Shooting guard - Definition and Overview

The shooting guard, or colloquially the "two-guard", is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Shooting guards are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. They are often the best jump-shooting players in the game, but will also drive to the basket on occasion. Many shooting guards can also play small forward; those who switch between the two positions are called "swingmen" or "wings". The optimum NBA size for a shooting guard ranges from 6'4" to 6'8" (1.93 m to 2.03 m). Michael Jordan, one of the best-known basketball players in history, was a shooting guard, and helped define the role of the modern position. Other famous shooting guards of the past include Clyde Drexler, Jerry West, Walt Frazier and John Havlicek. Notable shooting guards who are currently active include Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, and Paul Pierce.