Today, among team sports there are three most popular ones. Without question, football comes in first place, while basketball and hockey share second and third place. It is worth noting that the first sport is more common in Europe, while the other two are in American continent. However, basketball has wide popularity everywhere, even if the strongest is located in the USA. Millions of people are watching basketball games and get incredible pleasure from it. And you can have even more fun if you know all the positions in basketball. If for you until now there were simply five players from each team on the field, then this article is intended just for you. Here you can find out what each of the five positions is called, what functions each player performs, and how these positions are divided into lines.
Lines in basketball
If you want to know everything about positions in basketball, then you need to start small, or rather, from the general. The first thing you need to figure out is the lines into which all players are divided. There are only two of them - front and rear. It’s easy to guess what each of them is responsible for. The back line is the players who defend their ring from enemy attacks and also initiate attacks from their own team. Accordingly, the front line is the players who attack the enemy’s ring. They may also try to prevent the enemy from launching a counterattack. Strictly speaking, there is nothing complicated about this: different formations require different numbers of players in the lines, but the standard formation involves two back line players and three front line players. Now that you understand the basics of lines, you can take a look at the basic positions in basketball.
Basic positions
Each player has his own positions in basketball, but we will talk about them a little later. There are only five of them, and each of them will be discussed in detail. But first you need to consider the basic positions, of which there are only three: defender, center and striker. Again, there is absolutely nothing complicated here, since the roles of the players in their positions can be understood instantly. Defenders defend the ring, attackers attack the opponent's ring, and the center is the link between attack and defense. However, it is impossible to single out any of the three basic positions as the most important, because each of them is incredibly important. But that's just general concepts. Now you should take a closer look at the positions in basketball in English and Russian, as well as the tasks of each of the five players.
Five positions
So, it's time to look at the five main basketball positions. In the back line there is a point guard and an attacking defender, and in the front line there is a heavy and light forward, as well as a center.
Point Guard
So, it’s worth starting with an analysis of the abbreviations that are used in basketball to designate specific positions on the field. For example, SF is a position in basketball that denotes the small forward who is usually closest to the opponent's hoop. But the place to start is with your rim, so the first player to consider is point guard. In English it is called either combo guard or point guard, and its abbreviation looks like PG (in the Russian version, respectively, RZ). What functions does this player perform? In fact, his volume of work is very large, since he sees almost the entire court, and accordingly, how effectively the whole team will play depends on him. He is a dispatcher, a passer, from whom the team’s attacks begin. In defensive actions, he serves as the last line, so he must be tall in order to be able to take off enemy throws. But don't think that this position is more important than other basketball positions. Freestyle 2 and others computer games basketball also proves that every position is important.
Shooting guard
The next back row player who is a little further from his hoop is the shooting guard. As you can see, basketball is not so easy to understand; the positions of the players are very diverse. In English, this position can be called either a swingman or a shooting guard, the abbreviation looks like SG (or AZ in Russian). As for the role on the field, this defender, as you might already understand from the name of the position, is more focused on attack than defense. Usually this is the best sniper of the team, who can score more points than others, and also draw down the enemy’s defense, freeing the hands of his partners. In defense, this player’s task is to take care of the most dangerous attacking opponents.
Now you know what positions there are in the back line in basketball. It's time to move on to the front line, which has three more players.
Small forward
The first offensive line player worth talking about is the small forward, who was already mentioned a little earlier. In English, this position is called small forward, that is, SF. Accordingly, the Russian abbreviation for this position is LF. But what is much more important is what role this player performs on the field. This position is a place for a mobile attacking player. He acts all over the front at once, and can also spend a lot of time under the basket, scoring points there. Many people played in this position or in the mixed position of point forward. The latter combines the traits of both a small forward and a point guard. As you can see, absolutely all positions in basketball play a huge role. The description of each of them once again proves this.
