When we talk about the best point guards in NBA history, so many names float through my mind, each with their distinct playing style, achievements, and impact on the game. Where do we even start? Maybe with the great Magic Johnson, who redefined the point guard position during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1979 to 1991, winning five NBA championships. Standing at 6’9″, Magic’s size and vision made him a revolutionary playmaker, and his career averages of 11.2 assists per game show his incredible ability to distribute the basketball.
Then there’s John Stockton, the Utah Jazz legend, who still holds the NBA records for both career assists (15,806) and steals (3,265). Stockton’s longevity and consistency over 19 seasons are mind-blowing. It’s hard to grasp that he averaged double-digit assists in a whopping 10 straight seasons! What truly fascinates me is his durability; Stockton missed only 22 games in his entire career, contributing to his astounding career stats and providing the Jazz with almost two decades of top-tier playmaking.
Another player that often comes up in this discussion is the beloved “Big O,” Oscar Robertson. Robertson was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, accomplishing this monumental feat in the 1961-1962 season with the Cincinnati Royals. To put that in perspective, it took until Russell Westbrook in 2017 to see it happen again. Robertson’s ability to score, assist, and rebound made him a versatile threat on the court, cementing his place among the all-time greats.
Today’s NBA also has its share of legendary point guards. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors has single-handedly changed how the game is played with his unbelievable shooting range. Over his career, he’s managed to average 24.5 points per game while hitting nearly 43% of his three-pointers—a staggering number considering the volume of shots he takes from beyond the arc. Curry’s influence on the modern game cannot be overstated; he’s led the Warriors to three NBA championships in five consecutive Finals appearances, transforming them into a perennial powerhouse.
We also can’t forget Chris Paul, known as the “Point God,” who has been one of the most consistent and efficient floor generals in league history. Paul leads active players in assists with over 10,000 and regularly ranks among the leaders in assists per game each season. His ability to control the tempo, make smart decisions, and deliver in clutch moments has made him invaluable to every team he’s played for, including the Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and most recently, the Phoenix Suns.
One interesting name that has to be mentioned is Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons. Thomas led the “Bad Boys” Pistons to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. His fierce competitiveness and superb playmaking skills helped earn him Finals MVP in 1990. Despite standing only 6’1″, Thomas’s fiery demeanor and exceptional talent enabled him to stand toe-to-toe with the league’s giants, often coming out on top through sheer will and determination.
Let’s not overlook Jason Kidd, another player who personified what it means to be a point guard. Kidd ended his career second on the all-time assists list with 12,091 and third in steals with 2,684. His combination of court vision, size, and basketball IQ enabled him to command the game like few others. Kidd’s career took him through multiple teams, and he finally won an NBA Championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, validating his legacy as one of the greats.
Finally, there’s the young and sensational Luka Dončić, who seems poised to join these ranks. At just 24 years old, Dončić has already made a significant impact, with averages of 26.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.0 assists per game over his first five seasons. His basketball IQ and versatile skillset make it clear that he’s one to watch, perhaps the next great through whom the evolution of the point guard position will continue.
As you can see, the point guard position in the NBA boasts an incredible history, rich with players who have not only dominated statistically but also changed the very essence of how the game is played. Each player’s unique blend of skills, tenacity, and vision has left an indelible mark on the league, shaping the sport into what it is today. And so, while it’s hard to name a definitive “best” point guard, appreciating the greatness of each era helps us understand the evolution and beauty of basketball. For more incredible insights into the world of basketball, visit arena plus.