Revealing the Top 10 Greatest NBA Point Guards in History
The point guard role in the NBA has evolved dramatically, hosting some of basketball’s most dynamic minds and leaders. While countless talented players have worn the mantle, a select group of point guards have redefined expectations, changed the course of the game, and left lasting legacies. Below, we spotlight the ten most influential and dominant point guards ever to grace the hardwood.
10. Russell Westbrook: The Triple-Double Dynamo
Russell Westbrook’s explosive career has been marked by his relentless drive and historic athletic achievements. Selected fourth overall in the 2008 NBA Draft, Westbrook quickly made his mark by recording a triple-double only months into his rookie season. A “triple-double” occurs when a player registers double digits in three major statistical categories—points, rebounds, assists, blocks, or steals—during a single game.
Westbrook’s signature became his ability to pile up triple-doubles at an astonishing rate. In the 2016–17 season, he shattered Oscar Robertson’s long-standing record by tallying 42 triple-doubles, finishing the year as only the second player in league history to average a triple-double for an entire season. He went on to achieve this remarkable feat for three additional seasons, an NBA record. Unsurprisingly, he was crowned league MVP in 2017. Despite ups and downs later in his career, Westbrook’s achievements earn him a place among the greatest to ever play the position.
9. Walt Frazier: Two-Way Knicks Legend
Walt Frazier was the heartbeat of the New York Knicks from 1967 to 1977, distinguishing himself on both ends of the court. He was a defensive rock, earning seven consecutive NBA All-Defensive First Team honors. Offensively, Frazier demonstrated poise and leadership, steering the Knicks to their first NBA title with a memorable 36-point, 19-assist Game 7 performance in 1970.
He added another championship ring in 1973, and in recognition of his stellar career, he was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1987. Beyond playing, Frazier became a beloved broadcaster, earning the Curt Gowdy Award in 2022 for his impactful contributions to basketball media.
8. Jason Kidd: Master of the Court Vision
Jason Kidd was revered for his uncanny ability to command the flow of any game. In his early years with Dallas and Phoenix, his quickness and pinpoint passing made him a nightmare in transition. Kidd compiled the second-most assists in NBA history (12,091) and registered 107 triple-doubles.
Notably, Kidd showcased adaptability, revamping his jump shot into a consistent offensive weapon as he aged. His patience paid off with an NBA championship at age 38, underscoring his lengthy, versatile impact on the league.
7. Steve Nash: Fast-Paced Pioneer and Efficiency King
Steve Nash, an eight-time All-Star and two-time MVP, is known as much for transforming offensive philosophy as for his personal stats. As the cornerstone of the Phoenix Suns’ “seven seconds or less” offense, he thrust the league into a new era of rapid play and emphasis on three-point shooting.
A superb shooter, Nash boasts the highest career free throw percentage (90.4%) in NBA history and achieved four seasons of the rare 50-40-90 shooting split (at least 50% field goals, 40% from three, and 90% from the line). Nash’s trailblazing methodologies and on-court efficacy cement his status in the record books.
6. Isiah Thomas: Heart of the Bad Boys
At just 6 feet tall, Isiah Thomas led the infamous “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons with talent and tenacity. Under his leadership, the Pistons turned from underdogs into two-time NBA Champions in 1989 and 1990. Thomas was never deterred by his size or adversity; in fact, he scored a staggering 25 points in a single quarter of the NBA Finals while playing through a severe ankle sprain—an unforgettable display of courage and skill.
Over 13 seasons, Thomas became Detroit’s all-time leader in points, assists, steals, and games played, and was recognized as Finals MVP in 1990.
5. John Stockton: The Quintessential Facilitator
Few players have personified the term “floor general” like John Stockton. Renowned for his basketball intelligence and sharp passing, Stockton engineered over 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz, orchestrating the offense with precision. He remains the all-time NBA leader in both assists (15,806) and steals (3,265).
Stockton’s 51.5% career shooting percentage and knack for clutch plays, like his unforgettable buzzer-beater to send the Jazz to the Finals, make him a blueprint for aspiring point guards — even though he never secured a championship ring.
4. Chris Paul: The “Point God”
Chris Paul, often dubbed “The Point God,” has been a constant force since his NBA debut in 2005. With outstanding court vision, Paul has amassed over 11,500 assists and more than 2,500 steals, indicating his influence on both offensive and defensive fronts.
His elite ball-handling allows him to create offensive opportunities both for himself and his teammates. Though he has played for multiple franchises and reached the NBA Finals, a championship continues to elude him. Nevertheless, Paul’s consistency and leadership enhance the level of every team he joins.
3. Oscar Robertson: The Original All-Around Star
Oscar Robertson, also known as “The Big O,” was a revolutionary figure in the 1960s NBA. Far more than a traditional playmaker, Robertson combined size (6’5″, 210 lbs) and skill to become the league’s first player to average a triple-double for a season: in 1961–62, he posted 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 11.4 assists per game.
His dynamic play influenced future greats like Magic Johnson, and his career was capped off by an NBA title in 1971 with the Milwaukee Bucks.
2. Stephen Curry: The Three-Point Revolution
Stephen Curry isn’t just the NBA’s greatest shooter—he’s redefined how the game is played at every level. With his lightning-fast release and unlimited range, Curry holds the NBA record for threes in a single season (402) and is the league’s all-time leader in made three-pointers, eclipsing Ray Allen in far fewer games.
His marksmanship has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA Championships, with Curry earning multiple MVP awards and a Finals MVP. Coaches and players alike have adapted their strategies around his game-changing presence, confirming Curry as a transformative force in modern basketball.
1. Magic Johnson: The Ultimate Showman
Magic Johnson tops the list as the most influential and charismatic point guard in NBA history. Towering at 6’9”, Johnson broke positional molds upon entering the league in 1979. While his stature gave him a unique edge, Johnson’s legacy is founded on his vision, dazzling passes, and innate leadership.
Amassing 10,141 career assists, Magic’s famous no-look passes remain iconic. Across his 13-season stint with the Los Angeles Lakers, Johnson captured five NBA titles, claimed three MVPs, and earned three Finals MVP honors. Remarkably, he achieved a championship and Finals MVP as a rookie—foreshadowing his enduring greatness. Magic’s unique skill set reimagined what a point guard could be, making him a benchmark for all who followed.
Frequently Asked Questions About NBA Point Guards
Currently, Steph Curry is considered the top point guard in the league, thanks to his record-breaking shooting and multiple MVP and Finals MVP honors.
Magic Johnson is widely recognized as the greatest of all time, with five NBA championships and three MVPs on his résumé.
Yes, LeBron James assumed the point guard role for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2020–21 NBA season.
Michael Jordan played point guard for the Chicago Bulls during the 1988–89 season.
Maurice Cheeks holds the record for the best field goal shooting percentage among point guards, at 52.3%.