Power forward
This is a rather interesting position that allows the player to work both in attack and defense at once. Moreover, some famous power forwards almost always concentrate on defensive actions, but there are also those who manage to earn a quarter or even a third of their team's total points. On English this position is called power forward and, accordingly, is designated as PF, but in Russian its abbreviation, naturally, is designated as TF. It’s worth saying right away that the main responsibility of this player, who does not play as close to the opponent’s hoop as a small forward, is to rebound the ball both in defense and in attack. Accordingly, the player must have high physical strength, a powerful build, because otherwise it would be very difficult to cope with such a task. As with small forward, this position can be combined with point guard duties (or play as a combo forward who plays both forward duties). However, this is rarely practiced, since the heavy forward’s workload is already impressive. Accordingly, such mixtures are rare.
Center
And of course, we definitely need to tell you more about the center, who is actually the center of the entire team. In English, it is called just that - center - and therefore is designated accordingly - Ts. As you can already understand, in Russian the abbreviation will be exactly the same, therefore in all languages this position is designated as Ts.
As for the game role of this player, everything is quite complicated. It would seem that this player should play in the center of the field and link attack with defense - similar to football. But in reality, everything is completely different here, because the center in basketball defines his center by the field not along, but across. This means that this player is always focused on the opponent’s ring. Strictly speaking, his task is to play under the basket and get points. Of course, for the tallest player on the team, so most often in this position you can find players over 210 centimeters tall, up to 225 centimeters. Note that a center can take on the additional duties of a power forward so that he can play a point forward or combo forward, thereby moving away from the rim and playing a little further, which changes his function. As you can see, the five main positions of players may not be clearly assigned to them; there are also intermediate ones.
Depending on the technical arsenal, physical condition and height, each player occupies a clearly defined position on the court. When playing at a beginner level, two main positions should be distinguished based on the player’s location on the court - back or front line. In modern amateur basketball there are five such positions. Whereas in professional basketball there are ten positions. We suggest you familiarize yourself with a basic description of the roles of players in basketball. If after reading you still have questions, then come to training and the coach will determine your position on the playing court.
Number one or point guard
A prime example in the NBA is Stephen Curry. In Russia - Denis Zakharov. The average height of a professional player is 183-195 centimeters. Weight 75-90 kilograms. The point guard or playmaker is the brain of the team. He handles the ball with ease. Looking at the game of the exemplary number one, it seems that basketball ball is an extension of his hand. All movements are smooth and controlled, but at any moment the smoothness is replaced by a sharp jerk. What combination to start, which direction to go and how to build an attack - this is the task of the first number. This player must not only see his teammates, but also calculate the situation on the court. During defensive actions, the player protects the team from a quick breakaway of the opposing team. Not so long ago, the main role of the point guard was to take the ball out of his zone and pass it to the attack. But that time has passed. In modern professional basketball, priority is given to universal players who combine qualities that allow the player to play in adjacent positions. This is how the combo guard position stands out. Based on the name, it can be determined that the player combines a combination of qualities necessary for defense and attack. So the player performs the functions of a point guard and an attacking defender. In the old interpretation of basketball, combo guards were viewed as players who could not fully realize themselves on the playing court. Over time, this attitude towards players has changed and now you can meet famous and successful representatives of combo guards.
Second number or attacking defender
A prime example in the NBA is Kobe Bryant. In Russia - Sergey Babkov. The average height of a professional player is 190-200 centimeters. Weight 85-100 kilograms. The shooting guard is in most cases the main sniper of the team. His specialty is accurate shooting from any distance, including three-pointers and free throws. It is the second number that is largely responsible for the team’s performance. In addition to an accurate throw, a player of this role has good dribbling. He easily breaks through the opponent's defense and enters the paint. The player's athletic qualities allow him to make jump shots after high-speed dribbling. In defense, the player takes care of the most dangerous snipers of the opposing team and is the main ball interceptor. Lightning-fast separation is exactly the quality that the second number has. A versatile second player who can play adjacent positions is called a swingman. This role implies a combination of the positions of the second and third numbers. The athlete's athleticism and speed allow him to play effectively both against larger players using speed and against less athletic opponents. This position is one of the most universal, because its representative can carry out both attack and defense equally well.
