From Encyclopedia Jr, free information reference for Kids
Point guard (PG), also called the “one guard” or “lead guard“, is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. Point guards are often the smallest players on the court with a notable exception being Magic Johnson. A point guard 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. Above all, the point guard must totally understand and accept his coach's game plan. This means knowing when and how to instigate a fastbreak and when and how to initiate the more deliberate sets. [1]
[edit] Point guard characteristics
A point guard, like all player positions in basketball, has specific characteristics that are essential for them to help guide their team to a victory. The Basketball Handbook by Lee Rose describes a point guard as a coach on the floor, who can handle and distribute the ball to teammates. It also states that the more speed a point guard has, the more likely they will be able to create separation and space off the dribble, which allows the point guard room to work. Point guards should also be vocal floor leaders, and should discuss rule interpretations with officials. A point guard must always know the time on both the shot clock and the game clock, the score, the number of time outs for both teams, and whom to foul late in the game. If a point guard has more size (height, muscle) compared to the prototypical point guard, it is considered a plus, but size is only secondary to knowledge of the game and skill. Point guards usually exert a leadership role on the floor similar to that of a quarterback in American football.
A true point guard's job is to create scoring opportunities for his team. The role includes passing and running the offense: setting up plays on the court, getting the ball to the teammate that he feels is in the best position to score, and dictating the tempo of the game. An effective point guard will more or less control the game .
After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this reason, passing skills, ball handling, and court vision are pivotal. Point guards are often evaluated more on their assist totals than on their scoring. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reasonably effective jump shot.
[edit] Styles of play
Many times, the point guard is referred to by announcers as a "coach on the floor" or a "floor general". In the past, this was particularly true, as several point guards such as Lenny Wilkens served their team as a player-coach. This is not as common anymore, as most coaches choose to call out the plays they wish to have run before each possession. Some point guards are still given a great deal of leeway in the offense, such as Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns. Suns head coach Mike D'Antoni allowed him to freelance often when leading the Suns' offense, even letting Nash call his own plays at times. But even point guards who are not given this much freedom are still extensions of their coach on the floor, and must display good leadership skills.
The styles with which point guards do their job vary widely from player to player. Speed is often cited as a necessity for the position, but this is not necessarily true. While players like Steve Nash, and Tony Parker thrive on being quick, many other point guards, like Mike Bibby and Kirk Hinrich, rely on savvy to lead their team. Likewise, many effective point guards help their team by being fantastic shooters such as, Chauncey Billups, Steve Nash, Jason Terry. Other point guards also rely on being great scorers while also making plays such as Stephon Marbury
[edit] Notable point guards
There are many high profile point guards currently playing in the NBA including Steve Nash, Chris Paul, Tony Parker, Jason Kidd, Jason Terry, Mike Bibby, Baron Davis, Chauncey Billups, Sue Bird (of the WNBA), Stephon Marbury, Steve Francis, Brevin Knight, Kirk Hinrich, and Gilbert Arenas.
Great point guards of the past include Bob Cousy, Lenny Wilkens, Walt Frazier, Nate Archibald, Magic Johnson (who was an unusual point guard, standing at 6'9"/2.06 m), Isiah Thomas, and John Stockton. Another great guard of the past, Oscar Robertson, combined the skills of a point guard with those of a small forward, becoming one of the first point forwards which eventually became popularized by Scottie Pippen.