Defenses harden and isolation is fading as the NBA tilts toward ball movement, pace, and floor-spreading shooting. Celtics, Pacers, and OKC show how cutting, movement, and shared scoring unlocks offenses that torched defenses this season. Even Lakers-style heavy big-three rosters like Suns, Nets, and Clippers paid a playoff price when isolation carried too much weight. Raptors glimpse a future built on chemistry and multi-weapon scoring, not one star.

For fantasy, the shift favors versatile shooters and playmakers who can contribute off the ball. Target players who thrive in off-ball movement, catch-and-shoot opportunities, and rapid ball-sharing—less reliant on individual isolations and more on team-driven offense and pace.