The three basketball positions normally employed by organized basketball teams are: guard, forward, and center. More specifically, they can be classified into the five positions: point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward, and center. The rules of basketball do not mandate them, and in informal games they are sometimes not used. They are grouped into two conceptual units: the backcourt and frontcourt.

Backcourt

 Point guard

The point guard, also known as the "1", is the team's floor general and the best ballhandler on the team. They are generally the quickest, or one of the quickest players on the floor. They are given the task of controlling the game's speed and possession of the ball at all times. A good point guard looks to get the rest of the team involved before they think about shooting, resulting in usually leading the team in assists. However, they are always ready to create shots and score points if necessary (especially long range shots). Point guards usually run the offensive plays, and are often of shorter stature than the other positions. Good point guards can have good games without scoring many points in a game.

Examples of the NBA's current top pont guards are, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, and Steve Nash. Perhaps the two best point guards of all time are Magic Johnson and John Stockton.

 Shooting guard

The shooting guard, also known as the "2", is usually the team's best shooter. A quality shooting guard should be able to consistently hit 20-foot/6-meter jump shots. Besides being able to shoot the ball, shooting guards must also have good ball-handling skills because they have to be able to create their own shot off the dribble. Finally, they should also be able to make good passes. The Shooting Guard needs to be able to take long-shots, around the 3point line. This is because there will be much tighter defense inside the keyhole, therefore the Shooting Guard needs to learn how to get free then take a shot.

For example, Kobe Bryant is a well-known NBA shooting guard. Gilbert Arenas has played both guard positions in his career (Shooting guard and point guard). Perhaps the best example from history is Michael Jordan

 Frontcourt

Small forward

The small forward also known as the "3", is typically somewhat shorter, quicker, and leaner than power forwards and centers, but on occasion are just as tall. The small forward position is considered to be perhaps the most versatile of the main five basketball positions, due to the nature of its role, which is sometimes similar to that of a power forward, and other times more resembles the role of a shooting guard.

Small forwards are primarily responsible for scoring points and also often as secondary or tertiary rebounders behind the power forwards and centers, although a few who play as point forwards have considerable passing responsibilities. Many small forwards in professional basketball, however, are prolific scorers. The styles with which small forwards amass their points vary widely, as some players at the position, like the New Orleans Hornets' Peja Stojakovic, are very accurate straight-up shooters, while others like Houston Rockets forward Ron Artest prefer to "bang inside" (initiate and/or not shy away from physical contact with opposing players), while others are primarily slashers, such as Carmelo Anthony of the Denver Nuggets. Another excellent small forward in the NBA right now is the Cleveland Cavaliers' LeBron James. He has a variety of weapons, such as a shooting ability, quickness, and strength inside. One common thread between all kinds of small forwards is an ability to "get to the line", that is how opposing players called for committing shooting fouls against them, as fouls are frequently called on the defense when offensive players "take the ball hard" to the basket, that is, aggressively attempt post-up plays, lay-ups, or slam dunks. Therefore, accurate foul shooting is an imperative skill for small forwards, many of whom record a large portion of their points from the foul line. Small Forwards should be able to do a little bit of everything on the court. For example, LeBron James averaged close to 30ppg, 8rpg, and 7apg.

Defense is often a major priority for small forwards, who are often counted on using their athleticism and size as defensive advantages. Many small forwards are excellent defensive players including Artest, who is generally regarded as one of the best defensive players in the league today.^{[citation needed]} Shawn Marion of the Miami Heat (previously with the Phoenix Suns) and Tayshaun Prince of the Detroit Pistons are able to guard any position on the floor with their length and athleticism and are often called upon to do so. Bruce Bowen of the San Antonio Spurs, while not a star offensive player, is a masterful and tenacious defender, both on the perimeter and closer to the hoop. Former small forwards known for their defensive abilities include Scottie Pippen, one of the best one-on-one defenders in the NBA for most of his career.