Who are the most 'moldable' players in NBA history?

giordunk · Post #1 » by **giordunk** » Fri Jul 22, 2022 6:24 pm

Thinking about versatile guys got me thinking... Who are some guys whose game are most adaptable - for example - I think Boris Diaw you could have developed as a point guard, as a wing, or as a big. Giannis can play all 5 positions.

I'd nominate a few names

Andrei Kirilenko
Boris DIaw
LeBron James
Giannis Antekounmpo
Magic Johnson
Nikola Jokic.

I'm watching videos of young Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson and I'm pretty convinced they can do whatever Giannis is doing if they were developed in today's day and age.

giordunk · Post #2 » by **giordunk** » Fri Jul 22, 2022 6:27 pm

On second thought, I'll throw Michael Jordan in there as well. I don't see any reason why Jordan wouldn't be able to play small ball 4 a la DeRozan.

If Michael Jordan was a Center he'd be like a less strong/bulky PJ tucker with incredible defensive instincts on the defensive end, and Michael Jordan on offense.

Obviously, MJ at Center is only somewhat feasible in today's game, but I'm just exploring what the potential outcomes could be like.

Post #3 » by **Texas Chuck** » Fri Jul 22, 2022 7:18 pm

Scottie Pippen is easily anything but a center -- at both ends. Though in today's game he probably gets away with playing there as well. And this is skills he already demonstrated.

parsnips33 · Post #4 » by **parsnips33** » Fri Jul 22, 2022 8:56 pm

Not really a multi-positional defender like some of the other guys mentioned, but Steph's ability to play on or off-ball deserves bringing up. He can basically play like Lillard or Reggie Miller depending on the context

Colbinii · Post #5 » by **Colbinii** » Fri Jul 22, 2022 9:02 pm

LeBron James
Kevin Garnett
Andre Iguodala
To a lesser extent Shane Battier [after his rookie year being able to say "My life in the NBA is predicated on me being a role player"]
Scottie Pippen
Toni Kukoc
Al Horford

I dont view Jordan or Kobe as very moldable. They played the way they wanted to play.

Post #6 » by **penbeast0** » Fri Jul 22, 2022 9:32 pm

Two power forwards who spent time at both center and guard were Dave DeBusschere (actually started at guard in Detroit) and Bobby Jones (played a lot of center in Denver, would guard the 2's at times in Philly when Toney was injured).

giordunk · Post #7 » by **giordunk** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 5:29 am

Draymond Green can also play 1 through 5.

I like the Battier pick.

Jaivl · Post #8 » by **Jaivl** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 7:43 am

giordunk wrote:Draymond Green can also play 1 through 5.

I like the Battier pick.

Green can absolutely not play 1 through 3.

CharityStripe34 · Post #9 » by **CharityStripe34** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 11:24 am

I have an inkling that both Big O and The Logo could've been very versatile players today at 6'5" with their skills.

Colbinii · Post #10 » by **Colbinii** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 2:11 pm

giordunk wrote:Draymond Green can also play 1 through 5.

I like the Battier pick.

I think Draymond is fairly portable given his playmaking, defense and leadership intangibles but I dont view him as moldable.

I dont like the word portable but if I were to use it, it isn't synonymous with moldable.

Post #11 » by **penbeast0** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 2:54 pm

CharityStripe34 wrote:I have an inkling that both Big O and The Logo could've been very versatile players today at 6'5" with their skills.

Both were forwards in college, as was Magic.

LukaTheGOAT · Post #12 » by **LukaTheGOAT** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 4:55 pm

Lamar Odom in today's game could be made to play anywhere between 1-5.

falcolombardi · Post #13 » by **falcolombardi** » Sat Jul 23, 2022 5:03 pm

giordunk wrote:On second thought, I'll throw Michael Jordan in there as well. I don't see any reason why Jordan wouldn't be able to play small ball 4 a la DeRozan.

If Michael Jordan was a Center he'd be like a less strong/bulky PJ tucker with incredible defensive instincts on the defensive end, and Michael Jordan on offense.

Obviously, MJ at Center is only somewhat feasible in today's game, but I'm just exploring what the potential outcomes could be like.

Jordan is not a center in any era and very barely a innefective 4 in very small teams