WSJ: The end of the NBA shooting guard

[pap49cba]

While the attention in this series has been focused on LeBron James—first for suffering from cramps in Game 1, then for answering his critics with a dominating Game 2—something else is happening on the court. We are witnessing the extinction of the traditional shooting guard.

LINK

 

[VAUConnFan]

So true.

It has not been that long ago when it was considered total sacrilege for a big man to shoot perimeter jump shots. Guys like Jim McDaniels and Patrick Ewing took a lot of heat for not developing a back to the basket game.

As far as shooting guards becoming extinct, I just feel that players develop more aspects of their game now, probably because of expectations, because of the influence of popular players, and, as mentioned, the increasing importance of defense.

 

[pap49cba]

Infiltrating the women's game as well. I recall CD's comments this year about how big kids don't want to play with their backs to the basket.

 

[Zorro]

Natalie does.

 

[VAMike23]

If some of today's more athletic 5s had even half of Taj McWilliams-Franklin's post moves and back-to-the basket savvy, they'd score by the dozens. It can be done, but nobody wants to learn it.

Pity.

 

[Wally East]

Didn't Jordan and Drexler signal the end of the shooting guard? Didn't Magic Johnson signal the end of the short point guard?

No? Okay, carry on.

 

[Striper69]

Don't you think that:
KML
Maggie Lucas
Riquana Williams
are shooting guards in the women's game?

KML's game really reminds me of Ray Allen's.