Point guard

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.

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.

Other NBA point guards with wins include Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, Allen Iverson, Derrick Rose, and Russell Westbrook.

At 5 ft 3 in (1.60 m) the shortest player in NBA history, Muggsy Bogues played 889 games in a 14-year career as a point guard.

Speed is important; a speedy point guard is better able to create separation and space off the dribble, giving themselves room to work.

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.

Some point guards have great leeway in the offense though they are still extensions of their coach on the floor and must display good leadership skills.

A point guard with enough ball-handling skill and quickness to drive to the basket in a half-court set is also very valuable and considered by some to be a must for a successful offense.

Notably, several modern point guards have used a successful style of post-play, a tactic usually practiced by much larger centers and forwards.

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.