Hey 2K, it's time to ditch the traditional positions for players

[imdahman]

The NBA game has shifted to the concept of position-less basketball, and switchability. The game should also move towards that.

instead of listing a players primary and secondary positions, the game needs to list them as either Guards, Wings, or Bigs.

On top of that, there needs to be that hexagonal chart that shows you the players best position. Much like the hex charts we already see in the game where the inner shape informs where the players strength is.

The reason for this chart is that, if a player can play multiple positions, it will be easier to identify and perhaps the game can better take this into account.

IE Giannis can play all 5 positions no question, and at the same time he tends to be slotted into the 4/3 position. So on this hex chart it would radiate out to all 5 positions at a decent range, but the SF/PF positions would have a higher spike.

At the same time, if a player defends all 5 positions well, this can be reflected. And of course if the player is more traditional and is best in a specific position, this way of expressing the players ability still works and doesn't take anything away.

So, how about getting on this? =D

[jeremym480]

I agree take the original positions and blow them up Brad Stevens style! Just separate them into certain categories - ball handlers, wings, and big's.... but have the option to let some players cross over.

[Junior Moe]

It sounds good in theory but I don't think the CPU team management is anywhere near good enough to utilize it effectively. It's improved, but the CPU still struggles with the traditional 5 positions with respect to building teams and lineups.

[vtcrb]

You can just used Advanced Rotations and play anyone at any position. It is some work but takes about 5 minutes a team, but well worth it. I feel if you did away with Positions you would get alot of guys playing Point Guard who shouldn't be there.

[Baebae32]

Quote: Originally Posted by Junior Moe

It sounds good in theory but I don't think the CPU team management is anywhere near good enough to utilize it effectively. It's improved, but the CPU still struggles with the traditional 5 positions with respect to building teams and lineups.

Yeah the tech is not sophisticated enough to juggle a lineup with 3 or 4 guys on the court at the same time that are able to play 3 or 4 different positions. I wish it was there but unfortunately Czar has stated that the guy who works on this part of the game is utilized in other areas of the game that are of higher priority.

All we can do is make sure we post this in the yearly suggestion thread so it can hopefully be implemented within the next 2-3 years. Because i imagine it would be a nightmare to code


Good suggestion. Needs to be implemented.

[Mikelopedia]

I think a more realistic expectation and request would be that they simply add a 3rd position, not that you're idea isn't a good one, I just don't ever see 2k doing that.

The 5 positions thing isn't really anything more than defensive assignments. Guys don't play more than 3 positions, yes there are a handful that can guard 5. To me that's more of something that ACE could do a better job recognizing based on their defensive and athletic attributes.

But you don't want to see Giannis on the court with 2 4's and 5.

[Real2KInsider]

I disagree with this take entirely, because teams HAVEN'T ditched traditional positions. They've ditched the traditional definitions for each position.

The difference between this and older iterations of the NBA is current players are versatile enough to fill multiple positions, whereas 25 years ago the league was filled with one-dimensional Craig Ehlo types and the concept of Scottie Pippen running point and guarding fours was mind-shattering.

[Real2KInsider]

Quote: Originally Posted by Mikelopedia

The 5 positions thing isn't really anything more than defensive assignments.

This is essentially what positions are in the NBA in a nutshell, but there are still differences in offensive role depending on who the dominant ball-handler is.

When the Knicks ran a "lineup" with Raymond Felton and Jason Kidd it wasn't a "positionless" double-PG lineup. Kidd was a spot-up shooter and didn't run the offense.

Quote:

Guys don't play more than 3 positions, yes there are a handful that can guard 5. To me that's more of something that ACE could do a better job recognizing based on their defensive and athletic attributes.

If you think substitutions are bad now, just imagine if players had three positions, oh boy.

There are very few players who play three positions in practice, and basically none that you'd want doing this on a regular basis. Kevin Durant might be the closest thing to a true "3-5" but you still don't want him logging center minutes with regularity - that's a MATCHUP-based lineup, or something he's forced into out of NECESSITY due to fouls/injuries. It is not and should not be a regular option. He has the skills to play the 1 and 2 also, but that's not where you'd want him popping up in the 2019 GSW rotation.