Top 5 Point-Guards of All-Time in NBA history
From Magic Johnson to Stephen Curry, here are the greatest Point Guards in NBA history who have dominated the league like never before.
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Greatest Point Guards in the NBA (Credits: FS)
Point guards in the NBA are key players responsible for orchestrating their team’s offense. They act as the primary ball handlers, initiating plays and distributing the ball to teammates. The role demands exceptional court vision, quick decision-making, and precise passing skills.
Their ability to read the defense, exploit openings, and create scoring opportunities makes them indispensable. Their primary focus is setting up teammates for high-percentage shots, making them the engine that drives offensive efficiency.
With his combination of size, vision and passing accuracy, Magic Johnson’s table-setting was perhaps unparalleled. But since his retirement, the position has produced the greatest shooter of all time, a triple-double machine and a floor general who earned the nickname of Point God. These players have marked their sensational game style and blessed the NBA history. Here are the top 5 greatest NBA point guards of all-time.
5. Chris Paul
CP3 or Chris Paul is definitely one of the best point guards in the league. Adept at both scoring and playmaking, Paul’s offensive prowess is highlighted by his dribbling skills and mid-range shooting. His agility and ability to navigate through defenses create scoring opportunities not only for himself but also for his teammates.
His consistency in scoring and facilitating has made him a dual-threat point guard, keeping defenders on their toes. Renowned for his court vision, Paul’s ability to read defenses and make precise passes has made him one of the most impactful players on the teams he has played for.
He is the classic definition of a point guard, orchestrating offense and shooting when necessary. The best two-way small player in league history, Paul embodies the era in which he plays by running the pick-and-roll as well as anyone has ever run it. The shorter, the groovier, Paul took all the shots and proved them wrong making an entire generation applaud him. He is currently averaging 17.7 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.4 APG and 2.1 SPG in his career.
Achievements:
- 11-time NBA All-Star
- 9-time All NBA Selection
- 7-time All NBA Defense
- Rookie of the Year
- 4-time Assists Leader
- 6-time Steals Leader
4. Isiah Thomas
The list of top 5 greatest point-guards of all-time is always incomplete without the legendary Isiah Thomas. Thomas was ultra-quick with the ball and, at any moment, could pull up for a deadly jump shot. At 6-foot-1, he’s the shortest NBA Finals MVP in league history, a reflection of his unique ability to dominate at the point guard position.
Isiah Thomas’ ability to penetrate defenses with lightning-quick drives to the basket set him apart. Thomas’ fearlessness in clutch moments and his knack for making crucial plays contributed significantly to his team’s success. As a floor general, Thomas possessed extraordinary court vision, orchestrating offenses with precision. His passing ability, often showcased in no-look passes and creative assists, reflected his basketball IQ.
Thomas’ willingness to share the spotlight helped make the Bad Boy Pistons incredible, and he had a consistent ability to step up his game in the postseason during Detroit Piston’s title runs. The legendary point guard ended his career with embraces and galore, retiring with 19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG and 1.9 SPG.
Achievements:
- 2-time NBA Champion
- 1-time Finals MVP
- 12-time All-Star
- 5-time All NBA Selection
- Hall of Fame
3. Oscar Robertson
When we talk of point-guards, the legendary Oscar Robertson can never be left behind. Robertson is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards in NBA history for his unique playing style and a remarkable array of on-court skills.
Robertson showcased a deadly jump shot, effective drives to the basket, and an uncanny ability to finish in traffic. His scoring versatility made him a constant offensive threat, and he often led his teams in points, rebounds, and assists, showcasing his all-around impact.
Robertson’s court vision and passing skills were extraordinary, earning him the nickname “The Big O.” His ability to distribute the ball effectively made him a premier playmaker, and he remains one of the few players in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season (1961-62).
He held the record for most triple doubles in NBA history for decades until Russell Westbrook overtook him in 2021. The Hall of famer had a celebrated career retiring with 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG and .485 FG% as an all-time great.
Achievements:
- 1-time MVP
- 1-time NBA Champion
- 12-time All-Star
- 11-time All-NBA selection
- Rookie of the Year
- Hall of Fame
2. Stephen Curry
Warriors superstar Stephen Curry is undoubtedly one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. Curry has revolutionized the game with his extraordinary shooting ability and on-court dominance, asserting himself as the cornerstone of the Dubs Dynasty.
Curry’s playing style is defined by his revolutionary three-point shooting. His remarkable accuracy and deep shooting range have redefined the perimeter game, forcing defenses to adapt and inspiring a new era of long-range marksmanship in the NBA.
Steph Curry’s ball-handling wizardry and quick release contribute to his ability to create scoring opportunities from virtually anywhere on the court. As a prolific scorer, Curry’s offensive repertoire includes not only three-pointers but also acrobatic finishes at the rim and a lethal mid-range game.
His combination of skill, speed, and decision-making makes him a constant offensive threat. Additionally, Curry’s off-the-ball movement and ability to navigate screens have set new standards for scoring efficiency. At the time of writing, Curry is currently averaging 24.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG and 6.4 APG in his NBA career.
Achievements:
- 2-time MVP
- 3-time NBA Champion
- 7-time All-Star
- 6-time All NBA selections
1. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is widely regraded as the greatest point guard in NBA history. Standing at 6’9″, he revolutionized the point guard position with his size, allowing him to see the floor like no other player of his time. His ability to play multiple positions made him a matchup nightmare for opponents.
As a playmaker, Johnson’s passing skills were unparalleled. His no-look passes and precision in distributing the ball not only led to numerous assists but also became a trademark of his style. Magic’s leadership on the court was evident in his ability to control the tempo of the game and elevate his teammates, making those around him better players.
Offensively, Johnson was a dynamic scorer, capable of driving to the basket, finishing with finesse, and knocking down perimeter shots. His versatility as a scorer complemented his playmaking, making him a dual threat on the offensive end. Johnson’s impact extended to the defensive side, where his size and basketball IQ allowed him to contribute significantly.
Magic Johnson lifted the Los Angeles Lakers, and transition basketball, to ethereal levels. The Hall of Famer ended his career with 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG and .520 FG% as an all-time great.
Achievements:
- 3-time MVP
- 5-time NBA Champion
- 3-time Finals MVP
- 12-time All-Star
- 10-time All NBA Selection
- Hall of Fame
FAQs
Stephen Curry has won 4 NBA Championships.
Magic Johnson won 5 NBA Championships during his career.
Isiah Thomas won 2 NBA Championships during his career.
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Sumeet Singh
(384 Articles Published)