Point Guard
Point guard is one of the standard positions in a regulation basketball game. The point guard is normally the smallest player on the team and 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. After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play. For this position, passing skills and court vision are essential. Great point guards are often measured more by their assist totals than by their scoring. Still, a first-rate point guard should also have a reliably effective jumpshot and should be a scoring threat from long distance.

High-profile point guards currently playing include Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, Steve Nash, Stephon Marbury, Baron Davis, Allen Iverson, Chauncey Billups, and Steve Francis. Great point guards of the past include Bob Cousy, Magic Johnson, 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, foreshadowing the modern role of the point forward.

Shooting Guard
A shooting guard is often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. They are often the best jump shooters in the game, but can also drive to the basket. Many shooting guards can also play small forward. A shooting guard should be a good ball handler who is a good passer. Shooting guards focus on scoring, and allow the point guard to focus on passing. Most shooting guards are between 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) such as Ben Gordon and 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) such as Tracy McGrady. They weigh from 190 to 240 lb (86 to 109 kg).

Michael Jordan, one of the best-known basketball players in history, was a shooting guard, and helped define the role of the modern position. Other famous shooting guards of the past include Clyde Drexler, Jerry West, Walt Frazier and John Havlicek. Notable shooting guards who are currently active include Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Tracy McGrady, Ray Allen, Vince Carter, Richard Hamilton, Manu Ginobili, and Paul Pierce.

Small Forward
The small forward, or colloquially "the three", is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Small forwards are typically somewhat shorter and leaner than power forwards and centers but, on occasion they are just as tall. On offense, they are often well-balanced between power-oriented and shooting-oriented; on defense, they will seek steals and rebounds. Many small forwards can also play shooting guard; those who switch between the two positions are called "swingmen" or "wings". Among the most dominant small forwards of the past were Larry Bird, Dominique Wilkins, Scottie Pippen, Julius Erving and James Worthy. Notable small forwards who are currently active include Grant Hill, Peja Stojakovic, Ron Artest, Shawn Marion, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony and Tayshaun Prince. Dirk Nowitzki is another notable basketball player with excellent small forward skills; however, he has mostly played at power forward in his NBA career. Usually small forwards can stand between 6'5" and 6'11" (1.96 - 2.13 m). Although they might be as tall as power forwards, power forwards are much more stocky and muscular.