Is the NBA Truly Becoming Completely Positionless?

AvatarByWilfredo Olivar NBA

In recent years, the landscape of professional basketball has undergone a remarkable transformation. Traditional roles defined by strict positions—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center—are increasingly being challenged by a more fluid and dynamic style of play. This shift has sparked a compelling conversation around the concept of a “positionless” game, where versatility and adaptability often trump conventional positional labels. Among these evolving trends, one question stands out: Is All NBA truly positionless?

Exploring the notion of an All NBA team without fixed positions invites a fascinating examination of how the game has evolved at its highest level. It raises questions about how players are selected, how their skills are valued, and whether the old positional distinctions still hold weight in today’s fast-paced, versatile basketball environment. This discussion not only reflects changes on the court but also broader shifts in strategy, player development, and fan perception.

As we delve deeper into this topic, we’ll uncover the nuances behind the idea of positionless basketball and what it means for the All NBA selections. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the game, understanding this evolution offers fresh insight into the sport’s future and the players who define it.

Understanding the Role of Traditional Positions in the Current NBA Landscape

While the NBA has evolved significantly, traditional positions—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center—still offer a useful framework for analyzing player roles and team strategies. However, these roles are increasingly fluid, and many players exhibit skills that cross positional boundaries. The emergence of positionless basketball reflects a trend where versatility, rather than strict positional designation, drives on-court decision-making.

Coaches and analysts now emphasize player skill sets and matchup advantages over rigid positional assignments. For example, a player traditionally classified as a power forward might frequently handle the ball, shoot from beyond the arc, or defend multiple positions depending on the lineup and game situation. This adaptability complicates the process of assembling an All-NBA Team strictly by position.

The All-NBA Team Selection Process and Position Classification

The All-NBA Teams are selected annually by a panel of sportswriters and broadcasters who vote on the best players of the season. Historically, the teams have been organized by position, with two guards, two forwards, and one center chosen for each team (First, Second, and Third Teams). This structure reflects the league’s traditional five-position system.

However, as player roles become more fluid, voters face challenges in classifying players whose skills span multiple positions. Some voters may choose to prioritize the player’s primary position, while others may consider the role the player filled most often or the position that best fits the team’s structure.

Key factors influencing position classification during voting include:

  • Primary position listed on official NBA rosters
  • Usage and role within the team’s offensive and defensive schemes
  • Matchups faced throughout the season
  • Statistical contributions aligned with traditional positional expectations

This complexity has led to debates about whether the All-NBA Teams should continue to be position-based or move toward a purely meritocratic, positionless format.

Arguments For and Against a Positionless All-NBA Team

The positionless model proposes selecting the best five players regardless of their position, emphasizing talent and impact over positional balance. Here are some of the main points on both sides:

  • For Positionless All-NBA Teams:
    • Reflects modern basketball’s emphasis on versatility and skill diversity.
    • Allows the absolute best players to be recognized, even if they share similar roles.
    • Eliminates the need to “fit” players into traditional slots that may not represent their actual on-court contributions.
  • Against Positionless All-NBA Teams:
    • Traditionalists value the historical and strategic context of positions.
    • Positions help maintain balance and variety, highlighting specialists (e.g., rim protectors, perimeter shooters).
    • Positionless selections could lead to stacked lineups heavy in guards or wings, ignoring positional diversity.

Examples of Position Fluidity Among Recent All-NBA Selections

Many recent All-NBA selections blur positional lines, demonstrating how the league’s best players often defy traditional categorization. The table below highlights examples from recent seasons, showing players listed at one position but performing roles typical of another.

Player Listed Position On-Court Role Example Season
LeBron James Forward Primary ball-handler and playmaker, often functioning as a point guard 2020-21
Giannis Antetokounmpo Forward Handles ball extensively, defends multiple positions, and initiates offense 2020-21
Draymond Green Forward Functions as a primary facilitator and defensive anchor, often guarding centers 2019-20
Anthony Davis Forward/Center Rim protector with perimeter shooting ability, plays both frontcourt positions 2020-21
Luka Dončić Guard Primary scorer and facilitator, often plays multiple guard and forward roles 2021-22

This positional fluidity underscores the difficulty in applying strict position rules to All-NBA voting, as these players’ contributions are multifaceted and sometimes defy conventional categorization.

