Top 10 NBA Point Guards of All Time

How Do We Choose the Best NBA Point Guards of All Time?

The floor general and primary ball handler is widely considered one of the most important and difficult positions in all of basketball. It entails the most pressure and decision making of any player on offense and when matched up on defense, they are usually guarding another secure ball handler, adding defensive struggles to the equation. The best point guards are able to handle all of that and more. Through examination of the players accolades, feats, counting numbers, and impact on the game, we have made a list of the top 10 NBA point guards of all time. Check in with us at Zone Report in the future so you can help us decide who makes the cut for our upcoming lists.

Who are the Top Ten NBA Point Guards of All Time?

Point guards usually have a few common skills, aside from ball handling. Passing and defense are both extremely important for point guards and shooting is also usually better among point guards than other positions. The best point guards are the ones who have mastered many of those key traits and are prolific in others. This level of skill and talent also usually results in wins at the highest level. That means playoff victories and championships. These players encapsulate the best basketball has to offer from point guards.

#1 Magic Johnson

As the leader of the Showtime Lakers, alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic made himself a household name. He was one of the biggest and brightest stars in all of sports during the ‘80’s and ‘90’s, half of one of sports greatest rivalries with Larry Bird, and was one of the big three of the Olympic Dream Team. His resume is extensive to say the least.

As a member of 12 All Star teams and earning 10 All NBA Selections, Johnson was best known as a passer. But he wasn’t just a good or great passer, he made passing look good. He had touch and finesse that the league had never seen up to that point. His no-lookers and behind the back passes changed how people approached passing the ball and opened minds to the ideas of a faster paced basketball team. Johnson pushed the floor extremely well and was well oversized to be playing point guard 6’9”. As a one of a kind guard, Johnson cemented himself as one of sports’ great legends. 

#2 Steph Curry

When talking about players that shifted how basketball is played, Steph Curry should always be at the top of that list. Before his back to back MVPs, in 2014 the league average for three point attempts per game was 21.5. After the MVP wins, in 2017, the league had already jumped to 27 a game. And in the 2023 season, it was 34.2 attempts a game. The proof is in the numbers. Efficient three point shooting was underutilized in the past and Steph Curry changed the basketball world by making the three essential to winning. 

As the greatest shooter of all time, it is no surprise Steph has won a lot. He has cheffed up 9 All Star and All NBA Selections to go with his 4 rings. All of these are still going up as well. And as the icing on the cake, his Warriors team holds the best regular season record of all time. As a pure scorer, Steph Curry effectively shot the lights out of the league and continues to do so game after game.

#3 John Stockton

There is not much to say about Stockton that hasn’t been said already. He is the prototypical point guard. A smaller, extremely feisty player that had great court vision, handled the ball efficiently, and played high quality defense. He was the glue that held the Utah Jazz together and without him, who knows where Karl Malone would be on the all time scoring list.

Stockton’s career was long to say the least, spanning 19 years, during which he earned 10 All Star Selections and 11 All NBA nods. He was also a 9 time assist leader in the league, just further emphasizing how successful of a passer he was. He was also a well respected defender, as a 2 time steals champ.

#4 Oscar Robertson

The Big O is the greatest name in Cincinnati basketball ever. He was a legend at the University of Cincinnati before being selected by the Royals in the draft. When it comes to Robertsons skill set, it can best be described as the offensive skill set. His game was complete, he could score at will, dish out dimes, and clean the glass with the best of them. He is the founder of the triple double in fans’ minds.

Although Robertson could do it all, it is clear that his speciality was passing, as a 6 time assist leader in the league. It was that ability to support teammates and move that ball that made him so valuable to the Bucks, where he won his only title,  after his time with the Royals.

#5 Isiah Thomas

The leader of the  self proclaimed “Bad Boys” really wasn’t such a bad guy. Prior to his stint in Detroit, Thomas was most identified by the smile that he had while he tore through opposing teams. The Baby-Faced Assassin was a dynamic ball handler, with some of the most advanced moves of his generation. That was paired with unrivaled speed to create an offensive threat that rivaled Jordan and his Bulls teams. 

