NBA scouting terminology is once again under discussion following comments from evaluator Rashad Phillips in a conversation with NBA insider Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.
The discussion centered on the evaluation of Luka Doncic and how traditional positional labels struggle to define modern NBA stars. Phillips, who operates as Owner of Prestige Management Group and authored Basketball Position Metric, argued that the league’s framework requires structural updates.
Phillips described Doncic as a “Dual Forward,” a classification he uses for players who combine high-level creation, scoring, and frontcourt-style responsibility. In his model, the designation includes players such as Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, and Doncic, grouping them based on functional role rather than listed position.
“In the world we’re in, especially in the evaluation business, you’re going to miss some and you’re going to get some right,” Phillips said. “For me, I’ve got more right than wrong, and I really love watching the kid play today. He’s proved me wrong.”
Phillips also stated that Doncic does not fit the traditional point guard label, despite often initiating offense. He placed him outside legacy guard classifications, aligning him instead with forward-oriented creators who dictate possession flow from multiple zones on the floor.
Doncic’s statistical profile continues to support that type of evaluation. In the 2025-26 season with the Los Angeles Lakers, he averaged 33.5 points, 8.3 assists, and 7.7 rebounds across 64 games, while shooting 47.6 percent from the field and 36.6 percent from three-point range. Those numbers reflect a high-usage offensive engine with multi-level scoring and playmaking responsibility.
Phillips also expanded on his broader framework, which includes categories such as Hybrid Guard, Hybrid Post, and Point Center. The system is designed to replace traditional “1 through 5” roles with skill-based definitions tied to on-court function rather than nominal position listings.
In the interview, Phillips emphasized that evolution in basketball requires updated language. He pointed to players like Doncic as examples of why rigid positional labels no longer capture how offenses are structured in the modern NBA.