In basketball , there are five players on court per team, each assigned to positions . Historically, these players have been assigned to positions defined by the role they play on the court, from a strategic point of view. The three main positions are guard, forward, and center, with the standard team featuring two guards, two forwards, and a center. Over time, as more specialized roles developed, each of the guards and forwards came to be differentiated, and today each of the five positions is known by a unique name and number: point guard (PG) or 1, the shooting guard (SG) or 2, the small forward (SF) or 3, the power forward (PF) or 4, and the center (C) or 5 "post position".
58-401: The point guard ( PG ), also called the one or the point , is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position and is usually the shortest player on the court. Point guards are expected to run the team's offense by controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right player at the right time. Above all,
116-427: A center can also be classified as power forwards, dominate opponents with their defensive skills, and switch things up and shoot from the high post. This has been due to the scarcity of players possessing great skill, ideal height, and durability. The development of more fast-paced and athletic basketball play, which calls for less traditional center play and a more up-and-down-the-court play style, has also contributed to
174-586: A great passer, particularly from the high or low post areas via post-split action. Giannis Antetokounmpo or Dirk Nowitzki are notable examples of power forwards in the NBA. In the WNBA, some notable examples of power forwards are Breanna Stewart , Nneka Ogwumike , and Tina Charles . Instead of a physical power forward, the stretch four is known primarily for shooting three-pointers and midrange jump shots instead of post play. The stretch four could also be very useful as
232-474: A little bit of everything on the court, typically playing roles such as swingmen and defensive specialists. A small forward under 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) might play the shooting guard position some of the time while a small forward taller than 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) might play power forward some of the time. In the NBA, small forwards usually range from 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) to 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m). Larry Bird and LeBron James are usually regarded as 2 of
290-437: A pick-and-pop screener, especially against the drop coverage defensive technique. For example, if stretch four pops to the perimeter after setting a screen, then their defender will most likely not have enough time to close and contest the potential open jump shot if the defender executes drop coverage. Even if the power forward cannot shoot, being a screener can also set up a mismatch for them or their teammates to try to score on
348-623: A player with the Portland Trail Blazers , he was a player-coach . He retired from playing in 1975 and was the full-time coach of the Trail Blazers for one more season. After a season off from coaching, he again became coach of the SuperSonics when he replaced Bob Hopkins who was fired 22 games into the 1977–78 season after a dismal 5–17 start. The SuperSonics won 11 of their first 12 games under Wilkens and made
406-425: A point guard as a coach on the floor, who can handle and distribute the ball to teammates. This typically involves setting up plays on the court, getting the ball to the teammate in the best position to score and controlling the tempo of the game. Generally, a point guard should always look out for teammates and have the ability to pass well. A point guard should know when and how to instigate a fast break and initiate
464-522: Is also a common skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line. Besides being able to drive to the basket, they are also good shooters from long range. They are the second-best 3-point shooters on the court along with the shooting guard and usually when remaining stationary, they linger just inside the 3-point line. Some small forwards have good passing skills, allowing them to assume point guard responsibilities as point forwards. Small forwards should be able to do
522-527: Is also the most prolific coach in NBA history, at 2,487 regular-season games, 89 more games than Nelson, and over 400 more than any other coach, and has more losses than any other coach in NBA history, at 1,155. Leonard Randolph Wilkens was born on October 28, 1937, in Brooklyn, New York . Wilkens grew up in the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. His father was African American and his mother
580-452: Is crucial because of their leadership obligations. Announcers often refer to the point guard as a "coach on the floor" or a "floor general." These nicknames were particularly true in the past, as several point guards, such as Lenny Wilkens , served their teams as player-coaches. This practice is rare now, as most coaches specialize in their role. Some point guards have great leeway in the offense though they are still extensions of their coach on
638-535: Is exceptionally good at defense; their goal is to preclude the opposing point guard from scoring. A defensive point guard will try to accomplish this with constant pressure on the ball, making it difficult to maintain possession. A defensive point guard will also pressure opponents in passing lanes to generate steals and scoring opportunities for their team. Current NBA point guards known for their defensive prowess include Jrue Holiday , Mike Conley Jr. , Marcus Smart , and Chris Paul . Basketball positions In
