| Basic Basketball positions |
|---|
| Point guard |
| Shooting guard |
| Small forward |
| Power forward |
| Center |
| Additional positions |
| Swingman |
| Point forward |
| Tweener |
| Forward-center |
Point Guard (PG), also known as the one or "the ball-handler", is one of the five traditional positions of a basketball team. Typically, being quicker and shorter than even a shooting guard, the more speed a point guard has, the more likely he/she will be able to create separation and space off the dribble, which allows the guard room to work. While a shooting guard's primary responsibility is to score points through perimeter shooting, a true point guard's job is to create scoring opportunities for his/her team. He/she does this by passing, setting up plays on the court, getting knowledge of the game and skill. The point guard usually exert a leadership role on the floor similar to that of a quarterback in American football. After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this reason, passing skills, ball handling, and court vision are pivotal. Point guards are often evaluated more on their assist totals than on their scoring. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reasonably effective jump shot. A point guard is normally the shortest player in the team, typically standing between 6 ft (1.83m) and 6 ft 4 in (1.94m). The shortest player ever to play in the NBA is Muggsy Bogues at 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m). Other short players have thrived at the pro level. Spud Webb was just 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) tall, but had a 42-inch (1.07 m) vertical leap, giving him significant height when jumping. The shortest player in the NBA today is Earl Boykins at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m). While shorter players are often not very good at defending against shooting, their ability to navigate quickly through crowded areas of the court and steal the ball by reaching low are strengths. Point guards are not always the shortest players on the floor, however, as some taller players have enjoyed success at the position, most notable Magic Johnson who is considered by many to be one of the best point guards of all time despite standing 6-9. Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway is another player, who at 6-7, was a top point guard early in his career. Other point guards who are considered to be the best ever to play the position are John Stockton, Steve Nash, Isiah Thomas, Jason Kidd and Gary Payton among others.
Styles of play
Many times, the point guard is referred to by announcers as a "coach on the field" or a "floor general". In the past, this was particularly true, as several point guards such as Lenny Wilkens served their team as a player-coach. This is not as common anymore, as most coaches choose to call out the plays they wish to have run.
List of point guards
- See also: Category:Point guards
Notable point guards:
