Product Code Database
Point forward is an unorthodox offensive position in basketball in which a forward, usually a small forward, adds the responsibilities of a point guard to their play. More rarely, a power forward can also assume the position. The purpose of the point forward role is to create mismatches offensively on smaller defenders who are usually guards. Point forwards need to have proficient guard skills, such as court vision, basketball IQ, passing, and ball handling in order to play the role effectively on offense.
Notable examples of point forwards in the National Basketball Association (NBA) include LeBron James, Scottie Pippen, Boris Diaw, and Hedo Türkoğlu.
Assuming the role of point forward may cut down on that player's scoring, as distributing the ball to others decreases shot attempts. Basketball Hall of Fame small forward Larry Bird, a prolific scorer with exceptional passing skills, quipped "I'm a point forward now" after his coaches sought him to score less and pass more.
Don Nelson, a coach often associated with the point forward in his Nellie Ball system, used the role when his guards were not strong ball-handlers. Other coaches have used point forwards to free their guards to score more, a strategy of increasing importance as the three-point shot has become the sport's primary offensive weapon.
ESPN analyst Dave Telep maintained a point forward needed to be more than merely an adept passer but also had to facilitate the offense for teammates at least half of the time.
Scottie Pippen who played with Michael Jordan on the Chicago Bulls is one further example of a modern point-forward. He was the team's small forward, but he played point-guard in high school and brought the ball up the floor against the press in college. On the day he was drafted, Pippen can be quoted during his interview "Going in, I'm looking to play probably the 3 position but some day I'm looking to work my way in to the point guard position". Bulls teammate Dennis Rodman noted "Pippen is most probably the innovator of the power/point forward position." Pippen could also defend point guards.
|
|
