Best Point Guards of All Time - NBA Top 10 Ranked
by Maivizhi A
Updated Mar 29, 2023
Best Point Guards of All Time
A playmaker in basketball is commonly referred to as a point guard and is typically positioned either behind the free-throw circle or beyond the three-point line. This player assumes a critical role, requiring them to possess exceptional ball handling and dribbling skills, speed, shooting accuracy, intelligence, leadership qualities, and a keen sense of vision. Point guards are expected to be versatile and skilled in various aspects of the game, making them a true jack of all trades.
Throughout the history of the NBA, numerous exceptional point guards have displayed their abilities by scoring high points, providing numerous assists, grabbing rebounds, stealing the ball, and earning championships and recognition. Without further delay, let's examine the top ten point guards in NBA history.
Top 10 Best Point Guards of All Time
Here is the list of the Top 10 Best Point Guards of All time and check out below to know their points and achievements.
S.No
1
Magic Johnson
2
Oscar Robertson
3
Stephen Curry
4
John Stockton
5
Russell Westbrook
6
Chris Paul
7
Jerry West
8
Jason Kidd
9
Gary Payton
10
Isiah Thomas
Point Guards
Top Point Guards of All Time
Let us see each Point Guards in detail.
1. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is widely considered as one of the greatest point guards in the history of the NBA, having displayed exceptional talent during his career, which was unfortunately cut short by HIV. Johnson's playmaking abilities were remarkable, making him one of the most brilliant playmakers in the league's history. He had impressive career averages of 19.5 points, 7.2 rebounds, 11.2 assists (the all-time high), and 1.9 steals per game, with a Player Efficiency Rating of 24.2, which is the second highest among point guards. Johnson was a three-time MVP, three-time Finals MVP, and a five-time NBA champion, solidifying his status as one of the greatest players ever to play the game.
2. Oscar Robertson
With 26,710 points, Oscar Robertson is the all-time leading point guard scorer in the NBA, ranking third in rebounds (7,804) and seventh in assists (9,887). Robertson dominated the league during the 1960s, winning the scoring championship, six assists titles, and the 1963-64 MVP award. His exceptional career saw him record 181 triple-doubles, which was an incredible achievement ahead of his time. Robertson's remarkable career averages were 25.7 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 9.5 assists per game, with a Player Efficiency Rating of 23.2, making him one of the most outstanding point guards to have ever played the game.
3. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry, who plays as a point guard, is widely regarded as the greatest three-point shooter in the history of the NBA, having made 3,270 three-pointers so far, and ranking 13th in percentage with .427. However, his skills extend beyond just his three-point shooting abilities. He boasts impressive career averages of 24.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, and has a Player Efficiency Rating of 23.9. With four championship rings and two MVP awards, Curry is considered one of the most dominant players of his generation, earning the nickname "Baby-Faced Assassin."
4. John Stockton
John Stockton is undoubtedly one of the greatest point guards in NBA history. His incredible ability to make assists is unmatched, having led the NBA in assists per game for nine consecutive seasons. This helped him to become the all-time leader in assists with an astounding 15,806 throughout his career.
Additionally, Stockton is also the player with the most steals in NBA history, recording 3,265 throughout his 19-year career, proving that he was not only a great passer but also an exceptional defender. With a Player Efficiency Rating of 21.8, 207.7 Win Shares, and a 106.5 Value Over Replacement Player, Stockton's impact on the game cannot be overstated.
5. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history with an impressive 198. His versatility on the court allowed him to excel in scoring, assisting, and rebounding.
Throughout his career, Westbrook maintained averages of 22.5 points, 7.4 rebounds (which stands as the all-time record among point guards), 7.7 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. "The Brodie" currently ranks second in total points among point guards (23,990 at the time of writing) and second in rebounds (7,822) as well.
6. Chris Paul
Since his first season, Chris Paul has made a substantial impact in the NBA, being named Rookie of the Year in 2005-06. Even today, at 37 years of age, he remains an outstanding player, boasting career averages of 18.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 9.5 assists, and 2.1 steals per game.
Paul currently holds the distinction of having the highest Player Efficiency Rating of all-time for a point guard, with 24.5. He ranks third in assists, with 11,194 as of this writing, third in steals with 2,491, and fourth in points with 21,276.
