The center, also referred to as the “5″ or the “pivot”, usually plays near the baseline close to the basket (bottom of the key or the low post). The center usually scores down low in the paint but some can be good perimeter shooters. Centers are generally good rebounders and skilled scorers around the basket. Duties also include: gathering rebounds, contesting shots, and setting screens for ball handlers on plays. Ideally centers anchor the defensive, as they are often the last line of it leading to the basket…So make YOUR picks. Who are the “Top Five 2012 NBA Centers“?

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Also known as the “4″ position, the power forwards plays a role similar to that of the center, down in the post or low blocks. On offense they can post up, play off the ball 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…So make YOUR picks. Who are the “Top Five 2012 NBA Power Forwards“?

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The small forward, also known as the “3″, is typically somewhat shorter, quicker and leaner than power forwards and centers. 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…So make YOUR picks. Who are the “Top Five 2012 NBA Small Forwards“?

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The 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…So make YOUR picks. Who are the “Top Five 2012 NBA Shooting Guards“?

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A point guard has perhaps the most specialized role of any position – essentially, he 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. The point guard must totally understand and accept his coach’s game plan. 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 timeouts for both teams, etc. Above all, true point guard’s job is to create scoring opportunities for his team. The role includes passing and running the offense…So make YOUR picks. Who are the “Top Five 2012 NBA Point Guards“?

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