Point guard - Definition and Overview

Point guard is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The point guard is normally the smallest player on the team and has perhaps the most specialized role of any position. Essentially, the point guard is expected to run the team's offense, by controlling the ball and making sure that it gets to the right players at the right time. After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this position, passing skills and court vision are essential. Great point guards are often measured more by their assist totals than by their scoring. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reliably effective jumpshot and should be a scoring threat from long distance.

High-profile point guards currently playing include Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Steve Nash, Stephon Marbury, Baron Davis, Allen Iverson, and Steve Francis. Great point guards of the past include Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and John Stockton. Another great guard of the past, Oscar Robertson, combined the skills of a point guard and a small forward, foreshadowing the modern role of the point forward.