7. Jerry West
Jerry West is an NBA legend and is regarded as one of the greatest of all time, having been immortalized as the silhouette featured on the league's logo. West spent his entire 14-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers, averaging 27 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.
West was reputed to be an adept ball thief and could have potentially maintained an average of three steals per game, but this statistic was not recorded during his time. With a 22.9 Player Efficiency Rating and 162.6 Win Shares, West's impact on the court was undeniable.
8. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd was named Rookie of the Year and went on to become a five-time assists champion, 10-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive selection, and NBA Champion. With a 19-year NBA career, it's no surprise that he holds the record for most rebounds by a point guard in league history, with 8,402, and ranks second in both assists (11,842) and steals (2,559).
"The Engine" achieved an impressive 107 triple-doubles throughout his career and had a remarkable Value Over Replacement Player of 73.5.
9. Gary Payton
Gary Payton was an exceptional all-around player, demonstrating prowess both offensively and defensively. Throughout his career spanning 1335 NBA games, he averaged 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.7 assists, and 1.8 steals per game, with an 18.9 Player Efficiency Rating. Among point guards, Payton currently ranks third in total points (21,813), fourth in steals (2,445), and sixth in rebounds (5,269).
"The Glove" boasts an impressive 62.5 Value Over Replacement Player and 145.5 Win Shares. Despite his efforts, Payton was unable to lead the Seattle Supersonics to a championship title, but he did earn a ring with the Miami Heat.
10. Isiah Thomas
The leader of the "Bad Boys" - Isiah Thomas is one of the best Point Guards. Although Thomas was known for his unsavory on-court behavior, there's no denying his exceptional talent. Throughout his 13-year NBA career, he maintained an average of 19.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 9.3 assists, and 1.9 steals per game.
"Zeke" currently ranks eighth all-time among point guards for points scored (18,822), assists (9,061), and steals (1,861). Additionally, he has two NBA Championship titles to his name and was bestowed the honor of Finals MVP on one occasion.
Who is the Best NBA Point Guard of All Time?
Magic Johnson is the Best NBA point guard of all time. His impressive accomplishments include winning five NBA championships, being named Finals MVP three times, earning three MVP awards, and being selected to the All-NBA 1st Team nine times and the All-Star Game 12 times. He also ranks 6th in assists, 22nd in steals, 83rd in scoring, and 146th in rebounds in NBA history. As the leader of one of the greatest teams in basketball history, Magic stood out as an electrifying playmaker who made daring passes and executed them flawlessly. He was a proven winner and delivered iconic performances on the biggest stages, all while charming fans with his charismatic personality. Overall, Magic Johnson was the complete package and remains one of the NBA's greatest superstars.
Conclusion
The list of the top ten point guards of all time includes some of the most outstanding and iconic players in NBA history. These players possess exceptional skills in various aspects of the game, including ball handling, shooting accuracy, leadership qualities, and a keen sense of vision. Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, and Stephen Curry are widely regarded as some of the most dominant players to have ever played the game, with impressive career averages and multiple championships to their names. John Stockton, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, Jerry West, Jason Kidd, Gary Payton, and Isiah Thomas complete the list of the top ten point guards of all time, each leaving a lasting legacy in the game and contributing to the development of the sport in their own unique ways.
Best Point Guards of All Time - FAQs
Magic Johnson is considered one of the greatest point guards in NBA history, having displayed exceptional talent during his career, which was unfortunately cut short by HIV. Johnson's playmaking abilities were remarkable, making him one of the most brilliant playmakers in the league's history.
Oscar Robertson is the all-time leading point guard scorer in the NBA, ranking third in rebounds (7,804) and seventh in assists (9,887).
Magic Johnson is widely considered as the greatest point guard of all time due to his remarkable playmaking abilities, impressive career averages, and numerous accolades, including five NBA championships, three MVP awards, and three Finals MVP awards.
Russell Westbrook holds the record for the most triple-doubles in NBA history among point guards, with a remarkable 198.
Chris Paul currently holds the distinction of having the highest Player Efficiency Rating of all-time for a point guard, with 24.5.