In the early days of the N.B.A., big men ruled the league. Giants with names like Mikan, Russell and Chamberlain dominated the paint, leaving smaller players to scrap for tougher shots outside.
That era is long gone. For most of this century, pro basketball’s brightest stars have been those who can play the little man’s game.
Stephen Curry, last season’s most valuable player and a favorite to win the award again this season, is so slight that it is hard to believe he is 6 feet 3. LeBron James and Kevin Durant are hybrids, as likely to use finesse to score as they are to use their power or height.