Positionless Reality: OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and the Knicks’ New Experiment
By Brady – June 2025
In the NBA's shift toward positionless basketball, OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges were supposed to represent the ideal prototype.
Both were brought to New York with expectations to anchor a switch-heavy defense and add spacing and flexibility on offense. But while their skill sets seemed tailor-made for the modern game, reality wasn’t so seamless.
Offensive Fit Still in Progress
OG’s season was marred by injuries and an inconsistent offensive role. Even when healthy, his impact on that end was subtle — effective in stretches, but often overshadowed. Meanwhile, Bridges struggled to adjust after his breakout year in Brooklyn. Without the ball in his hands as often, his rhythm and efficiency dipped, and he never quite settled into a new identity with the Knicks.
The Pressure of Role Fluidity
Positionless basketball isn’t just about being versatile — it’s about adapting with purpose. OG and Bridges had the tools, but without structure around them, they were often left floating. The Knicks’ offense lacked clarity, and it showed in the inconsistent contributions of their prized wings.
Still the Right Mold?
The vision isn’t broken — it’s just unfinished. If the Knicks can find a way to channel their versatility into defined roles, the OG/Bridges experiment could still set the standard for positionless basketball in New York.
Unicorns Without Bulk: Chet Holmgren, Kristaps Porzingis, and the New-Age Stretch Big
By Brady – June 2025
In a league that once demanded bulk and brute force from its big men, Chet Holmgren and Kristaps Porzingis are redefining what it means to protect the rim and stretch the floor — without ever filling out the frame.
Both players are long, light, and lethal. At over 7 feet tall, they can swat shots at one end and drill threes at the other — a combination that would’ve been unheard of a decade ago. Despite lacking traditional muscle mass, their skill sets are tailor-made for the modern game.
Stretching Without Sacrificing
What makes Holmgren and Porzingis so effective is their ability to space the floor without becoming defensive liabilities. Holmgren moves like a guard and blocks shots with perfect timing. Porzingis uses his length to alter looks inside and has developed into one of the most efficient shooting bigs in the league.
Embracing the Thin Frame
Neither player has the muscle of a Shaq or Embiid, but in today's game, that’s no longer a prerequisite. Their mobility, shooting, and timing matter more. It’s a reminder that dominance doesn’t always come from mass — sometimes it comes from finesse, angles, and IQ.
As the NBA continues leaning into spacing and versatility, players like Holmgren and Porzingis aren’t outliers — they’re blueprints.