As the NBA game shifts more toward an era of pace and space, the league’s tallest players have been forced to adapt.
Shot-blocking and rebounding big men are critical, but if a 7-foot tall center can step beyond the three-point line and avoid clogging the lane, the entire offense flows much easier. Victor Wembanyama’s arrival to the NBA three years ago brought the most extreme example of the modern center. He’s a dominant defender as he’s led the league in blocks in each of his three seasons and won Defensive Player of the Year honors ahead of San Antonio’s run to the NBA Finals in June.