Number three or small forward
A prime example in the NBA is LeBron James. In Russia - Andrey Kirilenko. The average height of a professional player is 195-210 centimeters. Weight 95-110 kilograms. Small Forward is a player with the main function of scoring points for the team. Despite his belonging to the perimeter players, the small forward is a good assistant to big players when picking up the ball, both under the opponent’s hoop and under his own. And this is successfully achieved by players of this role, because they are taller than the first and second numbers. Growth, mobility and good coordination allow you to block your opponent's shots and beat them. Due to their high growth, many representatives of this role gain weight and become representatives of heavy forwards. In modern basketball there is the concept of point forward. The player combines the positions of the first and third numbers. Having such a player in their arsenal, the team can count on a combination of playmaking and attacking qualities in one person. Excellent vision of the court and accurate passes, coupled with the player’s height, allow him to beat shorter players on the opposing team and get under the basket to attack.
Number four or power forward
A prime example in the NBA is Dirk Nowitzki. In Russia - Viktor Khryapa. The average height of a professional player is 200-215 centimeters. Weight 105-115 kilograms. Of course, the power forward position implies not only height, but also power. In the fight for selection, which is the main task of this role, you have to confront big players. Working mostly under the basket, players come into close contact, where every centimeter of the court gained is not so easy. In the 3-second zone, contact reaches its apogee, because it is in this zone that referees call fouls only in cases of obvious violations. If the number one or number two player enters this zone, then a demonstrative fall, as a gesture of rough play, will most likely not be noticed by the judge. The intensity of the fight under the ring and correct position bodies make it necessary for a player to have excellent physical training coupled with endurance. Like any player on the court, a powerful forward must confidently control the ball. Of course, the player’s technical arsenal does not have that variety in dribbling, but nevertheless, he must, if necessary, take the ball out of his zone while under team pressure. In this regard, the player’s position has changed quite a lot over time. Previously, the main task of number four was the ability to work in defense. Attack remained a priority for players of other roles. An adjacent position that combines the skills of the third and fourth numbers is the position of combo forward.
Number five or center in basketball
A prime example in the NBA is Shaquille O'Neal. In Russia - Alexey Savrasenko. The average height of a professional player is 210-220 centimeters. Weight 110-125 kilograms. Center is a player whose task is to play under the basket and fight for rebounds. The height and dimensions of number five allow him to cope with this task perfectly. Everyone knows that good and tight defense in your own zone is the key to success on the playing field. It is the center who does not give the chance to continue the attack after an unsuccessful throw by the attacking side. Largely due to their size, many center players are poor free throw shooters. But modern basketball places new demands on players in this position. Every year there are fewer and fewer players on the field taller than 220 centimeters. Priority is given to less massive and more mobile players who also have an excellent shot from under the hoop and can effectively shoot free throws. last minutes match. It is the fifth numbers who are the team leaders in the number of rebounds under the shield and the number of blocked shots. A player with the speed of a number four and the strength of a number five is called a center forward. This player fights both for rebounds and confidently attacks on the border of the three-second zone with his face or back to the basket. Unlike typical centers, a center forward's speed allows him to maintain a fast break.
The following requirements apply to numbers on basketball uniforms:
The player must have a clearly visible number on his jersey. To do this, the number on the back and front must contrast with the color of the jersey itself.
Numbers 1, 2, 3 cannot be used on basketball uniforms for the following reasons:
According to FIBA rules, in official competitions players wear numbers from 4 to 15. The numbers “1”, “2” and “3” are not currently used as numbers. Among the special gestures used by the referees during the match, there are also gestures with these numbers: for example, when the referee indicates a violation of the “3-second rule” or indicates how many free throws a player of the injured team must take. In the same way, on his fingers, the referee indicates to the match secretary the number of the player who is punished with an individual remark. To avoid trouble, it was decided to abolish numbers 1, 2 and 3.
Sources:
What numbers are allowed on basketball uniforms?
The following requirements apply to numbers on a basketball uniform: the player must have a clearly visible number on his jersey. To do this, the number on the back and front must contrast with the color of the jersey itself. The number on the back must be at least 20 cm high. The number on the chest must be at least 10 cm high. The width of the numbers must be more...