Thomas was one of very few players to earn a ring in Jordan’s era, winning in both 1989 and 1990, while also collecting a Finals MVP in the 1990 campaign. Thomas was His Airness’ kryptonite in the early years, proving that he deserves to be talked about among the best of the best.

#6 Steve Nash

Although Nash’s career features some controversy, particularly surrounding revisionists looking at his MVP wins, regardless of any debate, Nash is definitively one of the greatest passers of all time. Taking the foundations laid down by inventive passers like Magic Johnson and upping the trickery and creativity to another level, Nash’s style still has never been replicated. Aside from his passing, Nash was smart and ran offenses well, leading to him becoming an NBA head coach after his retirement, and possessed an insane first step quickness that left defenders in his dust. His time in Phoenix alone could convince most fans of Nash’s value, but his leadership throughout the league was admired and valued, hence why he bounced between there and Dallas.

#7 Chris Paul

 One of the longest tenured players in the league today, Chris Paul has always been a versatile and impactful player for whatever team he is on. As one of the league’s most recognizable journey men nowadays, it is easy to see the impact that he can have. Remember the ten big wins he added to the already extremely talented Houston Rockets total after he joined, or the massive leap the Suns made when he went to Phoenix. 

All of the regular season wins that Paul has been a part of are great, but it was when he would lead his own teams when we would see everything he could do. In New Orleans and Los Angeles, CP3 would do it all. Defend, score, pass, it didn’t matter it was Paul. Focusing specifically on the Lob City years with the Clippers. He averaged just under 20 and 10 with over 2 steals a game. Paul was a force and will have no trouble finding his way to the Hall of Fame when he chooses to hang it up.

#8 Jerry West

Arguably one of basketball’s most famous runners up, Jerry West was always on the cusp of more, but it felt like he never quite got there. He went to nine Finals and only won one. Despite only going over the hump once, West’s career was still a wildly successful one. He was an All Star in every season that he played and averaged 27 and 6 over the course of his career. 

His on the court ability has led West to being one of the most well known Lakers of all time. His brutal honesty and blunt words also made him well known in the basketball world. His silhouette is used as the NBA’s logo and I don’t think it gets any more iconic than that.

#9 Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd is too often forgotten about point guard in the minds of basketball fans. He sits on the fringe of the top ten for a few reasons. His only title came in the twilight of his career with the Mavericks and his other finals appearances were big losses to the Lakers and Spurs. And while being known as someone who struggled to win a Finals is tough, it is better than being known for not making one. 

Kidd was also a triple double machine, constantly snatching boards and dishing out passes. He retired second all-time in assists and steals, further proving his worth on both sides of the ball. Kidd nowadays is back in Dallas coaching and attempting to bring another title to the Mavs.

#10 Bob Cousy

The Houdini of the Hardwood is best known for his insane 6 total NBA titles. Winning the Finals 6 times is unreal and very few players have been able to achieve that feat. In addition to his NBA titles, Cousy also earned 8 assist titles. It was easy to be a pass first guard when you were playing with Bill Russsell, but Cousy was one of the first players to pass in a somewhat modern style. He was far more mobile than other guards at the time and moved the ball quickly and efficiently. Regardless of who else enters stardom, Cousy will always be remembered in basketball history

Frequently Asked Questions About the Top 10 NBA Point Guards

Who is the best NBA Point Guard of All Time?

The debate is constantly raging on who is the greatest point guard of all time. The two most common choices among fans are Magic Johnson and Steph Curry, both for very different reasons. Although both revolutionized the position, we chose Magic in our top spot. His legacy has stood the test of time, but Curry could still surpass him.

What NBA Point Guard has the Most Rings?

The leader for most rings among point guards is KC Jones with 8. He had a 9 year career in Boston from 1958-1967 and during that period, Jones played in almost every game.

What is a Pure Point Guard?

A pure point guard is sometimes also thought of as a pass first guard. They facilitate the offense and ensure that it runs properly by directing traffic and calling plays. They may not be the best scorer or defender on the team but they are just as important. 

Is Jerry West in the Hall of Fame?

Jerry West was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 1980, and was inducted on his playing merits alone. Aside from being a stand out player, West was also a coach and executive with the Lakers for years.