[5][6][7] Assuming the role of point forward may cut down on that player's scoring, as distributing the ball to others decreases shot attempts.
[9][10] Don Nelson, a coach often associated with the point forward in his Nellie Ball system,[11] used the role when his guards were not strong ball-handlers.
[1] Other coaches have used point forwards to free their guards to score more,[11] a strategy of increasing importance as the three-point shot has become the sport's primary offensive weapon.
ESPN analyst Dave Telep maintained a point forward needed to be more than merely an adept passer but also had to facilitate the offense for teammates at least half of the time.
[13] Also, starting with the 1973-74 season, the Golden State Warriors used 6'8" Rick Barry quite often to facilitate the offense alongside such guards as Butch Beard, Jeff Mullins and Phil Smith.