As in football, in basketball there are three groups of players on the playing court: defenders, center field players and forwards. However, if in the “game of millions” about 15 roles can be detailed, then in basketball there will be only five, and they will be more simplified. Why? Yes, because the game takes place on a relatively small court and is characterized by high dynamics and the need for constant movement, so positions in basketball and their meanings are a very relative question.
About personnel
Personnel decide everything - these words, once uttered by a great leader and subsequently becoming popular, could not be more tellingly applied to basketball. There are players who by their nature (speed, height, vision of the court and innovative thinking) are created for a particular position, and there are universal players. The latter are rarer personnel, and therefore more valuable, both for the manager and for the team as a whole. They feel confident both in the center of the court and under the hoop, they just play basketball. The positions of players with such personnel are a common convention for a team coach and a real one. headache- for the enemy.
Nuances and formalities
So, a few words about the classic arrangement. None of the current rules regulate what positions there are in basketball, who should be located where and “with whom to play.” Everything is purely arbitrary, and the choice of one tactic or another, and, accordingly, the formation depends on the availability of players in the team and how the opponent is expected to play. If you look very superficially, then all players can be divided into front and back lines.
Basketball: position numbers and location on the court
Number 1 is a point guard, also known as a dispatcher, who starts the team’s attack from his ring.
Number 2 is an attacking defender. On the site it is located in the support zone.
Numbers 3, 4 are light forward and heavy forward respectively. Location - close to the enemy ring (sometimes they share flanks).
Number 5 is the center. Zonal location - under the enemy's ring.
Point guard
The point guard position in basketball is a kind of control room or, if you like, a starting point. As a rule, basketball players playing in this role have good speed and excellent ball control. The main task of the point guard is to create conditions for partners under which each of them can be as useful as possible for the team. If, for example, in football the outcome of the game can be decided by a single accurate shot by a specific player, then in basketball the result consists of hundreds of little things, each of which can give a certain advantage over the opponent. After the match, all positions in basketball are thoroughly analyzed, TTD statistics are kept, and adjustments are made to the organization of the game.
In addition, in order to realize the strengths of his team, the point guard must see the enemy’s weak points and “put pressure” there in time. He starts the team's combinations, provides insurance in defense, especially during sharp counterattacks from opponents. As a rule, players in this position are the shortest in the team - the average height is about 190 cm.
Among legendary basketball players NBA players who played the point guard position include Magic Johnson, Steve Nash, and current Cleveland Cavaliers guard Kyrie Irving.
Shooting guard
For a person who is not very knowledgeable about basketball, the name of this role may seem a little paradoxical, because positions in basketball are logically named in accordance with the functions they perform, while the main task of an attacking defender is to break through to the hoop and earn points. To be a sniper, in other words.
As a rule, these are athletes with good athletic abilities, but at the same time they have good dribbling and the ability to dribble. Some coaches require shooting guards to work closely with rebounds, especially when rebounding from the basket.
A high level of passing is another important quality, thanks to which players in this role can “raise their value.” A good sniper can easily pull out 2-3 opponents, so a high-quality and timely pass to a partner can give the latter time to prepare a throw.
The height of the classic second number, as a rule, reaches 200 cm. Due to anthropometry and good speed, the attacking defender can with equal success resist both the sniper and the center forward of the opposing team. Some NBA teams with strong second numbers often build games around them.
Famous NBA players who played as an attacking guard at different times include Kobe Bryant, who recently retired, and, of course, the legendary Michael Jordan.
Small forward
The functions of a small forward on the court are usually similar to those of an attacking defender, but offensive line players are usually taller (up to 210 cm) and located closer to the opponent’s basket. They are indispensable when playing rebounds and often block shots from opposing players.
Among the main qualities of a small forward, we note a high percentage of shots made from any distance. A competent “three” uses its advantage in maneuverability over the opponents’ heavy forward and center, and its advantage in height over the point guard and defender. Compared to an attacking defender, a small forward is more focused on rebounds, thereby helping his center.
The small forward position in basketball is the most versatile. Their height and jumping ability, combined with dynamism, allow them to fight at the basket, block shots from opposing forwards, and also insure their own defenders.
From famous basketball players who played number three, we note the current leader of Cleveland, LeBron James, as well as Dirk Nowitzki, who has been playing for the same club for nineteen years, the Dallas Mavericks.
