Gone are the days when basketball players were strictly defined by their positions. The once clear-cut roles of point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center have evolved into something much more fluid and dynamic. Positionless basketball is not just a trend; it’s a revolution in how the game is played. The rise of versatile players, who can dominate at multiple spots on the floor, has transformed the NBA into a league where roles are less about titles and more about skill sets. Let’s dive into how this transformation is changing the way we look at basketball, spotlighting players like Draymond Green, LeBron James, and others who are blurring the lines of traditional positions.
What is Positionless Basketball?
Positionless basketball refers to a style of play where players aren’t limited to the responsibilities traditionally associated with their assigned positions. Instead of sticking to the rigid expectations of being a “point guard” who passes the ball or a “center” who stands near the rim, positionless players have the ability to perform multiple functions on the floor—scoring, passing, defending, and even rebounding, regardless of their height or role.
This trend became more prevalent in the mid-2010s, with the rise of the Golden State Warriors, whose small-ball lineups and emphasis on speed and shooting pushed the boundaries of positional play. However, it didn’t start there. Players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and even Michael Jordan showed the potential for athletes to transcend position roles long before this style became popular. But now, positionless basketball is at its peak, changing the way teams approach roster construction and in-game strategy.
Key Players Who Embody Positionless Basketball
- LeBron James
No conversation about positionless basketball is complete without mentioning LeBron James. The King’s versatility has long been his superpower. While LeBron started his career as a small forward, his ability to facilitate, score, and defend across all positions has made him the perfect example of positionless play. He can run point guard duties, defend forwards or centers, and even step up as a scorer in clutch moments. LeBron is the ultimate matchup nightmare because he’s capable of filling multiple roles at once, shifting seamlessly from one to the next. Over the years, LeBron has shown that the “position” you put him in doesn’t matter—his basketball IQ, passing ability, and leadership transcend the need for defined roles. Whether as a point forward running the offense or a power forward in a small-ball lineup, LeBron has proved that positions are far less important when you have the skills to do everything. - Draymond Green
Draymond Green is another poster child for the rise of positionless basketball. At 6’6″, Green is undersized for a traditional center or power forward, but his ability to guard every position on the floor, run the offense, and even shoot when needed has made him a key figure in the Warriors’ success. He’s often tasked with guarding big men in the paint one minute and then switching to a perimeter defender the next. Offensively, he’s not just a role player—he’s a facilitator, capable of making pinpoint passes to set up Golden State’s shooters. Green’s defensive versatility, combined with his ability to initiate plays, has made him one of the best examples of how traditional positions can be pushed aside in favor of players who can do a little bit of everything. His success has inspired teams to look for players who are multi-dimensional and capable of adapting to various roles on the fly. - Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis “The Greek Freak” is an embodiment of what the future of basketball looks like: a hybrid of skills and athleticism that defies positional labels. At 7 feet tall, Giannis moves like a guard and has the skills to play almost every position on the floor. His ability to drive the lane, set up teammates, and even handle the ball in transition blurs the line between forward and guard. In recent seasons, he’s taken on point guard duties, initiating offense and bringing the ball up the court, much like LeBron, while still being one of the best rebounders and finishers at the rim. The Bucks have used Giannis in a variety of roles, and he thrives in each one—sometimes as a traditional power forward, sometimes as a playmaking wing. His versatility makes him almost impossible to defend, and his ability to play in multiple positions creates matchups that favor the Bucks in virtually every scenario. - Kevin Durant
Standing at 6’10” with a wingspan that rivals most centers, Kevin Durant is the perfect example of the evolution of the modern “forward.” Durant was initially thought of as a small forward, but his game has evolved to allow him to play almost any position on the floor. He can stretch the floor with his shooting, take defenders off the dribble with his guard-like ball-handling, and finish around the rim like a big man. Whether he’s operating as a primary scorer or helping with the ball movement, Durant’s skill set makes him a natural fit in the world of positionless basketball. Durant’s ability to play multiple positions without losing effectiveness is a key reason why he’s been so successful in various systems, from Oklahoma City to Golden State, and now Brooklyn. Teams that want to compete in today’s NBA need a player like Durant, who can contribute anywhere and everywhere. - Jayson Tatum
Jayson Tatum is a rising star who has also embraced the idea of positionless basketball. At 6’8″, Tatum plays forward, but he’s much more than just a scorer. His ball-handling, vision, and passing skills allow him to function as a point forward at times, orchestrating offense and creating for others. Tatum’s ability to stretch the floor with his shooting and defend multiple positions has made him one of the most versatile players in the league today. He can defend wings, rotate to cover big men, and still be a go-to scorer on offense. Tatum’s evolution shows how young players are learning from the previous generation’s emphasis on flexibility and well-rounded skills, making him a key player to watch in the continued rise of positionless play.
The Shift in Team Strategy and Roster Construction
The rise of positionless basketball has significantly influenced how teams build their rosters. Instead of filling out a lineup with players who fit traditional roles, general managers and coaches are prioritizing skill versatility. Teams now look for players who can shoot, pass, rebound, and defend in multiple ways—whether they’re 6’4” or 7’0”.
The Houston Rockets’ small-ball experiment in the 2019-2020 season, for example, saw them trade away Clint Capela and embrace a lineup without a true center, relying on players like PJ Tucker and Robert Covington to guard bigger players. This approach maximized speed and shooting but also required every player to take on multiple roles.
Even the most traditional teams are adjusting. The Philadelphia 76ers, with Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons, are building a roster where Simmons, a 6’10” point guard, leads the offense, while Embiid can stretch the floor as a big man. Other teams are prioritizing multi-position players who can impact the game in various ways, rather than being confined to one role.
The Future of Positionless Basketball
Positionless basketball is likely to continue evolving as more players embrace the freedom to play across multiple positions. As the game becomes faster, more spaced out, and more reliant on skills like shooting and playmaking, traditional positions will continue to matter less. The future of the NBA will likely be filled with even more “unicorns”—players who are tall, skilled, and capable of doing it all.
While the game has changed, one thing remains constant: versatility and adaptability are the key to success in the NBA. As more players like LeBron James, Draymond Green, and Giannis Antetokounmpo prove, the line between positions is increasingly irrelevant, making way for a future where the best players are those who can truly do it all. The rise of positionless basketball is not just an evolution—it’s a revolution.
