I actually think position numbers do create a good shortcut for describing the positioning and roles played by players on specific plays both offensively and defensively, and as a general description of a players skill set or usage on a particular team. If rigidly applied they are not helpful, but ...
Does anybody thing calling Sylvia Fowles or Dolson a '5' doesn't describe her game fairly accurately or saying that Moriah and Sue are '1's, or Dupree is a '4'.
This year for Uconn:
Moriah = 1
Kia = 2
Butler = 5
Stewart = 4 and sometimes 3
Morgan = 4 or 5 and sometimes 3
Williams = 3 and sometimes 4
etc.
Does anybody not read that and recognize the kind of offensive and defensive utilization we expect to see this year? Will Kia sometime take over ball handling and when Moriah isn't on the floor perhaps become more of a 1 than a 2 - sure, but really only when the 5 players on the floor change or because of something specific happening defensively by the opponent.
Are some players more flexible than others in the way they can be utilized, of course. Tina is a classic 5 until she plays with Sylvia where because she is more flexible than Sylvia she becomes a 4. Stewart can shift from 4 to 3 easily, but you don't really want her at the 5 or 2 though in a pinch she will do it. Maya - 4 through 2, though she will struggle defensively against a good fast perimeter player.
Is any of that not accurate in conveying the players skills, and is it not easier than describing in detail where each player is most comfortable/effective on the court