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#1732790619817696-520: Is of great importance. If teammates do not know when or where a player will be open, they won't be able to deliver the ball when an opportunity presents itself. Most of these skills depend on whether the shooting guard is a good shooter, a finisher around the rim, a defender, or different combinations of these. Some stand-out shooting guards in the WNBA include Diana Taurasi and Seimone Augustus . Examples of NBA shooting guards are given below. Throughout
754-504: Is to create possessions, and, therefore, opportunities to score, by rebounding and trying to stop the other team from scoring in the paint. Because of a center's central role in defense, "shots blocked" is an exciting stat that they, and sometimes other positions, bring to the game. In the past, players who played the center position were relatively slow and hung out at the basket but were much taller than every other player. Today, however, that generality has changed; now, players who play as
812-719: The Atlanta Hawks from 1993 to 2000 . Wilkens coached the Toronto Raptors from 2000 to 2003 . The Hall of Famer was named head coach of the New York Knicks on January 15, 2004. After the Knicks' slow start to the 2004–05 season, Wilkens resigned from the team on January 22, 2005. On November 29, 2006, he was hired as vice chairman of the Seattle SuperSonics ' ownership group, and
870-461: The NBA , point guards generally range from 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) to 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) whereas in the WNBA , point guards are usually 5 ft 9 in (1.75 m) or shorter. Having above-average size (height, muscle) is considered advantageous, although size is secondary to situational awareness, speed, quickness and ball-handling skills. At 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m)
928-414: The NBA , power forwards usually range from 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) to 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m). The power forward is essentially a bigger and stronger version of the small forward but not generally as tall or as long as the center. Generally speaking, the power forward is usually good at rebounding and in some instances, a power forward with a high basketball IQ could also be
986-577: The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame , first in 1989 as a player, as a coach in 1998, and in 2010 as part of the 1992 United States Olympic "Dream Team" for which he was an assistant coach. In 1996, Wilkens was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team , and in 2021 he was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team . In addition, in 2022 he was also named to the list of the 15 Greatest Coaches in NBA History , being
1044-482: The three , is considered to be the most versatile of the main five basketball positions. Versatility is key for small forwards due to the nature of their role, which resembles that of a shooting guard more often than that of a power forward. This is why the small forward and shooting guard positions are often used interchangeably and referred to as wings. This position is like the "Swiss army knife" because they can do just about everything, from scoring, rebounding, handling
1102-629: The St. Louis Hawks, who lost the finals to the Boston Celtics in his rookie season. The Hawks made the playoffs consistently with Wilkens but never again reached the finals. Wilkens placed second to Wilt Chamberlain in the 1967–1968 MVP balloting, his last with the Hawks. Wilkens was traded to the Seattle SuperSonics for Walt Hazzard and spent four seasons there. He averaged 22.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game in his first season for
1160-473: The SuperSonics, and was an All-Star in three of his seasons for them. He was named head coach in his second season with the team. Although the SuperSonics did not reach the playoffs while Wilkens simultaneously coached and started at point guard, their record improved each season and they won 47 games during the 1971–72 NBA season . Wilkens was dealt to the Cleveland Cavaliers before the start of
1218-473: The ability to shoot from three-point or mid-range distance. This type of point guard could also score around the basket with floaters, acrobatic layups or dunks. Stephen Curry (NBA) and Damian Lillard (NBA) are some examples of a scoring point guard. A facilitator-type point guard often has a high basketball IQ, or intuitive understanding of the game, and can see plays happening before they occur. In addition, these types of point guards are typically masters of
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#17327906198171276-424: The ability to shoot from the perimeter while limiting the scoring opportunities of the other team's best perimeter player can be referred to as the 3-and-D type of players. Danny Green is an example of a 3-and-D type of shooting guard. These are known as defensive guards. In the NBA, a shooting guard is generally between 6 feet 2 inches (1.88 m) to 6 feet 7 inches (2 m). The small forward (SF), also known as
