As the NBA has evolved over recent years, many have suggested that the center position was dead. On the other hand, recent MVP voters beg to differ. 

In 2021-22, Nikola Jokic won the league’s most prestigious individual award. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid was the runner-up. All told, the big man is alive and well in the modern NBA. 

With that said, the traditional power forward is on his last legs, if we haven’t already lost him. Fours who play with their back to the basket scarcely populate the NBA in 2021-22.

In fact, in today’s NBA, it’s mainly a wing position. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Aaron Gordon, Denver Nuggets & Miami Heat Updates

Perhaps no four embodies that modern trend more than Jae Crowder. Throughout most of NBA history, Crowder would have received the bulk of his minutes at the 3. Now, he spends the majority of his time sliding up one position. 

Of course, Aaron Gordon is a similarly prototypical 4 as well. Could the two find themselves involved in the same trade this season?