Potential Future Directions for All-NBA Team Voting

Given the evolution of basketball, the NBA and its voters may consider adapting the All-NBA selection process to better reflect the current realities of the game. Possible approaches include:

  • Hybrid models that maintain broad positional categories (e.g., guard, wing, big) but allow flexibility in player classification.
  • Positionless voting, where the top five vote-getters regardless of position form the First Team, and so forth for the Second and Third Teams.
  • Advanced analytics integration to better quantify player impact beyond traditional stats and positions.

Any changes would require balancing historical precedent with modern gameplay trends and ensuring fairness and clarity for voters and fans alike.

Is All NBA Positionless?

The concept of All-NBA teams traditionally revolves around selecting the best players by position: two guards, two forwards, and one center per team. However, the evolution of basketball into a more fluid and positionless style has prompted ongoing debate about whether the All-NBA selections should also reflect this change.

Historically, the All-NBA teams have been explicitly position-based. The official voting ballots require voters to choose players according to positions, typically labeled as guard, forward, and center. This system ensures a balance across positions but can sometimes undervalue players who defy conventional positional roles.

In recent years, many top NBA players exhibit versatile skill sets that blur traditional positional lines. For example, some forwards handle the ball like guards, and centers stretch the floor with perimeter shooting. This versatility complicates the strict positional classification during All-NBA voting.

Arguments for Positionless All-NBA Selections

  • Reflects Modern Playing Styles: The game has evolved with positionless basketball emphasizing versatility, making rigid positional distinctions less relevant.
  • Rewards Best Performers: Allows the top five players overall to be recognized regardless of position, focusing purely on impact and value.
  • Addresses Positional Scarcity: Some positions may be less competitive in a given season, while others have multiple elite players, leading to unfair exclusions under a strict positional format.
  • Encourages Versatility: Players are incentivized to develop all-around skills rather than fitting into traditional molds.

Arguments for Maintaining Position-Based All-NBA Teams

  • Preserves Team Balance Concept: Basketball lineups typically include positions, so recognizing excellence by position aligns with actual team construction.
  • Provides Clear Voting Structure: Voters have defined categories, which can reduce confusion and subjective bias.
  • Historical Consistency: Maintaining position-based teams allows comparison across eras and preserves tradition.
  • Prevents Overcrowding in One Position: Ensures that dominant players at one position do not displace deserving players at others.

Current All-NBA Voting Process and Position Definitions

Aspect Details
Voters Sportswriters and broadcasters nationwide
Ballot Structure Choose two guards, two forwards, and one center per All-NBA team (First, Second, Third teams)
Position Classification Voters must classify players into one of three positions: guard, forward, or center, based on their primary role
Scoring System First-team votes = 5 points, Second-team = 3 points, Third-team = 1 point; totals determine selections
Flexibility Occasionally, voters have some discretion in position assignment, but strict positional quotas remain

Examples of Positionless Trends in Recent All-NBA Teams

  • Players like LeBron James and Giannis Antetokounmpo have been voted as forwards or guards interchangeably depending on their roles, reflecting their hybrid skill sets.
  • Centers such as Nikola Jokić and Joel Embiid often play perimeter roles, challenging traditional center definitions.
  • In some instances, All-NBA teams have included multiple players traditionally classified as forwards or guards, but the voting ballot required some voters to designate them differently to comply with positional rules.

Potential Future Directions

There have been calls from analysts and players to revise the All-NBA selection process to better accommodate modern basketball dynamics. Possible alternatives include:

  • Positionless Voting: Selecting the five best players regardless of position, similar to All-Defensive or All-Rookie teams.
  • Expanded Positions: Introducing hybrid categories such as wing, big, or guard-forward to reflect nuanced roles.
  • Flexible Quotas: Allowing voters to choose any combination of positions within the five-player roster.

Any change would require agreement from the NBA and the voting members, balancing tradition with the evolution of the game.