1334-408: The all time NBA record for assists. Another major evaluation factor is the assist-to- turnover ratio, which reflects the decision-making skills of the player. Given the evolved nature of basketball in the modern day, a first-rate point guard is also required to have a reasonably effective jump shot . The point guard is positioned on the perimeter of the play to have the best view of the action, which
1392-408: The ball, as this type of controlling style of play is necessary to maintain the tempo of a game. Scoring point guards typically look to score first, thus preventing teammates from getting the ball and excluding them from the offense. Even so, combo guards still require above-average passing skills, but not as much as "pure" point guards (in the traditional sense). A defensive point guard is someone who
1450-401: The ball, passing, and the ability to defend, if they are a skilled small forward. They are similar to all-rounders in cricket. Small forwards have a variety of assets, such as quickness and strength inside. A common thread among small forwards is an ability to "get to the line" and draw fouls by aggressively attempting (posting-up) plays, layups, or slam dunks. As such, accurate foul shooting
1508-399: The basket in a half-court set is also very valuable and considered by some to be a must for a successful offense. After ball-handling, the most important areas of the game for a point guard are passing and scoring. As the primary decision-maker for a team, a point guard's passing ability determines how well a point guard can put their decision into play. It is one thing to be able to recognize
1566-512: The basket that include being able to utilize the drop step, spin move and fade-away jump shot. In recent years, the sport's shift from a fundamental style of play to a more athletic, scoring-oriented game resulted in the proliferation of so-called combo guards at the point guard position. More explosive and athletic point guards focus on scoring instead of play-making, forgoing assists, ball movement and often defense for higher scoring numbers. Young players who are relatively short are now developing
1624-427: The basket. Power forwards are also very crafty and have to be versatile on both offense and defense, but not as much as a small forward. Power forwards usually have good footwork in the paint and can force players into bad shots or blocking shots when guarding the paint. Some power forwards have become known as stretch fours , since extending their shooting range to three-pointers . On defense, they are required to have
1682-400: The best players to ever play at the small forward spot in the NBA. The power forward (PF), also known as the four , often plays a role similar to that of the center , down in the "post" or "low blocks". The power forward is often the team's most powerful and dependable scorer, being able to score close to the basket while also being able to shoot mid-range jump shots from 10 to 15 feet from
1740-666: The early times of the sport, there was a "running guard" who brought the ball up the court and passed or attacked the basket, like a point or combo guard . There was also a "stationary guard" who made long shots and hung back on defense effectively cherry picking before there was the rule of backcourt violations. The point guard (PG), also known as the one , is typically the team's shortest player and best ball handler and passer. They usually are very fast and are good at driving and short-range shots. Therefore, they often lead their team in assists and are able to create shots for themselves and their teammates. They are able to hit shots outside
1798-477: The evolution of the game, there have been different types of shooting guards, mainly categorized as offensive threats and defensive guards. Shooting guards usually know their play style and get better at the qualities they are good at and then teams determine their role on the court. If the shooting guard focuses more on taking perimeter jump shots, especially three-pointers, by the use of basketball screens such as down screens, and without much dribbling involved, then
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1856-480: The floor and must display good leadership skills. Along with leadership and general basketball acumen, ball-handling is an important skill for a point guard. Generally speaking, the point guard is often the player in possession of the ball and is responsible for maintaining its possession. Point guards must be able to maintain possession of the ball in crowded spaces and be able to advance it quickly. A point guard with enough ball-handling skill and quickness to drive to
1914-436: The game for their teammates. If it becomes too easy to score from the low post, the center will get double-teamed. This creates an opportunity for open shots by perimeter players as the center will "kick it out", or pass it, to an open perimeter or "wing" player. As perimeter players typically shoot better from long range, this, in turn, may create easier opportunities for a center to score, since defenses often play out closer to
1972-407: The game of basketball that are very different from the other four positions on the court. While the other 4 positions are mainly focused on putting the ball in the hoop, the point guard must have a different, more team focused mentality. There are usually two types of point guards: a scoring point guard (also known as a lead guard) and a facilitator-type point guard. A scoring point guard regularly has
