The NBA in the 2020s has undergone a profound transformation. For years, the league was dominated by superstars—players like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who carried teams on their backs and took the spotlight in nearly every game. The idea of building a championship contender around one or two transcendent talents seemed to be the best formula for success. However, as we move further into the 2020s, the narrative has shifted. The emphasis is no longer on simply having a few elite players, but on creating a deeper, more well-rounded roster where every player can contribute meaningfully to the success of the team. As Rick Carlisle, head coach of the Indiana Pacers, pointed out, “The NBA has now become a play-hard league.”
Carlisle’s words couldn’t be more relevant as the 2025 NBA Finals unfold between the Pacers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, two teams that exemplify this new era of basketball. Both teams have embraced the shift away from relying on a couple of superstars to being built on collective strength, depth, and the idea that hard work and versatility can triumph over sheer individual talent. It’s a dramatic departure from the old mindset, and it’s reshaping how teams construct rosters and approach game strategy.
When Carlisle speaks about the changing nature of the NBA, he’s not just offering a tactical observation; he’s describing a paradigm shift that has been in motion for several years. The 2020s have seen the rise of teams that are constructed to maximize depth, flexibility, and a commitment to defense, as opposed to the star-studded, offense-heavy squads of previous decades. Teams are now looking for players who are willing to play multiple roles and contribute on both ends of the court, regardless of their statistical output.
In many ways, this new approach was catalyzed by the rise of teams like the Golden State Warriors, whose success was based not just on the shooting of Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson, but on a system that allowed every player to thrive. The Warriors had multiple players capable of defending multiple positions, sharing the ball, and playing within a cohesive system. The team’s success was rooted in the collective effort, rather than in individual accolades. This style of play has since spread throughout the league, with more teams recognizing the value of a deep rotation and an unselfish approach to basketball.
The Oklahoma City Thunder, led by head coach Mark Daigneault, are a prime example of this shift. The Thunder are not a team that relies on one or two superstars to carry the load. Instead, they boast a roster full of versatile players who can each contribute in a variety of ways. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander remains the team’s leader, but his supporting cast is filled with players who can step up at any given moment. Players like Josh Giddey, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren all bring unique skill sets to the table, and together, they form a dynamic unit that can match any opponent in terms of both offensive and defensive prowess.
Similarly, the Indiana Pacers have become one of the deepest teams in the league. Under Carlisle’s leadership, the Pacers have adopted a team-first mentality, emphasizing defensive intensity, ball movement, and an egalitarian approach to offense. The Pacers have a solid mix of young talent and veteran leadership, with players like Tyrese Haliburton, Myles Turner, and Benedict Mathurin leading the charge. What stands out most about the Pacers, however, is the way they’ve embraced the idea that hard work and a commitment to playing the game the right way can be just as important as sheer talent.
For Carlisle, this philosophy is rooted in his coaching beliefs, which emphasize a team-oriented approach to the game. Carlisle has long been known for his ability to get the most out of his players, and in the 2020s NBA, that means building a system that values contributions from every player on the roster. While individual talent is still important, Carlisle believes that the focus on teamwork, toughness, and effort is what will ultimately define successful teams in the modern era.
This evolution is also reflected in the way NBA teams approach roster construction. In the past, teams were often content to build around a small group of star players and fill out the rest of the roster with complementary pieces. The thinking was simple: as long as the star players could carry the team, the supporting cast didn’t need to be as strong. But the current trend shows that depth is now king. Teams are increasingly opting for players who are versatile, can contribute on both ends of the floor, and are willing to accept roles that may not always result in individual accolades.
The 2025 NBA Finals, which pits the Pacers against the Thunder, is a perfect reflection of this new model. Both teams have been able to thrive without relying on a single superstar. Instead, their success has come from the collective effort of an entire roster working in harmony. In the Finals, this approach has been on full display, as both teams have showcased their depth, versatility, and unselfish ball movement.
For the Pacers, the series has been a chance to show the world that their style of play is not just a trend, but a legitimate path to success. Tyrese Haliburton, who has emerged as one of the league’s most complete point guards, has been the engine that drives the offense, but he’s been far from the only player making an impact. Myles Turner has anchored the defense with his shot-blocking ability, while Benedict Mathurin and Aaron Nesmith have provided scoring and energy off the bench. Even role players like Jalen Smith and Andrew Nembhard have stepped up in big moments, underscoring the depth that makes the Pacers so difficult to match up with.
The Thunder, meanwhile, have used their youth and athleticism to their advantage, forcing the pace and creating turnovers that lead to easy baskets. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander continues to be the team’s primary scorer, but his ability to distribute the ball and get his teammates involved has been a key factor in their success. The Thunder’s supporting cast, including Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren, have been invaluable, each contributing in different ways to the team’s success. Like the Pacers, the Thunder’s strength lies in their depth, and they’ve been able to wear down opponents with waves of fresh legs and players who can execute the team’s system.
As the series progresses, it’s clear that the new-era NBA is alive and well. The Pacers and Thunder are not only deep teams, but they are also committed to playing the game the right way: moving the ball, defending hard, and getting contributions from everyone. This is a stark contrast to the days when a team’s success was measured by how many superstars it could gather and how much individual talent could dominate the game.
The shift in the NBA is also a response to the changing nature of basketball itself. The 2020s have seen the game evolve in terms of style, strategy, and player development. The three-point revolution that began in the 2010s is now in full swing, and teams are no longer just looking for players who can score. Instead, they’re seeking players who can shoot, pass, defend, and rebound—all while fitting seamlessly into a team-oriented system. It’s no longer about building a roster around a few transcendent stars; it’s about building a cohesive unit that can compete on both ends of the floor, with everyone contributing.
For fans, this new style of play has been a breath of fresh air. While star power will always be a major part of the NBA, the emphasis on teamwork and depth has made the league more unpredictable and exciting. In the 2025 Finals, fans are witnessing the culmination of this new approach. The Pacers and Thunder are two teams that have embraced the idea that playing hard and playing together is more important than individual accolades. Whether the Pacers or the Thunder come out on top, one thing is clear: this new era of the NBA, where hard work and team-oriented basketball are paramount, is here to stay.
