<P> A point guard, like other player positions in basketball, specializes in certain skills . A point guard's primary job is to facilitate scoring opportunities for his / her team, or sometimes for themselves . Lee Rose has described a point guard as a coach on the floor, who can handle and distribute the ball to teammates . This involves setting up plays on the court, getting the ball to the teammate in the best position to score, and controlling the tempo of the game . A point guard should know when and how to instigate a fast break and when and how to initiate the more deliberate sets . Point guards are expected to be vocal floor leaders . A point guard needs always to have in mind the times on the shot clock and the game clock, the score, the numbers of remaining timeouts for both teams, etc . </P> <P> Among the taller players who have enjoyed success at the position is Magic Johnson, who was 6' 9" (2.06 m) and won the National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player Award three times in his career . Other point guards who have been named NBA MVP include Russell Westbrook, Bob Cousy, Oscar Robertson, Derrick Rose and two - time winners Steve Nash and Stephen Curry . In the NBA, point guards are usually about 6' 4" (1.93 m) or shorter, and average about 6' 2" (1.88 m) whereas in the WNBA, point guards are usually 5' 9" (1.75 m) or shorter . Having above - average size (height, muscle) is considered advantageous, although size is secondary to situational awareness, speed, quickness, and ball handling skills . Shorter players tend to be better dribblers since they are closer to the floor, and thus have better control of the ball while dribbling . </P> <P> After an opponent scores, it is typically the point guard who brings the ball down court to begin an offensive play . Passing skills, ball handling, and court vision are crucial . Speed is important; a speedy point guard is better able to create separation and space off the dribble, giving him / herself room to work . Point guards are often valued more for their assist totals than for their scoring . Another major evaluation factor is Assist - to - Turnover ratio, which reflects the decision - making skills of the player . Still, a first - rate point guard should also have a reasonably effective jump shot . </P> <P> The point guard is positioned on the perimeter of the play, so as to have the best view of the action . This is a necessity because of the point guard's many leadership obligations . Many times, the point guard is referred to by announcers as a "coach on the floor" or a "floor general". In the past, this was particularly true, as several point guards such as Lenny Wilkens served their teams as player - coaches . This is not so common anymore, as most coaches are now solely specialized in coaching and are non-players . Some point guards are still given a great deal of leeway in the offense . Even point guards who are not given this much freedom, however, are still extensions of their coach on the floor and must display good leadership skills . </P>

Who takes the ball down the court in basketball