Can We Guess Which Position You Would Play in the NBA?

By: Raj Chander

6 Min Quiz

Image: Wiki Commons by Keith Allison

About This Quiz

While we idolize some of the game's individual greats - Jordan, LeBron, Magic - above any single star, basketball is a team sport.

There would be no MJ without Scottie Pippen's complimentary scoring and strength in the paint, or Dennis Rodman's ability to track down rebounds and loose balls. LeBron wouldn't have been able to bring a championship back to Cleveland without Kyrie Irving's clutch shooting or Kevin Love's outside consistency.

Every championship team in the NBA is really a sum of parts that know where they fit in. The best guys on the team set the tone and direction for the squad - everyone else simply needs to execute on their particular role so that the group can be successful.

In a real game, the decision on which role you play on the court is made from a combination of your physical attributes, your natural inclinations and your personality. But if you were an NBA baller getting paid the big bucks to hoop with the pros, which position would you be? Give us the rundown on who you are with the following questions, and we'll guess. Let's ball!

You receive the ball on offense about 25 feet from the hoop - is your first instinct to pull up for the shot or dish it to a teammate?

I'm looking to set someone up for an easier basket.

I'm probably going to shoot.
Either, depending on the situation.

I'm just trying to get rid of the ball and go post up.

How good are you at draining the long-range three?

Not that great, but I hit every once in a while.

They are my bread and butter.
I can hit them, but I prefer getting a better shot.

I'll shoot them if I have a good look, but I prefer setting up a teammate or driving.

NBA teams have a lot of different personalities - how important is it to be a leader on your team?

Not that important - I lead through my play and effort.

It's one of my biggest responsibilities on the team.
It's something I strive to contribute to the team.

It would be nice to lead, but I'm mainly just trying to get buckets.

How skilled are you at cleaning the glass and pulling down rebounds?

I do it pretty well.

It's a strength of mine - I'm one of the best on my team at crashing the boards.
It's not one of my strong suits.

I can do it, but it's not a primary role of mine on the team.

Two-way players are most valuable in the NBA - what's your approach on defense?

I'm a rim protector who can stop offensive drives.

I give an all-out effort, but don't always have the size to stay with larger guys.
I can D pretty well when I have to, but I'm not focusing on it.

I pride myself on shutting down the other team's best scorer.

Behind-the-scenes chemistry is important - how do you handle yourself in the NBA locker room?

I'm focused on my game and breaking down how I played.

I'm pretty much your normal guy in the locker room.
I try to inspire my teammates and set the standard for personal and professional conduct.

I do my own thing - usually listen to my music or read a book.

Not all stars like the press. How would you handle interactions with the media as an NBA player?

Gracefully and calmly

Fine, unless they annoy me - then I can get defensive.
I'm either cracking jokes or staying quiet.

I pretty much just talk about myself.

They aren't glamorous, but are still an essential part of the game: what's your free throw percentage?

75%

90%
85%

60%

How do you handle high-pressure situations like clutch free throws or last-second shots?

I'm usually not the person in clutch situations, but I do what I can when I am.

I relish clutch situations because they are a chance to perform at a high level.
I don't mind passing to get our team the best shot in important moments.

I can shoot or pass depending on what's needed and how I am feeling.

How important is it for you to be a star on your team, getting massive attention from fans and media?

It definitely matters and makes the game more fun for me.

It's nice, but I don't strive for it.
It can be a blessing and a curse, so I try to stay neutral about it.

It usually doesn't happen to me, so it doesn't really matter.

What kind of food are you eating to give yourself energy before your game?

Lean chicken breast and rice

A big steak with potatoes and a sundae
A chicken sandwich

Whatever's convenient and accessible.

Does it matter to you if you stay with the same NBA franchise for your entire career?

Not really, I'm fine with moving for more money or a better team.

Yes, I'd like to stay on one team my whole career.
It doesn't really matter to me - I just want to be in a position to win.

I'd prefer to if possible, but I'm OK about moving on.

How well do you get along with younger players on your NBA squad?

As long as they don't cut into my shots, I'm fine with them.

I appreciate it when they pass me the ball.
I try to mentor and teach them.

If they bring a good attitude and work hard, I'll respect them.

Which of these NBA players most matches your personal style?

Shaquille O'Neal

Chris Paul
Kawhi Leonard

Kobe Bryant

How good are you at dishing the ball to your teammates to find easy baskets?

I do it if the situation calls for it.

Most of the time I'm the one receiving passes, not making them.
I can do it, but I prefer to shoot.

It's my main goal when I'm on the floor.

What's more important to you - that you played a good game, or that your team won?

The team always comes first.

Preferably both will happen.
No matter what happens, I'm putting up my numbers.

I'm trying to help the team win primarily, but some nights I have to look out for myself.

No one can be perfect - which of these skills is your biggest liability on the court?

I sometimes take too many shots.

I'm not always as aggressive as I should be.
I can't dribble the ball very well.

I play too hard and sometimes get emotional.

How would you handle a fan heckling you, like they often do to Russell Westbrook and Anthony Davis?

I jaw back at the fan.

I use it as motivation to play even better.
I'll address it after the game.

I would tune it out - it's just a distraction.

Coaches can help bring a group together - how well would you get along with your NBA head coach?

Pretty good for the most part, but we disagree from time to time.

I try to be the voice for my coach on the floor.
Fine, especially when they increase the amount of touches I get.

I often step up and take big shots, even when the coach's plan doesn't call for it.

What's your reaction to losing a close game against a big rival?

I try to analyze what happened and learn from it to get better.

I get frustrated and need to be left alone.
I take it upon myself to do a better job next time.

I ask the coach to give me more looks.

How do you approach practicing in between games during the season, given the grueling schedule?

I practice when necessary, but I also listen to my body and take breaks.

I'm always trying to get as much practice as possible.
I'm mostly working on shooting and other individual skills.

I like to have fun at practice yet still get better.

Which of these college basketball powerhouses is your favorite?

University of North Carolina

Purdue University
Duke University

University of Kentucky

Which of the below positions outside of the sport of basketball would you most want to play?

Goalie in hockey

Closer in baseball
Tight end in football

Quarterback in football

What's your routine to get yourself ready to play at a high level before a game?

Eating a good meal and stretching

I calmly go over the game plan and spend some time alone to get in the zone.
Listening to my favorite tunes

Watching footage of my best past performances

Your team just won a hard-fought final and are now NBA champions! What are you doing next?

Give a thoughtful interview to the press about the value of team play.

Get ready to go out and celebrate.
Plan my dances during the victory parade.

Spray champagne all over the locker room.

Your contract is up with your current team - what's your attitude as you become a free agent?

I'm trying to get as much money as possible.

I want to play on a team that gives me plenty of touches.
I'm seeking the team that gives me a shot at winning a championship.

I'm looking to go to the team that best fits my style.

After a long, successful career in the NBA, what do you see yourself doing afterwards?

Getting into business

Becoming a color commentator
Coaching

Acting

Would you ever consider playing in an overseas league if it wasn't working out in the NBA?

Yes, I would play where I could contribute.

Yes, I'd be trying to make money playing ball.
Probably not

I wouldn't be happy about it, but I'd play.

What's your beverage of choice to keep you hydrated during the game?

Gatorade

Water
Juice

Body Armor

Entrances are a big deal these days - what pregame outfit are you rocking as you walk into the arena?

A hoodie

A brightly-colored club shirt with slacks
A colorful suit with suspenders

A plain-colored suit

5 Minute Quiz 5 Min

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