The Evolution of Big Men in the Modern NBA: From Post Dominance to Versatile Playmakers
For much of basketball history, big men were traditionally defined by their size and ability to dominate in the post. They were primarily tasked with rebounding, shot-blocking, and scoring close to the basket.1
However, the rise of perimeter-oriented play and small-ball lineups in recent years led to speculation that traditional centers and power forwards were becoming obsolete. But, just when it seemed like the NBA was shifting away from big men, a new breed of towering players emerged, redefining what it means to be a big man in the modern game.
Table of Contents
The Rise of the Modern “Unicorn”
The term unicorn in basketball refers to players who possess an unusual combination of size, skill, and versatility. These big men are not limited to playing with their back to the basket; they are capable of shooting from deep, handling the ball, making plays for teammates, and even defending multiple positions.
Big Men as Playmakers: Nikola Jokić’s Revolutionary Role
Perhaps no player better exemplifies the modern big man’s playmaking abilities than Nikola Jokić, the two-time MVP center of the Denver Nuggets.
Jokić’s passing is often compared to that of elite point guards, as he leads his team in assists while still dominating in traditional big man categories such as rebounds and field goal percentage. His unique skill set as a playmaker has helped revolutionize the role of the center in the NBA.
Stretch Bigs: Extending the Range
One of the most significant changes in the role of big men over the last decade has been the rise of the stretch big—a player who can shoot from three-point range, extending the floor and forcing opposing defenders to guard the perimeter.
This evolution has allowed players like Karl-Anthony Towns, Kristaps Porziņģis, and Anthony Davis to thrive in a league that prioritizes spacing.
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Domantas Sabonis: The NBA’s Top Rebounder and Elite Big Man
- Domantas Sabonis has firmly established himself as one of the premier big men in the NBA, with his elite rebounding ability setting him apart from the rest.2
- Sabonis, who plays for the Sacramento Kings, has become synonymous with dominance on the boards, and his work ethic and consistency in crashing the glass have made him a standout figure in the league.
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- In the 2023-24 NBA season, Sabonis not only cemented his status as the NBA’s top rebounder, but he also became the only player to surpass 1,000 rebounds during the regular season, pulling down a staggering 1,120 rebounds.
- This career-high performance earned him an impressive average of 13.7 rebounds per game (rpg) and put him in the spotlight as the league’s most prolific glass cleaner.
A Relentless Rebounder
Sabonis’s rebounding prowess is not a product of pure size or athleticism, but rather a combination of exceptional basketball IQ, positioning, and relentless hustle.3
Standing at 6’11”, Sabonis uses his frame to carve out space in the paint, consistently putting himself in the right position to grab rebounds. His ability to read the trajectory of shots and anticipate where the ball will land is a key factor in his rebounding success.
The Key to Sacramento’s Success
Sabonis’s impact goes far beyond just grabbing rebounds. His ability to control the boards allows the Sacramento Kings to generate second-chance points on offense while limiting their opponents’ opportunities on the other end.
His rebounding and overall presence in the paint were pivotal to the Kings’ resurgence as a playoff-contending team. The Kings had their best season in years, largely thanks to Sabonis anchoring the paint and being a reliable force on both ends of the floor.
Expanding His Game: Sabonis’s Offensive Contributions
While rebounding is Sabonis’s standout skill, he has also evolved into a well-rounded offensive player. His ability to score in the post, finish around the rim, and set up his teammates makes him a vital cog in the Kings’ offensive machine.
He has excellent court vision for a big man, often acting as a facilitator from the high post or elbow, where he can deliver pinpoint passes to cutting teammates or shooters on the perimeter.
Domantas Sabonis: From Europe to NBA Stardom
Domantas Sabonis, born on May 3, 1996, in Portland, Oregon, is a Lithuanian-American professional basketball player who has made a name for himself as one of the NBA’s most versatile and dominant big men.
Currently playing for the Sacramento Kings, Sabonis’s journey to NBA stardom began in Europe, where he developed his skills in Spain before transitioning to the United States for college basketball at Gonzaga University.
Early Life and European Beginnings
- Born into a basketball family—his father, Arvydas Sabonis, is considered one of the greatest European players in basketball history—Domantas was exposed to the game from an early age. Despite being born in the U.S., he spent much of his youth in Lithuania and Spain, where he honed his basketball skills.
- Sabonis began his professional career playing in Spain for Unicaja Málaga’s junior and senior teams.
Domantas Sabonis over his last 6 games:
26 PTS – 22 REB – 8 AST
21 PTS – 10 REB – 6 AST
21 PTS – 5 REB – 6 AST
19 PTS – 14 REB – 6 AST
25 PTS – 11 REB – 6 AST
22 PTS – 12 REB – 8 AST pic.twitter.com/qOh1lyfbAT— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) November 14, 2022
- His time with Unicaja provided him with early exposure to professional basketball, and he quickly made a name for himself as a talented young player.
- Playing against seasoned European professionals helped Sabonis mature as a player, developing his basketball IQ, footwork, and fundamentals, all of which would prove invaluable when he transitioned to the NBA.
College Basketball at Gonzaga
In 2014, Sabonis moved to the U.S. to play college basketball for Gonzaga University. His decision to play for Gonzaga marked a turning point in his career, as he quickly became a key player for the Bulldogs.
