What is a Stretch 4 in Basketball?

Basketball constantly evolves, with new strategies and player positions emerging over time. The stretch four is one such position that has gained popularity in recent years. Let’s learn stretch four’s definition, role, and significance in basketball.

What is a stretch 4 in basketball?

A stretch four is a term used to describe a power forward who can stretch the floor and shoot from the perimeter, particularly beyond the three-point line. Traditionally, power forwards were expected to operate close to the basket, using their size and athleticism to rebound and score. However, with the evolution of the game and the rise of three-point shooting, the role of the power forward has expanded to include players who can shoot from outside.

Definition of a stretch four

A stretch four, also known as a shooting big man, is a basketball player who combines the size and physicality of a traditional power forward with the shooting skills of a small forward. They are versatile players who can space the floor and create opportunities for their team by drawing opposing power forwards away from the basket.

Role of a stretch four in the NBA

In the NBA, stretch four has become invaluable for teams looking to maximize offensive efficiency. By having a power forward who can shoot from the perimeter, teams are able to stretch the defense and open up driving lanes for their guards and small forwards. This creates more space on the court and forces opposing defenses to adjust their strategies.

Furthermore, the stretch four can also create opportunities for their teammates by becoming a reliable option in the pick-and-pop play. This involves the power forward setting a screen for the ball handler and then quickly popping out to the three-point line, forcing the opposing defense to choose between guarding the shooter or protecting the basket.

How does a stretch four stretch the floor?

A stretch four stretches the floor by positioning themselves on the perimeter, away from the basket. This forces the opposing power forward to follow them, leaving a void in the paint and creating space for their teammates to operate. Their ability to consistently shoot threes also forces the defense to extend their coverage, which opens up driving lanes and leads to more efficient scoring opportunities.

Who are some notable stretch fours in the NBA?

7. Ersan Ilyasova

Ersan Ilyasova had a breakout season in 2011-12, thanks to his impressive shooting and increased playing time.

Ilyasova boasted an outstanding effective shooting percentage of .535, taking into account his three-point shooting. Additionally, he shot an incredible 45.5 percent. 

His ability to stretch the floor led to him securing a large contract before the season began. 

Although he struggled at the start of the 2012-13 season, Ilyasova has improved in the past few weeks, shooting over 40 percent from beyond the arc again. 

At just 25 years old, Ilyasova has become what people had hoped Andrea Bargnani would become. 

6. Kevin Garnett

Garnett’s effectiveness in the low post has diminished, but he has successfully transitioned into a dependable player for mid-range shots from anywhere on the court. 

A forward who can stretch the floor doesn’t always have to hang around the corners waiting for opportunities to shoot three-pointers during chaotic plays. Even though some might underestimate its value, the ability to make long two-point shots can still create openings for attacks just as effectively.

Based on Hoopdata’s statistics, Garnett has a shooting percentage of 55.8% from distances of 10-15 feet and 50% from lengths of 16-23 feet. As he often assumes the center position on defense, opposing defenders are drawn away from the basket when the Celtics have possession.

Last season, the Celtics scored 9.6 fewer points when Garnett was not on the court. His offensive skills are particularly crucial for a team that lacks dominant scorers. With Rajon Rondo leading the offense, the court always has vacant areas. 

Given the absence of a robust low-post threat in Boston, the team’s offense tends to stagnate when Pierce fails to find his rhythm from the perimeter. Nevertheless, Garnett remains a deadly shooter in pick-and-pop situations. 

5. Chris Bosh

 Bosh is a player who excels in the paint and from the middle distance. His capability to occasionally make three-point shots adds to his threat on the outside.

With Dwyane Wade and LeBron James attacking the defenses from outside positions, Bosh has the freedom to move along the baseline for jump shots. 

At specific points last season, when Miami faced difficulties, many criticized the absence of Bosh as the main reason due to his strong skills in posting up and shooting. In simple terms, he has a better shooting technique than James and Wade.

Based on Hoopdata’s findings, the Heat’s point differential decreases by 8.6 when Bosh is not playing for 48 minutes. This highlights his crucial role in the team and emphasizes his quality as a versatile forward in the league.

4. Ryan Anderson

Sporting the prototype of a stretch forward, Anderson is known for his unflappable ability to shoot and consistently deliver three-pointers. This ace shooter, a distinguished alumnus of Cal, has built his entire career around his remarkable ability to score points with aplomb, even though he might not be the most athletically gifted player on the court.

It was widely speculated that Anderson’s prowess was primarily due to playing in tandem with Dwight Howard. The relentless pressure to corner the ex-Orlando Magic player often left Anderson with a wide-open playing field, providing ample opportunities to make his signature three-pointers. Anderson made the most of these opportunities, netting an impressive average of 16.1 points per game while maintaining a solid 39.3% success rate in his three-point shots. 

In contrast, Garnett’s intimidation factor in the low-post area has waned over time, but he’s found a new lease on life as a steady threat from mid-range positions across the court.

Naysayers questioning Anderson’s ability to thrive independently had their doubts quashed when he transferred his shooting talents to his new team, the New Orleans Hornets. His performance has been off the charts this season, averaging 19 points per game and boasting a stellar 42.4% success rate with his three-point shots.

