Guard

Point guard
Main article: Point guardThe point guard, also known as the "1", is typically the team's best ball handler and passer. The point guard is a position equivalent to that of a playmaking midfielder in soccer, setter in volleyball, a quarterback inAmerican football, or a center in ice hockey, where they are often responsible for directing plays and passing the ball. This lends the player a role similar to a captain, as good point guards increase team efficiency and generally have a high number of assists. Some of the prototypical point guards in the NBA's recent years include Derrick Rose for the Chicago Bulls, Jason Kidd for the Dallas Mavericks, Steve Nash for the Phoenix Suns. Other examples include Chauncey Billups, Russell Westbrook, Rajon Rondo, Chris Paul, Stephen Curry, Deron Williams, and Jeremy Lin. Examples of players earlier in the league's history are Magic Johnson, Bob Cousy, and John Stockton. The point guard is typically the smallest player on his/her squad. At the NBA level, most point guards are 6 feet (1.83 m) to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m). In Europe, point guards' height ranges from 5 feet 11 inches (1.80 m) to 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m), with a few exceptions.

Notable exceptions include Earvin "Magic" Johnson (RETIRED) of the Lakers, who was the NBA's tallest point guard ever to play the position, at 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 m). Penny Hardaway and Shaun Livingston, both at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m), also played the position. In comparison, the shortest players include Nate Robinson at 5 feet 9 inches (1.75 m) Muggsy Bogues at 5 feet 3 inches (1.60 m) and Earl Boykins at 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m) Also Spud Webb at 5 feet 7 inches (1.70 m) who played with the Hawks.

[edit]Shooting guard
Main article: Shooting guardThe shooting guard, also known as the "2", is usually the team's best shooter, and typically is able to consistently hit long range shots (of 20 feet or more). Besides being able to shoot the ball, shooting guards tend to have good ball-handling skills and the ability to drive the ball to the net, often creating their own shots off the dribble. A versatile shooting guard will have good passing skills, allowing them to assume point guard responsibilities. Typical NBA shooting guards are 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 m) to 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Typical European shooting guards are 6 feet 2.5 inches (1.89 m) to 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) in height. However, there are exceptions. For instance, Allen Iverson who played shooting guard, is only 6 feet (1.83 m) tall and therefore was often required to play point guard. Examples of this position are Michael Jordan,Ray Allen, Reggie Miller, Dwyane Wade, Manu Ginóbili, Monta Ellis, Joe Johnson and Kobe Bryant.