Stretch Five

Written byOliver Jansen Hours Last Updated on Categories Basketball

What is a Stretch Five in Basketball?

A stretch five in basketball refers to a center who possesses the ability to create more space near the basket and also excel at shooting from beyond the three-point line. This role combines the traditional skills of a center, like height and grit, with the shooting capabilities of a power forward. The stretch five has become a highly sought-after position since its emergence around 2010.

Centers playing as stretch fives are expected to be versatile, adaptable, and fast on the court, which allows them to contribute more to the offensive strategies of their team. By showing proficiency in both inside and outside scoring areas, these players force defenders to cover a wider range of the court, opening space for their teammates to operate. This evolution of the center position has changed the way basketball is played and increased the importance of having players with diverse skill sets on the team.

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Defining the Stretch Five

Evolution of the Center Position

In traditional basketball roles, the center position focused on interior play, providing strong defense, rebounding, and scoring close to the basket. However, as the game has evolved, so has the definition of a center. The modern center has adapted to an increasingly fast-paced and perimeter-oriented game. This has given rise to the Stretch Five – a center who is not only effective in the paint but can also stretch the floor by shooting from beyond the arc.

Role and Characteristics

A Stretch Five, as the name suggests, has a couple of significant characteristics that separate them from a conventional center:

  • Shooting Ability: Stretch Fives have impressive shooting skills, enabling them to make three-point shots consistently. This floor spacing ability attracts defenders away from the paint, creating opportunities for their teammates.

  • Versatility: These centers have a well-rounded skill set that includes passing, ball-handling, and mobility. Their versatility allows them to contribute to the game in varied ways.

  • Size and Athleticism: Although they can shoot threes, Stretch Fives still maintain their size and athleticism, making them effective at traditional center duties like interior defense and rebounding.

Some notable examples of Stretch Fives include Brook Lopez, Myles Turner, and Serge Ibaka.

Impact on the Game Strategy

The emergence of Stretch Fives has significantly impacted basketball strategy in several ways:

  1. Spacing: The ability to shoot threes forces defenses to adjust, opening driving lanes for guards and creating space for other players on the floor.

  2. Matchup Problems: Defending a Stretch Five can be challenging, as traditional centers might not be quick enough to cover them at the perimeter while smaller defenders are at a disadvantage in the paint.

  3. Increased Pace: Stretch Fives often have better ball-handling and passing skills, leading to faster transition play, upping the game’s tempo.

  4. Offensive Flexibility: The presence of a Stretch Five adds another scoring option, making it more difficult for opposing teams to defend and enabling a team to adapt to different defensive schemes.

In conclusion, the Stretch Five has become a crucial component of modern basketball and is redefining the center position as the game continues to evolve.

Notable Stretch Five Players

The modern era of basketball has seen the rise of versatile big men capable of spreading the floor with their shooting prowess. These players, known as stretch fives, have become integral to many successful teams due to their ability to create space and draw opposing centers away from the basket. In this section, we will discuss some notable stretch five players who have left their mark on the game.

Al Horford has been a steady presence in the NBA for over a decade, showcasing his skills as a stretch five. He has consistently demonstrated his ability as a shooter while also providing valuable interior defense and rebounding. By forcing opposing centers to guard him on the perimeter, Horford creates more space near the hoop for his teammates.

Pero Antic, although not as well-known, has also had a significant impact as a stretch five in the NBA. Spending several years as a key player for the Atlanta Hawks, Antic could stretch the floor with his shooting and facilitate ball movement within the offense. His versatility paved the way for other European big men to bring their unique skill set to the league.

Another standout stretch five is Karl-Anthony Towns, who has already etched his name among the NBA’s elite at a young age. Towns possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and shooting touch for a player of his stature. This unique skill set has allowed him to become a dominant force on both ends of the floor, drawing comparisons to some of the all-time great big men.

Here is a brief list of other notable stretch fives who have made an impact in the league:

  • Anthony Davis
  • Kristaps Porzingis
  • Brook Lopez
  • Channing Frye

The development and impact of stretch fives in basketball have revolutionized the game. These players have added a new dimension to the center position while opening up space for their teammates to operate more efficiently on offense. As basketball continues to evolve, expect to see even more talented stretch fives emerging and leaving their mark on the game.

Meet Oliver, a basketball fan and advocate from the USA. Hailing from Indiana, home of the Pacers, Oliver has been deeply passionate about the game since childhood. After a successful college career playing on the court, he now focuses on sharing his love of basketball with others as an amateur coach.