Forward

Small forward
Main article: Small forwardThe small forward, also known as the "3", is typically somewhat shorter, quicker and leaner than power forwards and centers. Thus, in the NBA, small forwards range from 6 feet 6 inches (1.96 m) to 6 feet 9 inches (2.11 m). European small forward height ranges from 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) to 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m). The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role, which is sometimes similar to that of a power forward, and other times more resembles the role of a shooting guard. The small forward and shooting guard positions are often interchangeable.

Small forwards have a variety of weapons, such as quickness and strength inside. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line" and draw fouls by aggressively attempting post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. As such, accurate foul shooting is a common skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line. Small forwards should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court, typically playing roles such as swingmen but also as point forwards and defensive specialists. Examples include LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Kevin Durantand Rudy Gay. Larry Bird and Scottie Pippen are examples of earlier players in the league's history for this position.

[edit]Power forward
Main article: Power forward (basketball)Also known as the "4" position and abbreviated as "PF", the power forward plays a role similar to that of the center, down in the "post" or "low blocks". On offense, they can "post up", (playing with their backs to the basket), or set up for mid-range jump shots. On defense, they play under the basket in a zone defense or against the opposing power forward in man-to-man defense.[1] Typical NBA power forwards are 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) to 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m) tall, and European power forwards are 6 feet 8 inches (2.03 m) to 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) tall, though some power forwards, like the 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m) Charles Barkley, have compensated for a lack of height with exceptional bulk, strength, and longer arms. The most renowned power forwards of all time include Bob Pettit, Tim Duncan, Victor Thiry also known as Boris Diaw Karl Malone, Dennis Rodman, and Kevin Garnett. Examples of today's power forwards include Garnett, Duncan, Amar'e Stoudemire, Pau Gasol, Blake Griffin, Dirk Nowitzki, and Chris Bosh. Power forwards with a three-point/long range shooting game are fairly rare, playing what is referred to as the European style of basketball. Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Love, Ryan Anderson,and Rashard Lewis specialize in this area.

[edit]Center
Main article: Center (basketball)The center, also referred to as the "5" or the "pivot", usually plays near the baseline, close to the basket (referred to as the "bottom of the key" or the "low post"). The tallest player is most likely to be assigned to the position of center, with typical NBA centers being about 7 feet (2.13 m) in height, though Chuck Hayes fills this role at 6 feet 6 inches (1.98 m), and NBA Hall of Fame Wes Unseld filled this role while being 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m). Few are much taller, like 7 feet 6 inches (2.29 m) Yao Ming. European centers tend to be over 6 feet 10 inches (2.08 m) tall, but very few are taller than 7 feet 0 inches (2.13 m). The center usually scores "down low, in the paint" (near the basket, in the key), but some, such as Mehmet Okur and Žydrūnas Ilgauskas can be good perimeter shooters, which can draw a good rebounding and skill to score close to the basket, as well as gathering rebounds, contesting shots and setting screens on plays.

The Center position has been traditionally considered one of, if not the, most important positions. Players such as Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, Shaquille O'Neal, Yao Ming, and Dwight Howard were all chosen with first overall picks due to the rarity of "franchise centers." The scope of the position has transitioned from relatively slower but much taller 'back to the basket' players such as Shaquille O'Neal to players who would normally be classified as power forwards but can dominate the position with their athletic prowess, defensive skills, or mismatch ability to shoot from the high post. This has been due to the lack of players possessing the combination of great skill, ideal height, and durability. This has been matched by the development of more fast-paced and athletic basketball play; the 'Run and Gun' offenses of coaches such as Mike D'Antoni call for less traditional center play and a more up-and-down the court style.

Dwight Howard, Marc Gasol, Tyson Chandler, Andrew Bogut, Andrew Bynum, and Joakim Noah are examples of current centers in the NBA, while Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Dikembe Mutombo, Shaquille O'Neal, Patrick Ewing, David Robinson, Arvydas Sabonis and Hakeem Olajuwon are considered among the all-time greats at the position.[2]