Shooting guard

The shooting guard, or colloquially the "two-guard", is one of the five positions in a regulation basketball game. Shooting guards are often shorter, leaner, and quicker than forwards. They are often the best jump-shooting players in the game, but will also drive to the basket on occasion. Many shooting guards can also play small forward; those who switch between the two positions are called "swingmen" or "wings". The optimum NBA size for a shooting guard ranges from 6'4" to 6'8". Michael Jordan, by far the best-known basketball player, was a shooting guard, and helped define the role of the modern position. Currently active shooting guards include Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady, Allen Iverson, Vince Carter, LeBron James, and Paul Pierce.