So eye-catching has been Anderson’s performance from beyond the arc that the Lakers are toying with the idea of swapping Pau Gasol for a deal primarily focusing on him, as Jabari Davis from SheridanHoops.com suggested. This underlines the game-changing potential that a stretch forward can bring to a spread offense.

3. Kevin Love

Despite a rocky start to the season, plagued by injuries and a minor dip in shooting prowess, Love remains one of the top guns and game-expanding players.

He’s evolved from being a rebound grabber and a master of dishing out stunning outlet passes. His game has taken flight, featuring a deadly face-up play, including a step-back three-pointer.

Love didn’t discriminate on the court, schooling power forwards and centers all season. Hoopdata said his shooting proved effective against all comers, racking up scores of 48.8 and 51.0, respectively.

With Ricky Rubio bouncing back to health and Andrei Kirilenko joining the roster as yet another skilled passer, it will lead to a basketball spectacle seldom seen in Minnesota – lanes opening up and shots pouring in from all quarters.

This could be a boon for Nikola Pekovic’s offensive strategy. The more players are drawn out to tackle Love, the more room Pekovic will have to command the low block.

Love’s uncanny knack for creating space on the floor allows his teammates to shine in his aura.

2. Dirk Nowitzki

Heralded as one of the most incredible big men shooters in history, Dirk Nowitzki has perfected the pinch post to create opportunities for cutters and execute his deadly off-leg shot.

Nowitzki shines in all shooting statistics. He’s virtually unstoppable on the offensive front with a field goal percentage of 48, a three-point shooting rate of 38, and an almost impeccable free-throw rate of 87.8 percent.

Early in his career, he grappled with tall, speedy forwards like Stephen Jackson, as seen in the surprise upset by the Golden State Warriors. But those days are behind him, as his long-range post-up game has nicely complemented his ability to pull off a three-pointer at will.

As one of the most incredible big men in history, Dirk Nowitzki is set for a much-anticipated return to the Dallas Mavericks, a team wrestling with a series of defeats. His comeback is a promising glimmer in their near future.

1. Kevin Durant

Some folks tend to misconstrue Kevin Durant’s gentle demeanor off-court, presuming it spills over into his on-court persona.

Durant is nothing short of a sharpshooter from every corner of the court. With three scoring titles at this early stage in his career, Durant is on track to shatter Kobe Bryant’s scoring record.

His gift lies in his ability to catch and shoot from virtually anywhere on the court, rendering him a formidable opponent.

As a career 36.7 percent three-pointer, the spine-chilling aspect is his potential to scale even greater heights shortly. Durant’s three-point shooting average this season stands at an impressive 42.9 percent.

Imagine the possibilities if Russell Westbrook starts feeding him the ball even more frequently.

Other versions of the stretch four in the NBA

While players like Kevin Love and Dirk Nowitzki have become synonymous with the stretch four positions, there are other variations of this role in the NBA. Some teams employ athletic forwards with three-point shooting skills, while others utilize smaller, quicker players who can play both forward positions effectively. Whatever the style, the presence of a stretch four has become increasingly common in the modern NBA.

Stretch 4 vs Stretch Forward: Are They Same?

In basketball positions, particularly as they’re represented in video games like NBA 2K, “stretch forward” and “stretch 4” refer to the same position but with slightly different connotations.

Both terms describe a power forward (“4” in the numerical position system) who has the ability to “stretch” the floor with their shooting, particularly from the three-point line. This is a critical skill in the modern basketball game because it forces the opposing team’s big men to defend out on the perimeter, opening up lanes for drives to the basket.

“Stretch 4” is a more specific term tied directly to the player’s position. It always refers to a power forward who can shoot.

“Stretch forward,” on the other hand, could potentially refer to either a power forward or a small forward (“3” in the numerical system) who can shoot. This term is a bit more flexible but less precise because it doesn’t specify the player’s position as directly as “stretch 4” does. In practice, though, it’s often used to refer to shooting power forwards, so the two terms are often used interchangeably.

These terms, in video games like NBA 2K, might refer to players with different player builds, attributes, or play styles, but this can change from year to year, depending on the specifics of the game’s design and balance.

In real-life basketball, though, they’re essentially two ways of describing the same type of player.

Why is stretch four becoming more common in the NBA?

Several factors have contributed to the rise in popularity of stretch four in the NBA.

Impact of three-point shooting

The proliferation of three-point shooting in the NBA has changed how the game is played. Teams now value players who can shoot long-range and stretch the defense. A power forward’s ability to shoot threes creates scoring opportunities and forces opposing teams to adjust their defensive strategies.

Expanding the power forward position beyond traditional roles

In the past, power forwards were primarily expected to be solid rebounders and interior scorers. However, as the game has evolved, teams have realized the importance of having forwards who can contribute in other ways, particularly in shooting. This has led to the development of the stretch four positions, where power forwards are valued for their ability to stretch the floor and create offensive opportunities.

Stretching the defense and creating open lanes

By having a power forward who can shoot from the perimeter, teams can stretch the defense and create open driving lanes for their guards and small forwards. This leads to more efficient scoring, disrupts the opposing team’s defensive schemes, and forces them out of their comfort zone.

In conclusion, stretch four has become an integral part of modern basketball, with NBA teams increasingly relying on power forwards who can shoot from the perimeter. By stretching the floor and creating space, these players have revolutionized the power forward position and significantly impacted the style of play in the NBA.

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