Power forward
The main function of a heavy forward is to fight for rebounds at his own and someone else’s hoop, so playing in the “four” position requires not only tall height (usually more than 200 cm), but also extraordinary physical strength. Some heavy forwards playing in the NBA and European national leagues, who are over 210 cm tall, can easily perform slam dunks, which the spectators in the stands love so much.
The heavy forward has a lot of work to do especially at the end of the match, when the game begins on fouls. At this moment, the 4th number often “lowers” closer to his own ring, preventing the enemy’s light players from getting within shooting distance of the goal. In the history of basketball, for example, there were and are power forwards for whom 10 points scored per game is something supernatural, because most of the time they are on defense.
One of the brightest power forwards of our time is Blake Griffin, who defends the colors of the Los Angeles Clippers.
Center
Number five is usually the highest on the floor (often more than 210 cm). Like the power forward, the center must compete for rebounds and also defend his own three-point zone during the opponent's attack. Basketball players of this role, who have athleticism and speed in addition to anthropometry, are valuable personnel for any club. As a rule, a player with such a set of qualities is a rarity. In general, all positions in basketball related to the offensive line can be called universal, but this one applies to a greater extent to the fifth number.
There is a kind of strategy that teams usually use late in the game. It is aimed against centers who have a low percentage of free throws. The idea is to foul the number five, after which he could theoretically miss a free kick and the ball would go to the opposing team. By the way, there is an opinion that this strategy was born as one of the options to confront the legend of American basketball - Shaquille O'Neal. The latter was the undisputed leader under the basket, but to the same extent practically useless as a player taking free throws.
Non-standard positions in basketball
In addition to the main conventional positions, there are also modified roles in basketball. As a rule, such positions are played by universal athletes who, thanks to individual skill, are able to work “both here and here.”
A combo guard is a player who combines the qualities of the first and second numbers, but does not have a complete list of characteristics to fully cover one of the two positions. Comboguard - a rare guest starting lineup, most often he is a reserve for the point guard or attacking defender on the team.
A swingman is a basketball player with the skills of a shooting guard and small forward. Unlike the combo guard, on the contrary, he can take advantage of his versatility. With a height of up to 200 cm, the swingman has good speed and dribbling, so, depending on the situation, he can either work on defense against short players or attack the basket.
Point forward is probably the most unusual of the non-standard positions. A point forward is usually called a player who has the field vision of a point guard, as well as the power and pressure of a forward. If such a basketball player is used correctly, this combination can turn out to be an explosive mixture.
Combo forward - a player with the skills of a small and heavy forward.
One of best players planet LeBron James, returning to Cleveland, took the jersey with the number “23”, which was made legendary by Michael Jordan. This event gave Sportbox.ru a reason to recall the most famous and happiest numbers in NBA history.
Choosing a number for an athlete is far from a routine process, and the number on a jersey is not just a serial number. For many, it is a talisman, a ritual, a symbol of good luck, and sometimes even an indispensable condition for physical comfort. Take at least famous story, when Dennis Rodman left the Lakers for the Mavericks. One of the indispensable conditions of the “worm” was to issue him the 69th number, since it was this combination of numbers that directly correlated with the basketball player’s favorite intimate position.
What can I say, a Rodman-style statement, thickly mixed with shockingness and generously seasoned with the desire to attract attention. But then a natural fuss erupted from this. NBA Commissioner David Stern categorically forbade the club to agree to Rodman's condition. Ultimately, the player reluctantly moved to Dallas, where he played only 12 matches wearing jersey number 70, after which he went on strike and was expelled from the team.
Or else, the famous Gilbert Arinas, took “0” for himself in spite of one particularly zealous forecaster, who said that this is how many minutes he would spend on the court in NBA matches. After Gilbert became the league's most improved player and went to the All-Star Game three times, the coined saying - From Zero to Hero - became his credo. It’s a pity that then he quickly headed in the opposite direction - From Hero to Zero, simultaneously putting dirt in the sneakers of his partners, changing clubs, playing numbers, and losing the respect of colleagues and fans.
