NBA: Which player archetypes are an endangered species?

The NBA’s Endangered Species list

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers reacts against the Miami Heat during the second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Which NBA player archetypes are threatened, endangered or recovering?

The 2014-15 NBA season saw the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. The Golden State Warriors emerged as the new dynasty not only due to their talent, but their play style: running mostly undersized lineups with an abundance of shooting. The result was three championships and five consecutive Finals appearances.

This forced the rest of the league to scramble and rebuild their rosters to adapt to the new generation. In the process, some teams were forced to sacrifice their star or high-level players who were deemed unfit to survive in today’s game. Therefore, some players who found success in the early portion of the decade or the latter part of the 2000s are now an “endangered species.”

Here are the three types of players who have struggled or need to work to find their niche in the modern NBA.

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