From the swift and sharp passes to the breathtaking layups and the game-winning buzzer-beaters, point guards are undeniably the heartbeat of any NBA team. With such a crucial role, it’s no surprise that some of the most iconic NBA players have been point guards.
Top 10 NBA Point Guards
10. Bob Cousey
When it comes to initiating a discussion on the pioneers of modern point guard play, the name that often takes the lead is none other than Bob Cousey. Bestowed with the title of the original floor general, Cousey’s skill set was a rich blend of passing, dribbling, and orchestrating the game’s flow on the court. His ball-handling prowess and innovative play style were simply unparalleled, marking him as a standout figure in the game and one of the best point guards in NBA history.
9. Waltz Frazier
Walt Frazier, known for his remarkable coolness both on and off the court, was aptly dubbed ‘Clyde’. His smooth playing style and innate ability to rack up points made him a standout performer. As a former Knicks point guard, Frazier’s defensive prowess was equally impressive. His commendable skills led to him earning a staggering seven 1st Team All-Defenses titles during his illustrious NBA career.
8. Jason Kidd
In the annals of NBA history, Jason Kidd is a name that stands tall among the greatest point guards. His style of play was captivating, a magician on the court, effortlessly threading passes through the tightest of defences.
Not just a skilful playmaker, Kidd was a genuine threat in transition. He had an uncanny ability to steal the ball and fortify his team’s defence, making him a formidable force on both ends of the court. Adding to his list of achievements, Kidd boasts one of the longest careers in the NBA, further cementing his legendary status in the sport.
7. Steve Nash
Enthralling audiences with his pick-and-roll style, Steve Nash stands among the celebrated names in the hall of point guards. His dribbling finesse, matched with his impeccable shooting skills, set him apart from his contemporaries. An outlier in his era, Nash’s proficiency for shooting from beyond the arc was a spectacle to behold. His remarkable talent earned him the coveted Most Valuable Player Award, solidifying his status as one of the most formidable point guards of his time.
6. Chris Paul
Known for his exceptional leadership on the court, Chris Paul has demonstrated an uncanny ability to guide his teammates to prime positions during games. His role as a point guard extended beyond the norm, with him being renowned for his potent pick-and-roll playing style and his ability to rack up high scores.
His impressive court performances earned him the nicknames ‘CP3’ and ‘the point god’ in different circles. However, despite his undeniable prowess, Paul’s career was not without its shortcomings – the absence of an NBA Championship win being the most notable.
5. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas stands as a shining beacon of talent fused with an indomitable competitive spirit. This 6-foot-1 point guard seamlessly amalgamates athleticism and skill, firmly etching his name in the annals of NBA history as one of the greatest point guards to grace the court.
While his dribbling may not have been unrivalled, it was more than sufficient to set up plays and kickstart offences. His leadership was instrumental in the Detroit Pistons’ triumphant victory over the Chicago Bulls, not once, but three times consecutively in the NBA playoffs.
4. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, the modern-day maestro of point guards, not only revolutionized the role but also redefined the art of shooting three-pointers. An innovator in his own right, Curry’s impact on the game is nothing short of groundbreaking. However, Curry isn’t just about his mesmerizing three-point shooting. His unrivalled playmaking ability, especially in today’s NBA, showcases his versatile talent. His skill isn’t confined to the perimeter—it extends to orchestrating the floor and setting up his teammates.
Curry’s impressive resume boasts four NBA championship rings and the prestigious Finals MVP award. A testament to his dominance and influence on the court. Indeed, the audacious claim of Curry being one of the greatest point guards, and by extension, one of the greatest players in the annals of basketball, doesn’t seem far-fetched. The assertion bears weight considering his meteoric rise and sustained excellence.
3. John Stockton
John Stockton, a name etched in the annals of NBA history, is considered one of the finest players to grace the game, despite his share of unfortunate circumstances. When the topic shifts to single-handedly carrying a franchise, Stockton’s name is often the first to surface. This ex-Utah Jazz point guard holds an unshakeable record for the highest career assists and steals, a feat that would require an extraordinary effort to surpass.
But there’s more to Stockton than his record-breaking steals and assists. His personal achievements are equally, if not more, remarkable. He secured two Olympics Gold in quick succession from 1992 to 1996 and triumphed in the FIBA Americas Championship in 1992. In a fitting tribute to his illustrious career, Stockton was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.
2. Oscar Robertson
With an illustrious career marked by extraordinary talent, Oscar Robertson, affectionately referred to as the ‘Big O’, dominated as a point guard. His dazzling prowess was on full display during his memorable tenures with the Cincinnati Royals and the Milwaukee Bucks. Robertson’s extraordinary abilities didn’t go unrecognized on the global stage. He earned a spot in the All-Star lineup twelve times and was selected for the All-NBA Team on eleven occasions. His crowning glory, however, was the Most Valuable Player award, a tangible testament to his unparalleled skills on the court.
Robertson broke new ground by becoming the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double, a feat reflective of his multifaceted talent. His knack for steering plays, rebounding, and scoring set him head and shoulders above his peers in the league.
Despite his individual triumphs, it wasn’t until Robertson teamed up with Lew Alcindor at the Milwaukee Bucks that he savoured the sweet taste of significant team success. Their formidable partnership culminated in a highly-coveted NBA Championship, forever etching Robertson’s name in the annals of NBA greatness.
1. Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson Jr
Without a shadow of a doubt, Magic Johnson earns the top spot as the greatest point guard in NBA history. His incredible talent and unparalleled dominance in the game are universally recognized by basketball connoisseurs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Johnson earned the title of the league’s most valuable player three times, a testament to his immense prowess and influence on the court.
Adding even more feathers to his cap, he clinched the coveted NBA Finals MVP title three times and led his team to an impressive five NBA Championships. It’s tantalizing to speculate about the additional accolades he might have collected had his career not been prematurely halted by an HIV diagnosis.