In a word, everyone has their own cockroaches in their heads, and everyone wants to personalize their choice, and not just point their finger at the first number they come across. Some strive to be like their idols, others manage to encode the year of their grandmother’s birth in the numbers on their T-shirt. I knew a guy who, with manic pedantry, chose exclusively single-digit numbers simply because he physically felt that he could run easier with a one on his back than with a bulky twenty.
And yet, despite all these confusing meanings and many variations, basketball has its own sacred numbers that evoke awe and reverence. Those who most often take luck, believing that they will bring good luck, just like their past eminent owners. Sportbox.ru counted to five and chose the most popular, in-demand, and finally lucky numbers in the NBA.
№ 23
Facts: The brightest star in the sky, Sirius, is 23 times brighter than the Sun. Arnold Schwarzenegger won his first Mr. Olympia title at the age of 23.
There are 23 joints in the human hand. And we all know the man and his hand very well, thanks to which this number is considered one of the most popular not only in basketball, but in sports in general. Michael Jordan, through his career, life and achievements, has ensured that the mention of this figure evokes the image of a black, statuesque athlete who sticks out his tongue, despite any obstacles, ignores any obstacles and makes the very last effort that leads his team to final success.
LeBron James, who once moved to Miami, renounced number 23, saying that only one person can wear it, and everyone who respects and understands basketball should be aware of this. True, James himself is a fickle person and, having returned to Cleveland, he decided to provoke the fans by holding a vote on whether he should play under number 6 or number 23. It turned out that, according to James himself, Cavaliers fans do not understand basketball very well, and from the new season LeBron will pursue the legend Jordan, copying his number.
Who knows, maybe it will come down to the manner of play, it’s not for nothing that American newspapers focus so much attention on the fact that James has lost a lot of weight, refused carbohydrate diet and hopes to give his style more flexibility. Long before Jordan and James, famous Rockets point guard Calvin Murphy wore this number. Although the 175-centimeter tall kid did not win the championship, he became the shortest player inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame. Last week, similarly honored sharpshooter Mitch Richmond furthered the number's popularity by playing under it on the Golden State Warriors alongside Tim Hardaway and Chris Mullen.
In the early 2000s, as part of the same club, Jason Richardson brought Jordan to mind, and did this not only through analogies with the number. Like His Airness, he impressed with his anti-gravity abilities, winning the dunk tournament twice. Now new story NBA center Anthony Davis writes under the old numbering for the New Orleans Pelicans. And yet, no matter how many names are named, the total achievements of the players are not listed, the magical sequence “23” will always be considered as such thanks to only one person.
№ 1
Facts: Atomic number of hydrogen, the main chemical element in the Universe. In Ancient China, the number 1 was a symbol of masculinity. Number 1 is the head of the family of numbers.
Actually, in this meager unit lies main principle sports What all these efforts, restrictions, hard work are for is to be the first. What is the essence of sport in its original form. All other meanings, such as the beauty of the game, the fairness of the result, the triumph of the vanquished, have stuck over the years. First of all, you are number one and you are the best. And this sniper accurately reflects the fact that Oscar Robertson, who played in the distant 60s, although not the first, was certainly the best of the basketball players who wore this number.
Mr. Triple-Double himself, in the 1961/62 season Robertson averaged 30 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists per game. In 79 games, Robertson had 41 triple-doubles. Over his entire career, 181. He is still the only one who has succeeded in this. And it is very likely that these two records will never be broken. It was “Big O” who mentored Ferdinand Lewis Alcindor Jr. when he entered the league. Together they won the only championship in the history of the Milwaukee Bucks, and after that the rookie became one of the standards for centers, already playing under the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
NBA Hall of Fame member and one of the best point guards of the 70s, Nate Archibald changed numbers throughout his career, but it was the one that was retired by the Sacramento Kings, with whom he spent his days. best years. Point guards are born to wear one, just based on their position number. The beloved Muggsy Boggs and the often underrated Rod Strickland were keen to prove this point in the '90s. And yet they could not compete in popularity with the one who was called the point guard of the new formation - Anfernee Hardaway.
