Top 10 Point Guards Of All Time

When it comes to the game of basketball, the point guard position is often considered the most crucial. Point guards are responsible for orchestrating the offense, setting up plays, and distributing the ball to their teammates. Over the years, the NBA has seen some incredible point guards who have left an indelible mark on the sport. In this article, we will explore the top 10 point guards of all time, taking into account their skills, achievements, and impact on the game.

1. Magic Johnson

Earvin “Magic” Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Standing at 6’9″, Johnson revolutionized the position with his size, court vision, and versatility. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships and was a three-time NBA Finals MVP. Johnson’s ability to play multiple positions and his exceptional passing skills set him apart from his peers.

2. John Stockton

John Stockton spent his entire 19-year career with the Utah Jazz and is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals. Stockton’s incredible court vision and basketball IQ made him a master of the pick-and-roll, and he formed a deadly partnership with Karl Malone. Despite never winning an NBA championship, Stockton’s consistency and longevity make him one of the greatest point guards of all time.

3. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry has revolutionized the game of basketball with his incredible shooting ability. As a point guard for the Golden State Warriors, Curry has shattered records and changed the way the game is played. His three-point shooting prowess and ability to create his own shot from anywhere on the court have made him a two-time NBA MVP and three-time NBA champion.

4. Oscar Robertson

Oscar Robertson, also known as “The Big O,” was a dominant force during his era. He became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, a feat that was only recently matched by Russell Westbrook. Robertson’s versatility and scoring ability set the stage for future point guards, and he won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971.

5. Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas was the heart and soul of the Detroit Pistons’ “Bad Boys” era. Despite being undersized for a point guard, Thomas made up for it with his toughness, leadership, and clutch performances. He led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 and was a 12-time NBA All-Star. Thomas’ ability to control the game and make his teammates better earns him a spot among the all-time greats.

6. Chris Paul

Chris Paul, known as “CP3,” is widely regarded as one of the best floor generals in NBA history. His exceptional court vision, ball-handling skills, and basketball IQ have made him a perennial All-Star. Paul has consistently been among the league leaders in assists and steals, and his impact on the game goes beyond statistics. Despite not winning an NBA championship, Paul’s influence on the court is undeniable.

7. Steve Nash

Steve Nash, a two-time NBA MVP, was a maestro on the basketball court. His ability to control the tempo of the game and make his teammates better was unparalleled. Nash’s exceptional shooting and passing skills made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He led the Phoenix Suns to multiple deep playoff runs and is widely regarded as one of the best point guards of his generation.

8. Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy, also known as “The Houdini of the Hardwood,” was a pioneer of the point guard position. He played a crucial role in popularizing the fast break and behind-the-back dribble. Cousy won six NBA championships with the Boston Celtics and was an exceptional playmaker. His flashy style of play and ability to control the game make him one of the all-time greats.

9. Gary Payton

Gary Payton, also known as “The Glove,” was a defensive stalwart and one of the best two-way point guards in NBA history. His tenacious defense and ability to shut down opposing guards earned him the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996. Payton’s leadership and scoring ability made him a key contributor to the Seattle SuperSonics’ success in the 1990s.

10. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd was a triple-double threat every time he stepped on the court. His exceptional court vision and passing ability made him one of the best playmakers of his generation. Kidd’s leadership and ability to make his teammates better were instrumental in the Dallas Mavericks’ 2011 NBA championship run. He ranks second on the NBA’s all-time assists and steals lists.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Who is considered the greatest point guard of all time?

Magic Johnson is widely regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. His size, court vision, and versatility revolutionized the position, and he led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships.

2. How many NBA championships did Stephen Curry win?

Stephen Curry has won three NBA championships with the Golden State Warriors in 2015, 2017, and 2018.

3. Who holds the record for the most assists in NBA history?

John Stockton holds the record for the most assists in NBA history with 15,806 assists over his 19-year career.

4. Has any point guard averaged a triple-double for a season?

Oscar Robertson became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season in 1961-1962. Russell Westbrook matched this feat in the 2016-2017 season.

5. How many NBA MVP awards has Chris Paul won?

Chris Paul has not won an NBA MVP award, but he has consistently been among the top point guards in the league and has been named an All-Star multiple times.

6. Who is the all-time leader in steals in NBA history?

John Stockton is the all-time leader in steals in NBA history with 3,265 steals over his career.

Summary

The point guard position in basketball requires a unique set of skills, including court vision, passing ability, leadership, and scoring prowess. The top 10 point guards of all time have left an indelible mark on the sport, revolutionizing the position and setting new standards for excellence. From Magic Johnson’s size and versatility to Stephen Curry’s shooting prowess, each point guard on this list has made significant contributions to the game. Whether it’s