What is the main difference between a PF and C and a SG and SF?

I think a PF is supposed to have more versatility to their game. They can run a bit inside the arc, but not clog up the 5's area.

A shooting guard is exactly that; an offensive (defensive too) wingman who can create his own shot.

Honestly, I think a SF is a hybrid of PF and SG.

 

Position names are simply labels, there are no definite definitions

 

The main difference is that PFs are more likely to guard opposing PFs than centers, and centers are more likely to guard opposing centers than PFs. Likewise for SGs and SFs.

 

these days the frontcourt is lumped together and are called bigs, alot of PFs playing the 5 position because there is a dearth of 7fters and above with actual NBA skills.

the 2 and 3 position are also commonly lumped together nowadays as the wingman, although the 3's responsibility has some frontcourt duties like rebound and go in the paint, maybe too physical from some true 2's like Kevin Martin. the 2 should have a better ballhandling skills as a true backcourt guard, and as mentioned earlier the 3 should be physical enough to handle frontcourt duties like rebound in the paint.

 

On offense I think it's ball handling and range. If you can handle the ball and shoot with range then you're a 2 or a 4. If you can't handle the ball as well and can't shoot with as much range then you're a 3 or a 5. On defense I think it's lateral quickness and strength.

 

is it also a fair generalization to say that centers are traditionally back-to-the-basket players while power forwards are more face-up?

 

I always believed that your SG is your main scorer or at the very least your 2nd option, your point guard distributes the ball and runs the floor, your SF is your best defender and knocks down open 3's on offense, your power forward sets picks and spaces the floor, and your center stands there until someone gets the ball.

It wasn't until I started to really watch and understand basketball games that I learned it doesn't have to be this way.

 

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Basketball_position