It was to him that the concepts of point forward and combo guard were first applied. With a two-meter height, he had excellent vision of the court, and passed the ball no worse and more effectively than his point guard Darrell Armstrong. Penny didn't manage to make it to the end, as did Tracy McGrady, who took the first number in honor of him. Also No. 1, also Orlando Magic, and also an abundance of career-ending injuries. It’s not easy to be first, and the examples of Derrick Rose and Amare Stoudemire confirm the sad trend today, but if it were otherwise, the very concept of victory, for which many are ready to give everything, would be distorted.
№ 32
Facts: An adult has 32 teeth. 32 in the Pythagorean tradition is a symbol of justice. May 32 is a fictitious date from the film “That Same Munchausen.”
As with Jordan, in basketball, number thirty-two is obvious. Magic Johnson was the only one who could compete with Jordan in popularity at one time. His playing was original, his style was recognizable, and his results were phenomenal. Unlike Michael, the Lakers point guard never changed his number in his career.
Just like one of the sworn enemies of all of California, the representative of the hated Celtics, Kevin McHale. The unyielding power forward had one of the widest arsenals of movements. It was impossible to predict what he would do in the next second. Another heavy weight was slightly less variable, but by no means less effective. Honored postman of all Marmons Karl Malone spent most of his career under the “32” marking, under which he competed against the HIV-infected Magic, and in his old age he ended up with the Lakers, where, due to Johnson’s number being retired, he was forced to be content with paired units.
Today are different times, different morals, especially in Los Angeles, and now in the Clippers, again in the position of the fourth number, Blake Griffin shines, who, in addition to those already mentioned, continues the work of Billy Cunningham from the days of the Sixers, Jerry Lucas when he was a Knick , and Shaquille O'Neal in Orlando.
№ 13
Facts: The number 13, the devil's dozen, is considered unlucky in European culture. Initially, the United States consisted of 13 states. In Russian military aviation there are no aircraft with tail number 13, as well as call signs with this number. Moreover, during the Great Patriotic War hero pilot Pokryshkin fought under number 13 with call sign 13.
In general, even at the level of facts it is clear that this number is different for everyone. Some are afraid of him like fire, others, on the contrary, believe that by challenging prejudices, they themselves take the threads of fate into their hands. But no matter how you treat the number 13, from time to time it still gives you reasons to think.
Paul George, at the end of a great season in Indiana, decided, out of respect for Kobe Bryant, to give up No. 24 and change it to 13. George will miss next season due to a terrible injury suffered in the national team's training camp. But athletes are gambling people by nature and love to tickle their nerves. Therefore, judge for yourself, the greats of the past Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone passed on their disdain for superstitious ditties to Mark Jackson, Sarunas Marciulionis, and they, in turn, to Steve Nash, Joakim Noah, James Harden.
Wilt and Moses became champions and will forever be part of the pantheon of the best big men in basketball history. Jackson and Nash are two of the best passers in the NBA, Marciulionis revolutionized the concept of a foreign player in American basketball. Noah and Harden are the stars of this generation. So, in the case of No. 13, it’s either even or odd, as is the case with luck, without which, as you know, not a single victory can be achieved.
№ 33
Facts: 33 years old is the age at which Jesus Christ was crucified. The Hindu Vedas list 33 major demigods. 33 cows.
If we decide to collect a symbolic five of the best players in NBA history from the basketball players who played under No. 33, then it will not be much different from some others who are not limited by a similar condition. Problems will arise only with the point guard. With all due respect to Sarunas Jasikevicius, it is difficult to count him among those who were spectacular in the NBA. Otherwise, front line: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Patrick Ewing, Alonzo Mourning. Back Line: Larry Bird, David Thompson, Scottie Pippen, Grant Hill. The number of great players to wear the repeating three jersey is rivaled only by No. 32, and only just barely.
Throughout the 90s, this was the most popular number in the NBA, but now players are not so willing to take it. Either they are afraid of not being able to stand comparisons with the giants, or they are trying to stick to their line. Of the more or less noticeable players currently wearing number 33, we can only name Marc Gasol, and at a stretch Ryan Anderson. Otherwise, duplicating threes are the domain of giants who forever wrote their name in NBA history.
