You may be new to watching basketball, or even playing it, and are wondering what the significance of each position is. Do positions even matter in basketball?
The answer to this question is yes, positions do matter in basketball. However, as the game has an evolved, different positions have become less defined, and some players are able to take on multiple positions during a game if needed. However, there are still specific roles and responsibilities that each position is responsible for.
One example of this would be Lebron James. His position is Small Forward, but he often plays point guard, and also even plays centre sometimes as well.
What Is Each Position Is Responsible For In Basketball?
Point Guard
Let’s start out with the point guard position, which is responsible for handling the ball and making plays that lead to scoring opportunities (whether it’s themselves scoring or other players). This position also needs to be able to distribute the ball effectively, as this player is often tasked with setting up teammates for shots. Over time, point guards have moved from being primarily passers, to being able to score just as well as anyone else on the court.
Shooting Guard
The shooting guard is responsible for putting up points and scoring opportunities. This player needs to be able to handle the ball as well, but their primary focus is on making baskets. Shooting guards usually have a good mix of outside and inside game, which allows them to be effective offensively.
Small Forward
The small forward position is known as one of the most versatile positions in basketball. This player needs to have a ton of offensive and defensive skills, which allows them to play multiple roles on the court. They’re pretty much a larger version of a shoot guard. However, shooting guards are known for more of their shooting ability in most cases, and small forwards are usually better overall athletes and can get to the rim a bit easier.
This position has a lot of great players that thrive on the offensive and defensive end including Lebron James, Kawhi Leonard, Kevin Durant, and more.
Power Forward
Next up is the power forward position. This player is typically responsible for setting up screens to allow the team’s offensive players to get open, as well as defending the paint and rebounding on both ends of the floor. Power forwards are usually pretty strong and athletic, which helps them both offensively and defensively.
Center
Last but not least is the centre position, which is responsible for protecting the paint on both ends of the court. This is often one of the tallest players on the team, and they need to be able to rebound effectively, as well as block shots from opponents both offensively and defensively. Over time, the center position has evolved by being able to handle the ball a little bit better as well as shoot from the outside, which makes them more versatile.
What Are Players Responsible For Regardless Of Their Position?
As you can see, each player plays their own role, and each position is vital to the success of the team. However, there are things that every single player needs to do in order to help their team win. Those things include:
Defending
Whether you’re a Point guard or Center, you need to be able to defend. Each players defensive roles may be different, however, in order to play winning basketball, they have to play that role effectively.
Communication
The point guard is often looked at as the leader. Chris Paul is known for his leadership skills just as much as anyone. However, in order to be successful as a team, each player needs to be able to communicate effectively to make sure everyone is on the same page.
Rebounding (boxing out)
Although rebounding is looked at as a big man thing. It’s important for guards to get involved and do their part when it comes to rebounding as well. If you don’t box your man out, they could come out of no where and out hustle your big man for a rebound.
What Is The Most Important Position In Basketball?
Over time the importance of positions have changed. You may argue that the center position in the 80’s and 90’s was the most important. However, you could make the argument that without the Point Guard, centers wouldn’t be able to get the ball up the floor affectively. This is why each position matters equally.
You could look at the example of Kobe and Shaq, who 3-peated together in the early 2000’s. Shaq was as dominant as ever, but if it wasn’t for Kobe’s presence, would he have been AS dominant? We don’t know for sure, but likely not.
When you look at the Golden State Warriors, their team wouldn’t of been the same without all three players and their respective positions.
So as time goes on, positions may change slightly, but each position will always play an integral role when it comes to winning basketball games.
Why Do Positions Matter a Little Bit Less As Time Goes On?
Over time, positions have began to matter a little bit less. Having players like Kevin Durant, who is 7 foot but could handle the ball like a point guard, and be a dominant shooter, makes it tough to define his actual position.
Same thing when it comes to Steph Curry. He’s labeled as a point guard, but plays almost a hybrid role between point guard and Shooting guard.
On top of that, Centers are becoming much better shooters and ball handlers, which puts less of a focus on their size, and more of a focus on their skill set.
One player to take a look at, that very well may be the future of basketball is Victor Wembanyama, who is 7’5″ with shoes on and can handle the ball like a guard!
Conclusion
I hope this blog post gave you a little bit more of an understand as to what positions mean in basketball. As time goes on, the definition of each position may change a little bit. If you want to see more similar blog posts, take a look at the tags below:
