Choosing the top 5 NBA point guards of all time is a difficult task due to the many great players who have played the position and the different eras in which they competed. We’ve based our list on a combination of individual achievements, championships, influence on the game, and overall skill, here is a list that many basketball fans and analysts might agree upon:
1. Magic Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers: Known for his incredible versatility, Magic led the Lakers to five NBA championships during the 1980s. He was a 3-time MVP and revolutionized the point guard position with his size (6'9"), playmaking, and scoring ability. When Magic Johnson retired, he held the title of the NBA's all-time leader in assists. Since that time, it has been eclipsed by other players. He still maintains the all-time record, averaging 11.2 assists per game throughout his career.
2. Stephen Curry
Golden State Warriors: Widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history, Curry has changed the game with his deep three-point shooting and off-ball movement. He currently holds the record for most 3-point shots made in NBA history (3680 and counting…) He has won four NBA championships and two league MVP awards, playing a key role in the Warriors' dynasty.
3. John Stockton
Utah Jazz: Stockton is the NBA's all-time leader in assists and steals, with 15,806 and 3,265, a testament to his playmaking and defensive abilities. He was a ten-time All Star, led the league in assists a record nine consecutive seasons, and holds the single-season record for assists with 1,164. He had a remarkable career spanning 19 seasons, all with the Utah Jazz.
4. Oscar Robertson
Cincinnati Royals/Milwaukee Bucks: Robertson was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season. He played in 12 straight All-Star Games, was selected to the All-NBA First Team nine consecutive seasons, won the MVP award in 1963-64, and helped the Milwaukee Bucks win the championship in 1971. He was an all-around talent who could score, rebound, and assist at high levels, paving the way for future generations of versatile guards.
5. Isiah Thomas
Detroit Pistons: A key figure in the "Bad Boys" Pistons teams that won two NBA championships, Thomas was known for his toughness, scoring ability, and leadership. Despite being undersized, he was a fierce competitor and one of the best point guards of his era.
Honorable Mentions
Steve Nash, Jason Kidd, and Chris Paul, each of whom has left a significant mark on the game.