Point forward

Point forward is a term in basketball for players who share the best attributes of both a point guard and a forward.

Related Topics:
Point guard - Forward

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Although all-time great Oscar Robertson played long before the role of a point forward was envisioned, his combination of skills made him something of a model for that concept. The use of bigger skilled players to create mismatches was developed by offensive mastermind Don Nelson as coach of the Milwaukee Bucks. In addition, the 6'9" Magic Johnson, though not a "Point Forward" himself, ushered in the use of bigger, forward-sized players at the point guard position by showing coaches the advantages of that type of player. The first actual point forward is often believed to be Paul Pressey of Nelson's Bucks in the mid-1980's, though John Johnson, who played for the Seattle SuperSonics in the late 1970's, is sometimes considered to have been a forerunner to Pressey. http://www.nba.com/sonics/history/johnjohnson.html Rick Barry is also considered by some NBA observers to be a point forward.

Related Topics:
Oscar Robertson - Don Nelson - Milwaukee Bucks - Magic Johnson - Paul Pressey - John Johnson - Seattle SuperSonics - Rick Barry - Point forward

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However, players used in that capacity were few and far between until Scottie Pippen popularized it with the Chicago Bulls of the late 1980s. He was sculpted into the role by teammate and fellow all-time great Michael Jordan and secured his position as one of the NBA's 50 greatest players of all time, combining great athleticism with scoring, passing and the ability to defend the opposition's best player, including the opposing point guard, as he demonstrated in the 1991 NBA Finals by flustering Magic Johnson.

Related Topics:
Scottie Pippen - Chicago Bulls - Michael Jordan - NBA's 50 greatest players of all time - Magic Johnson

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After Pippen, many players emerged as being versatile enough to take on a point forward's role. Grant Hill, formerly of the Detroit Pistons and currently with the Orlando Magic, picked up the torch in the mid 1990's, becoming one of the most versatile, athletic and talented basketball players in the history of the game with his combination of size, strength, quickness and skill. Another successor to Pippen who had success at the position was Penny Hardaway; though like Hill, his effectiveness was limited due to injury.

Related Topics:
Grant Hill - Detroit Pistons - Orlando Magic - Penny Hardaway

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Point forwards today include LeBron James, Antoine Walker, Tracy McGrady, Kevin Garnett, Dirk Nowitzki and Mike Dunleavy, Jr.

Related Topics:
LeBron James - Antoine Walker - Tracy McGrady - Kevin Garnett - Dirk Nowitzki - Mike Dunleavy, Jr.

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