Basketball positions

Historically, these players have been assigned to positions defined by the role they play on the basketball court, from a strategic point of view.

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.

[1] The point guard (PG),[2] also known as the one, is typically the team's shortest player and best ball handler and passer.

They are able to hit shots outside the key but a majority are inside the 3-point line or layups, largely depending on the player's skill level.

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.

[7] 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 the shooting guard is typically known as a catch-and-shoot type of player; Devin Booker would fit this type of play style.

This position is like the "Swiss army knife" because they can do just about everything, from scoring, rebounding, handling the ball, passing, and the ability to defend, if they are a skilled small forward.

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.

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.

Larry Bird and LeBron James are usually regarded as two of the best players to ever play at the small forward spot in the NBA.

[9][10] 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".

[6] In the WNBA, some notable examples of power forwards are Breanna Stewart, Nneka Ogwumike, and Tina Charles.

[13] Instead of a physical power forward, the stretch four is known primarily for shooting three-pointers and midrange jump shots instead of post play.

[6] 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 the other team's big man if they switch.

[14] 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.

Today, however, that generality has changed; now, players who play as 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.

[15] Some current, notable NBA centers include Nikola Jokić, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, and Rudy Gobert.

[16] 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.