Sabonis played two seasons at Gonzaga, showcasing his skills as a versatile power forward with a soft touch around the rim and a knack for grabbing rebounds.
Breakout with the Indiana Pacers
Sabonis’s time with the Indiana Pacers marked his emergence as one of the NBA’s elite big men. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ made him a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the floor.
During the 2019-20 season, Sabonis averaged 18.5 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game, earning his first NBA All-Star selection.
Also Read:Â Domantas Sabonis Bio, Age, Career, Net Worth And More
Domantas Sabonis: Early Professional Career and Path to the NBA
Domantas Sabonis, the son of Lithuanian basketball legend Arvydas Sabonis, began his professional basketball journey at a remarkably young age.
Despite being only 16 years old, Sabonis made his professional debut on September 5, 2012, for Unicaja Málaga, a prominent team in Spain’s Liga ACB. His early debut in a competitive European league set the stage for what would become a highly successful professional career.
Debut with Unicaja Málaga
- In his debut game, Sabonis faced Cibona Zagreb in the Euroleague, showcasing his potential in one of the top-tier basketball competitions in Europe.
- His appearance on the court at such a young age was a testament to his skill level, maturity, and basketball pedigree. Although he played limited minutes, his presence in the game was significant, marking the beginning of his professional journey.
- To aid his development and provide him with more consistent playing time, Sabonis was later loaned to ClÃnicas Rincón for the remainder of the 2012–13 season.
- ClÃnicas Rincón served as the developmental affiliate team for Unicaja Málaga, playing in Spain’s LEB Oro, the second division of Spanish basketball.
- The move allowed Sabonis to gain valuable experience while competing against professional players and honing his skills in a more competitive environment.
Rising Star in Europe
During his time in Spain, Sabonis’s talent quickly became evident. His impressive footwork, basketball IQ, and ability to score and rebound efficiently made him stand out among his peers. Playing in both the ACB and LEB Oro, Sabonis faced tough competition and gained experience that would serve him well in his future endeavors.
Transition to College Basketball at Gonzaga
In 2014, Sabonis made the decision to move to the United States to play college basketball at Gonzaga University, a move that would further his development and exposure on the international stage.
While some European players choose to remain in their domestic leagues, Sabonis saw an opportunity to grow his game and showcase his skills to NBA scouts by playing in the competitive NCAA.
Domantas Sabonis’ Net Worth in 2024?
As of 2024, Domantas Sabonis holds an estimated net worth of $50 million, a reflection of his thriving career in the NBA. This impressive fortune has been amassed through his lucrative contracts, endorsement deals, and on-court performances, particularly with the Sacramento Kings, where he plays as a pivotal player.
Breakdown of Domantas Sabonis’ Earnings
For the 2023-2024 NBA season, Sabonis is set to earn a base salary of $28 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. His financial growth comes on the heels of signing a four-year, $186 million contract extension with the Sacramento Kings.
This extension locks in Sabonis’s services for the team and secures him an annual average salary of $46.5 million starting in the 2024-2025 season, meaning his net worth is projected to grow significantly in the near future.
Endorsements and Additional Earnings
Aside from his NBA salary, Sabonis benefits from various endorsement deals, which contribute to his overall wealth. While the specifics of these deals are often private, it is common for top-tier NBA players like Sabonis to partner with sports apparel companies, local sponsors, and global brands, further boosting his financial standing.
Future Financial Growth
With the NBA salary cap continuing to rise and Sabonis’s growing reputation as one of the league’s top big men, his earning potential is expected to increase even further. By the time his current contract with the Kings ends, Sabonis’s net worth could easily soar beyond the $100 million mark, as he continues to secure substantial salaries and potential new endorsement partnerships.
Domantas Sabonis is firmly established as one of the NBA’s wealthiest and most successful players, with his financial future looking even brighter given his contract and projected earnings in the upcoming seasons.
FAQ’S
1. Which NBA stars are expected to compete for the rebounding title in the 2024-25 season?
Ans: Top candidates include Nikola Jokić, Rudy Gobert, Domantas Sabonis, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Deandre Ayton. These players consistently dominate the boards and have a strong chance of leading the league in rebounds.
2. What makes Nikola Jokić a potential rebounding leader?
Ans: Jokić is known for his basketball IQ, positioning, and ability to read the game, which helps him grab rebounds efficiently. As a center for the Denver Nuggets, he frequently racks up high rebound numbers while also contributing in other areas.
3. How does Rudy Gobert’s defensive presence contribute to his rebounding potential?
Ans: Gobert is one of the NBA’s premier rim protectors and defensive anchors. His height, wingspan, and timing allow him to pull down rebounds consistently, making him a perennial contender for leading the league in boards.
4. What are Domantas Sabonis’ strengths when it comes to rebounding?
Ans: Sabonis excels in positioning himself for offensive and defensive rebounds. His physicality, strong box-outs, and hustle make him a consistent force on the glass for the Sacramento Kings.
5. Could Giannis Antetokounmpo lead the league in rebounds?
Ans: Giannis has a unique combination of size, athleticism, and speed, allowing him to crash the boards on both ends of the court. His ability to play multiple positions and dominate in transition gives him a strong shot at leading the league in rebounds.
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