The Swingman Position in Basketball
Kevin Waida has spent more than two years as part of the Gustin Golf Course staff. Though he is professionally engaged on the golf course, Kevin Waida is passionate about playing basketball. There are five recognized positions in the sport of basketball. The shooting guard and small forward often share similar responsibilities, which has given rise to the development of an unofficial position known as the swingman. Basketball players between the heights of 6’6” and 6’8” can be particularly effective as swingmen. Among the best-known examples are 2008 NBA Finals MVP Paul Pierce, eight-time NBA champion John Havlicek, and 10-time NBA All Star Clyde Drexler. It should be noted that not all wing players can function successfully as swingmen. Traditionally, the shooting guard is one of the shortest players on the court and would struggle to defend modern small forwards such as LeBron James and Kevin Durant. Shooting guards are often specialty players and can stretch the floor with three-point shooting or operate as defensive specialists against fellow guards. Small forwards, on the other hand, must provide their teams with a well-rounded set of skills on both ends of the floor.
