I've just wondered if the five is being phased out. To me it seems like most of the guys playing center would have been power forwards 10 years ago. Blame Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett.

 

The 5 has always been a bit of an ever changing position because there will never be 30 guys who can play at an NBA level at the size necessary.

 

I don't think Duncan and KG really fit your stance because both were strictly 4s for well over a decade before playing some 5 after they slowed down on the defensive end.

 

There will still be 10-15 guys that are legit 5s that will make a ton of money. The teams that don't have one will have to adjust and hope they don't get mauled inside...

 

The 5 has always been a bit of an ever changing position because there will never be 30 guys who can play at an NBA level at the size necessary.

 

I don't think Duncan and KG really fit your stance because both were strictly 4s for well over a decade before playing some 5 after they slowed down on the defensive end.

 

There will still be 10-15 guys that are legit 5s that will make a ton of money. The teams that don't have one will have to adjust and hope they don't get mauled inside...

 

Example Clippers-Grizz series.

The 5 has always been a bit of an ever changing position because there will never be 30 guys who can play at an NBA level at the size necessary.

 

I don't think Duncan and KG really fit your stance because both were strictly 4s for well over a decade before playing some 5 after they slowed down on the defensive end.

 

There will still be 10-15 guys that are legit 5s that will make a ton of money. The teams that don't have one will have to adjust and hope they don't get mauled inside...

Or hope they can land the most versatile player alive and build a team around him that largely ignores the idea of set positions.

Or hope they can land the most versatile player alive and build a team around him that largely ignores the idea of set positions.

 

We talking about Bron or KD? Interesting debate there both ways...

I don't see why NO wouldn't want to pair up AD and NN.

The 5 has always been a bit of an ever changing position because there will never be 30 guys who can play at an NBA level at the size necessary.

 

I don't think Duncan and KG really fit your stance because both were strictly 4s for well over a decade before playing some 5 after they slowed down on the defensive end.

 

There will still be 10-15 guys that are legit 5s that will make a ton of money. The teams that don't have one will have to adjust and hope they don't get mauled inside...

 

KG yes, Duncan no. Duncan has been a five basically since Robinson left. The Spurs started Nesterovic or Nazr but played most of their time in games with Duncan as the true big. Garnett famously refused to play center or be listed at 7 feet because he didn't want to play center.

 

In any case, I do think the league is changing and guys with traditional power forward qualities are being moved to center. To me Dwight Howard was the NBA's last chance at regaining the old game. To each his own.

We talking about Bron or KD? Interesting debate there both ways...

I meant LeBron, but you could apply a measure of the same point to Durant, sure; but James and the way the Heat are built are the purer distillation because of his freak body and point skills/mindset.

We talking about Bron or KD? Interesting debate there both ways...

 

The same KD who is potentially watching his team blow a historic 3-0 lead with more talent on his team than LeBron ever had in Cleveland? The 7 foot TMac or a guy that guards all five positions and plays four at an all-star level?

The same KD who is potentially watching his team blow a historic 3-0 lead with more talent on his team than LeBron ever had in Cleveland? The 7 foot TMac or a guy that guards all five positions and plays four at an all-star level?

I think any team that loses their second best player in the middle of a series is going to struggle.

I think any team that loses their second best player in the middle of a series is going to struggle.

 

Obviously. Still should be enough to finish an 8 seed off after having 3-0 lead. I expect that they will, but if they don't there is no excuse is there? Two all stars including the 2nd best player in the league can't win one of four vs the Rockets?

I think any team that loses their second best player in the middle of a series is going to struggle.

 

The Heat wouldn't.

The Heat wouldn't.

 

Yes they would.

Yes they would.

 

Define "struggle"

 

Are you saying if they lost DWade they wouldn't win a series or wouldn't sweep it?

 

I can see the reason the Pelicans or Magic would trade the pick... Because if they can gain picks for next year, that draft will be loaded.

Define "struggle"

 

Are you saying if they lost DWade they wouldn't win a series or wouldn't sweep it?

 

I can see the reason the Pelicans or Magic would trade the pick... Because if they can gain picks for next year, that draft will be loaded.

 

They wouldn't be as dominate as they currently are. I still think they would get to the Finals and most likely win.

They wouldn't be as dominate as they currently are. I still think they would get to the Finals and most likely win.

 

If that's your definition of struggle, I'm sure they wouldn't mind to do so.