Could Smaller Players Dominate the NBA? Small Ball and Isaiah Thomas

Yes, you read that right. Russell Westbrook is about 1.90 m tall and weighs 90 kg, yet I can imagine him playing centre. Think about it: he plays as a point guard, but when he goes for a rebound he can grab the ball over much taller centres. His aggression is incredible. If this trend continues, clumsy power forwards and centres could disappear.

From towering centres to mobile lineups

In the 1980s and early 1990s we saw extremely tall centres: the incredibly thin Manute Bol, Shawn Bradley seeming to drag his legs, and the mammoth Mark Eaton. Now we have more agile versions, such as Kristaps Porziņģis (2.21 m) and the well-fed Spaniard Marc Gasol (2.16 m). It seems that centres have evolved.

There have also been tiny players: “Speedy Gonzales” Muggsy Bogues, the jumping Spud Webb and, more recently, the strong and explosive Nate Robinson. Players seemed more colourful back then. Here is a video of Muggsy Bogues, a guy with a well-fed ass:

Nowadays Isaiah Thomas is shaking up the league with his quick drives to the basket and wonderful shooting, especially in the fourth quarter. I once wondered whether he was the son of Isiah Thomas, the point guard from the 1980s and 1990s. He is not; that was my speculation.

Isaiah Thomas, 1.75 m and 84 kg.

How far could small ball go?

As you know, teams now play “small ball”: a power forward can play centre, or a small forward can play power forward. If this goes further, the power forward who is already playing centre could be replaced by a small forward. The small forward who takes his place could then be replaced by a shooting guard, and a team might even end up with three point guards. Little by little, the players get smaller. In the end, a team could play with only small players. A new era would begin.

Very tall players might then be left out. Maybe basketball could even have new rules and a lower hoop. I like watching tall people play, but I would also like people of ordinary height to have a place in the game.

For the basketball scene around me, see my account of Vigo's clubs. My idea for creating an NBA team in a town like Vigo is another exercise in imagining how the game could change.

Also on YouTube: my video about photon mass.