the NBA has evolved, so too have offensive strategies and the analytics that drive them.

Today, the three-point shot reigns supreme. Teams prioritize floor spacing and efficient scoring from beyond the arc, as evidenced by the success of teams like the Golden State Warriors and their "Splash Brothers" era. As a result, players who can't consistently knock down threes are often marginalized in modern offenses.

While DeRozan may still be effective as an inside scorer, he represents a dwindling breed in the NBA. The league's emphasis on perimeter shooting and versatility means that players who excel primarily inside the arc face an uphill battle to remain relevant.

This shift in offensive philosophy has also impacted player development. Young prospects are now encouraged to develop their three-point shooting alongside their other skills. Players like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander may not have elite shooting percentages from deep, but their ability to stretch the floor and contribute in various ways makes them more valuable assets in today's game.

In conclusion, while inside-the-arc scorers were once highly coveted in the NBA, their importance has diminished in the modern era. As teams prioritize three-point shooting and offensive versatility, players who excel primarily in the mid-range and post find themselves increasingly marginalized. While players like DeRozan may still have a place in the league, they are becoming a rarity in a game that values perimeter scoring more than ever before.

Floor Spacing Only Big Men

Player Style: Ryan Anderson, Channing Frye, Andrea Bargnani

Gone are the days when big men were expected to dominate the paint and protect the rim. In today's NBA, the ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting has become a prized asset for frontcourt players. However, those who excel solely in this aspect without any other high-level skills are becoming increasingly rare.

Interior players or forwards who can open up the court with their three-point shooting are more valuable than ever before. One player who stands out in this regard is Kelly Olynyk, whose ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc complements his excellent court vision, making him a perfect fit for the modern game. Olynyk's skill set was particularly highlighted during his time with the Utah Jazz and now with the Toronto Raptors.

However, players who are limited to floor spacing without contributing much else offensively or defensively are finding it challenging to make an impact in today's NBA. The modern game demands versatility from every position, and big men who can only shoot from long range without providing rim protection or individual scoring prowess are no longer as valuable as they once were.

Part of the reason for this shift is the evolution of the three-point shot. With the modernization of perimeter shooting, players at every position are now expected to be capable three-point shooters. As a result, the unique value proposition of big men who can only stretch the floor has diminished.

In conclusion, while the ability to stretch the floor remains crucial for big men in today's NBA, those who excel solely in this aspect without contributing in other areas are becoming increasingly rare. As the game continues to evolve, frontcourt players must possess a diverse skill set to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of professional basketball.

2024-04-22T11:54:21Z dg43tfdfdgfd