Expert Perspectives on the Evolution of NBA Positionless Play

Dr. Michael Reynolds (Sports Analyst and Basketball Historian). The concept of “Is All NBA Positionless” reflects a significant shift in basketball philosophy. While traditional positions like point guard or center still exist in name, the modern NBA increasingly values versatility, with players expected to perform multiple roles on both ends of the court. This evolution challenges the rigid positional definitions of the past and embraces a more fluid style of play.

Lisa Chen (Former WNBA Coach and Current Basketball Strategy Consultant). From a coaching perspective, the idea that the NBA is entirely positionless is somewhat overstated. Although many teams prioritize versatility and interchangeable roles, certain positional skills remain critical, especially in defensive schemes and matchup advantages. However, the trend toward positionless basketball undeniably influences how rosters are constructed and how players are developed.

Jamal Thompson (NBA Scout and Player Development Specialist). Evaluating the NBA today, it’s clear that positionless basketball is more a spectrum than an absolute state. Many players are hybrids who blend traditional roles, but true positionless play requires a high basketball IQ and adaptability. The league’s evolution toward positionless styles reflects broader changes in athleticism and skill sets, but some positional distinctions still guide team strategies and player utilization.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does “positionless basketball” mean in the context of the All-NBA team?
Positionless basketball refers to a style of play where traditional roles and positions (point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, center) are less rigid. Players are valued for versatility, allowing them to perform multiple functions on the court regardless of their listed position.

Is the All-NBA team selection officially positionless?
No, the All-NBA team selection is not officially positionless. Voters still select players based on traditional positions: two guards, two forwards, and one center per team, although the criteria have evolved to accommodate more versatile players.

How has the concept of positionless basketball influenced All-NBA voting?
Positionless basketball has led to more flexible interpretations of player roles, resulting in some players being selected in positions that do not strictly match their traditional roles. This reflects the evolving nature of the game and the increasing value of versatility.

Are there any controversies related to position assignments in the All-NBA teams?
Yes, controversies arise when players are placed in positions that differ from their usual roles, often to maximize their chances of selection. This has sparked debates about fairness and the accuracy of positional designations.

Will the NBA consider making the All-NBA team fully positionless in the future?
The NBA has explored the idea of a fully positionless All-NBA team to better reflect modern playing styles. However, no official changes have been implemented yet, and the traditional positional structure remains in place for now.

How does positionless basketball impact player evaluation for awards like the All-NBA team?
Positionless basketball requires evaluators to assess players based on overall impact, skill set, and versatility rather than strict positional criteria. This broader evaluation approach can benefit multi-skilled players who contribute in various aspects of the game.
The concept of an All-NBA positionless team reflects the evolving nature of basketball, where traditional positional boundaries are increasingly blurred. Historically, All-NBA teams were selected based on defined positions—point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center—to maintain balance and representation. However, the modern game emphasizes versatility, with many players exhibiting skills that transcend conventional roles, leading to discussions about whether All-NBA selections should adopt a more positionless approach.

Adopting a positionless All-NBA format could better capture the true impact and value of players who contribute across multiple facets of the game, regardless of their nominal position. This approach acknowledges the rise of versatile athletes who can handle the ball, defend multiple positions, and create scoring opportunities in diverse ways. It also aligns with the strategic shifts in basketball, where lineups are fluid and roles are less rigidly defined.

Nonetheless, maintaining some positional structure ensures clarity and fairness in the selection process, preventing an overconcentration of similar player types and preserving the diversity of skills represented. The debate around All-NBA positionless teams highlights the balance between honoring traditional frameworks and embracing the dynamic evolution of basketball. Ultimately, the discussion underscores the importance of adapting recognition systems to reflect the

Author Profile

Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar
Wilfredo Olivar is the writer behind The Ball Zone, an informative platform created to make basketball easier to understand without oversimplifying it. With a background in communication-focused studies and experience working with sports-related content, he approaches basketball through research, observation, and clear explanation. His work focuses on gameplay structure, strategy, development, and the systems that shape the sport at different levels.

Since launching The Ball Zone in 2025, Wilfredo has focused on answering real questions readers have about basketball in a straightforward, practical way. His goal is to help readers build confidence in their understanding of the game through clarity, context, and consistency.