2030-495: The half court set offense, and they typically know the correct spots for each player on the court. Another name for this type of player could be 'Coach on the Floor'. Chris Paul (NBA) and Chelsea Gray (WNBA) are examples of a facilitator-type point guard. The shooting guard (SG)—also known as the two or the off guard—is, along with the small forward, often referred to as a wing because of its use in common positioning tactics. As
2088-510: The head coach of the 1996 U.S. men's basketball team. During the 1994–95 season, Wilkens set the record for most regular season coaching wins in NBA history, a record he held when he retired with 1,332 victories. As of February 2022 , he is in third place on the list , behind Don Nelson and Gregg Popovich . Wilkens won the Chuck Daly Lifetime Achievement Award for the 2010–11 NBA season . Wilkens
2146-438: The key but a majority are inside the 3-point line or layups, largely depending on the player's skill level. Good point guards increase team efficiency and generally have a high number of assists . They are often referred to as dribblers or playmakers. In the NBA , point guards are mostly between 5 feet 10 inches (1.78 m) and 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). Point guards are required to do many things in
2204-586: The league MVP twice. Other NBA point guards with wins include Bob Cousy , Oscar Robertson , Allen Iverson , Derrick Rose , and Russell Westbrook . Since 1969, Johnson and Curry are the only point guards to win the NBA MVP, Finals MVP and All-Star Game MVP awards in their careers. Notable point guards of the WNBA include five-time champion Sue Bird , her Olympic teammate Diana Taurasi (the only two basketball players of either gender to earn five Olympic gold medals for basketball) and Courtney Vandersloot . In
2262-445: The league in assists in the 1969–70 season , and at the time of his retirement was the NBA's second all-time leader in that category, behind only Oscar Robertson . In 2021, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary The Athletic ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named Wilkens as the 75th greatest player in NBA history. Wilkens was a player-coach for the Seattle SuperSonics from 1969 to 1972 . In his one season as
2320-555: The more deliberate sets. Point guards are expected to be vocal floor leaders, with situational awareness of the shot clock and game clock times, the score, the number of remaining timeouts for both teams and more. Magic Johnson won the National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award (MVP) three times in his career, the most for a point guard in NBA history. Stephen Curry and Steve Nash have each been named
2378-410: The name suggests, most shooting guards are prolific from three-point range and long mid-range. Before they can get the ball to make the shot, they must work to stay free while others pass the ball around. Their ability to correctly space the floor and find open space for themselves is a key aspect of this position. Just like all positions in basketball, the ability to communicate efficiently with teammates
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2436-407: The next season in a highly unpopular trade, and the SuperSonics fell to 26–56 without his leadership on the court. Wilkens played two seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers . Wilkens played one season with the Portland Trail Blazers . Wilkens scored 17,772 points during the regular season, was a nine-time NBA All-Star, and was named the 1971 NBA All-Star Game MVP in 1971 . With Seattle, he led
2494-555: The only person to be in both NBA 75th season celebration list as player and coach. He is also a 2006 inductee into the College Basketball Hall of Fame . Wilkens made a combined 13-time NBA All-Star Game appearances as a player (nine times) and as a head coach (four times), was the 1993 NBA Coach of the Year , won the 1979 NBA championship as the head coach of the Seattle SuperSonics , and an Olympic gold medal as
2552-522: The other team's big man if they switch. The center (C)— also known as the five , the pivot, or the big; typically plays near the baseline or close to the basket (the "low post"). They are usually the tallest players on the floor. Centers usually score "down low", or "in the paint" (near the basket, in the key), but there have been many centers who are good perimeter shooters as well. They are typically skilled at pulling down rebounds, contesting shots, and setting screens on players. The goal of centers
2610-562: The perimeter shooters. There are also positions such as the shooting forward, point forward, small guard, and, power guard. The people who are in these positions are all powerful and skilled but play like two different positions in one time. Lenny Wilkens As coach: Leonard Randolph Wilkens (born October 28, 1937) is an American former basketball player and coach in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He has been inducted three times into
2668-482: The player that is in a tactically advantageous position. Still, it is another thing entirely to be able to deliver the ball to that player. For this reason, a point guard is usually, but not always, more skilled and focused on passing than shooting. However, a good jump shot and the ability to score off a drive to the basket are still valuable skills. Point guards often use their scoring ability to augment their effectiveness as decision-makers and playmakers. In addition to
