Building a Contender in the Small Ball Era

by user Zupaclypse

In a previous post, I described the small ball phenomenon cultivated by the NBA and adopted by teams such as the Phoenix Suns and Golden State Warriors. Since this entertaining brand of basketball has won over fans across America, teams are drastically modifying their approach to building a championship contender. This change in philosophy impacts several key aspects of the business including trades, free agency, the NBA draft, and even league globalization.

The main ingredient to building a contending franchise is acquiring the type of personnel that can play an up-tempo style. This includes not only a speedy point guard with great floor vision that can cut into the seams of a defense (think Baron Davis), but also a coach that can teach that style of play (think Don Nelson). Run-and-gun basketball puts a premium on athleticism and outside shooting. Lengthy players who have the ability to trap and swarm both on the perimeter and in the paint are of high-value as well. Strong post-up qualities are less critical in this age of the game.

Since the current wave of players from Europe possess the ability to shoot, dribble, and pass, they translate naturally towards a fast-paced game. This to some degree boosts their draft status in the NBA. In addition, the European game is more free-flowing and relatively absent of fouls. With our brand of basketball migrating in that same direction and employing so many international talents, marketing the game in Europe and Asia has become more feasible.

The main way for a franchise to improve its roster is through trades. Because of certain provisions in the NBA collective bargaining agreement, player movement is difficult to facilitate. However, with the demand for speed on the rise, trades should start to be more prevalent. There are many more athletes in the NBA than players of size. Thus, trading small for small or medium for medium is now a more viable strategy.

The draft also offers similar advantages. The dearth of big men in college basketball no longer de-values the quality of a draft class. In fact, the debate over who to choose No. 1 this year between Ohio State Center Greg Oden and University of Texas Small Forward Kevin Durant illustrates my point. In past years, the need for a big man would trump all other options.

With the plethora of long-term contracts crippling a team's finances, free agency is often times a coin flip in terms of success. However, each year, at least a few elite players are open to relocation. With teams no longer exhausting all resources to secure a massive frontline, these players become more valuable and can transform a mediocre team into a playoff powerhouse.

As mentioned, the NBA's move to a faster pace has ramifications on the methods franchises employ to improve the overall quality of personnel. The strategies are altered to draft, trade for, or sign faster and more athletic players who have a multitude of skills. The ready availability of skilled wing players in Europe further internationalizes the NBA product. Who knew a few rule tweaks would completely change the NBA landscape.