2726-567: The playoffs in back-to-back years, losing in seven games to the Washington Bullets in the 1978 NBA Finals before returning to the 1979 NBA Finals and defeating the Washington Bullets in five games for their only NBA title. He coached in Seattle for eight seasons ( 1977 – 1985 ), winning his (and Seattle's) only NBA championship in 1979 . Wilkens would go on to coach the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1986 to 1993 . Wilkens coached
2784-486: The point guard must understand and accept their coach's game plan; in this way, the position can be compared to the position of quarterback in gridiron football . They must also be able to adapt to what the defense is allowing and must control the pace of the game. A point guard specializes in certain skills, like other player positions in basketball. Their primary job is to facilitate scoring opportunities for their team, or sometimes for themselves. Lee Rose has described
2842-440: The rim. However, they also took their fair share of mid-range jump shots and three-pointers. These are known as offensive threats. If the shooting guard's main priority is to limit or prevent the opposing team's star player (which is usually another shooting guard or other perimeter player), then the shooting guard could be known as a defensive specialist. Tony Allen would be considered a defensive specialist. Shooting guards with
2900-416: The scoring aspects of their skill sets, whereas previously, these players would find it difficult to enter the NBA without true point guard skills. These combo point guards can surprise defenses. Instead of passing after bringing up the ball, they quickly drive to the basket or step back for an outside shot. There are some disadvantages to this style of play. A point guard often controls the offense and who gets
2958-561: The second-ranked scorer in Friar history (he has since dropped to 20th as of 2005). In 1996, Wilkens' No. 14 jersey was retired by the college, the first alumnus to receive such an honor. In honor of his collegiate accomplishments, Wilkens was one of the inaugural inductees into the College Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. Wilkens was drafted sixth overall by the St. Louis Hawks in the 1960 NBA draft . He began his career with eight seasons with
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#17327906198173016-444: The shift over time. In the NBA, they are usually over 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) tall. Some current, notable NBA centers include Nikola Jokic , Joel Embiid , Anthony Davis , and Rudy Gobert . The presence of a center who can score in the low post (the area closest to the basket) helps to create balance within an offense. Especially if the big man has the footwork to do moves like drop steps, pivots, etc. it can open up
3074-458: The shooting guard is typically known as a catch-and-shoot type of player; Devin Booker would fit this type of play style. If the shooting guard emphasizes driving into the lane and scoring at (or around) the basket, then the shooting guard is generally referred to as a slasher type of player. Dwyane Wade and Michael Jordan were well known for their ability to slash into the lane and score around
3132-533: The shortest player in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues played 889 games in a 14-year career as a point guard. After the opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down the court to begin an offensive play. Passing skills, ball handling and court vision are crucial. Speed is important; a speedy point guard is better able to create separation and space off the dribble, giving themselves room to work. Point guards are often valued more for their assist totals than for their scoring. John Stockton holds
3190-495: The strength to guard bigger players close to the basket and to have the athleticism to guard quick players away from the basket. Most power forwards tend to be more versatile than centers since they can be part of plays and are not always in the low block. A tall power forward over 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) can be a forward-center, playing PF and C. A smaller power forward, approximately 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), can play combo forward, playing SF part-time. In
3248-403: The traditional role of the point guard, modern teams have found new ways to utilize the position. Notably, several modern point guards have used a successful style of post-play, a tactic usually practiced by much larger centers and forwards. Exploiting the fact that the opposing point guard is often an undersized player with limited strength, several modern point guards have developed games close to
3306-545: Was Irish American . Wilkens was raised in the Catholic faith. At Boys High School , Wilkens was a basketball teammate of longtime Major League Baseball star Tommy Davis , and played for coach Mickey Fisher . Wilkens was a two-time All-America (1959 and 1960) at Providence College . He led the team to their first NIT appearance in 1959 , and to the NIT finals in 1960 . When he graduated, Wilkens was, with 1,193 points,
3364-525: Was later named the Sonics' President of Basketball Operations on April 27, 2007. On July 6, 2007, Wilkens resigned from the Sonics organization. Wilkens later worked at Northwest FSN Studio as a college basketball analyst and occasionally appears on College Hoops Northwest at game nights. Since 1962, Wilkens has been married to Marilyn Reed; they have three children, Leesha, Randy and Jamee. The Wilkens have seven grandchildren, six girls and one boy. Wilkens
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