25 best point guards of all time: Top PGs in NBA history ranked
The point guard position is crucial in the NBA, with players expected to control the offence and distribute the ball effectively. Throughout NBA history, several exceptional point guards have achieved individual and team success, leaving a lasting impact. Discover some of the best point guards of all time in this article.
Source: Getty Images
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Best point guards of all time
- 2. Stephen Curry
- 3. Oscar Robertson
- 4. Jerry West
- 5. Chris Paul
- 6. John Stockton
- 7. Jason Kidd
- 8. Steve Nash
- 9. Russell Westbrook
- 10. Isiah Thomas
- 11. Tony Parker
- 12. Walt Frazier
- 13. Gary Payton
- 14. Bob Cousy
- 15. Allen Iverson
- 16. Luka Doncic
- 17. Kyrie Irving
- 18. Damian Lillard
- 19. Anfernee Hardaway
- 20. Dennis Johnson
- 21. Nate Archibald
- 22. Chauncey Billups
- 23. Tim Hardaway
- 24. Dave Bing
- 25. Rajon Rondo
- Who is the best point guard of all time?
- Who has the most dunks in NBA history as a point guard?
- Who is the best Lakers point guard of all time?
We provide valuable insights through rankings and lists based on player achievements, including MVPs, All-Star selections, and championships. We also considered stats like assists, points, and shooting efficiency. Credible sources like NBA.com, ESPN, and Sports Illustrated were used for this ranking.
Best point guards of all time
Throughout NBA history, numerous point guards have scored many points, dished out many assists, grabbed many rebounds, and won several championships and accolades. Below is a list of the best NBA point guards of all time.
| No. | Name | Career span |
| 1 | Magic Johnson | 1979–1991, 1996 |
| 2 | Stephen Curry | 2009–present |
| 3 | Oscar Robertson | 1960–1974 |
| 4 | Jerry West | 1960–1974 |
| 5 | Chris Paul | 2005–present |
| 6 | John Stockton | 1984–2003 |
| 7 | Jason Kidd | 1994–2013 |
| 8 | Steve Nash | 1996–2015 |
| 9 | Russell Westbrook | 2008–present |
| 10 | Isiah Thomas | 1981–1994 |
| 11 | Tony Parker | 2001–2019 |
| 12 | Walt Frazier | 1967–1980 |
| 13 | Gary Payton | 1990–2007 |
| 14 | Bob Cousy | 1950–1963, 1969–1970 |
| 15 | Allen Iverson | 1996–2011 |
| 16 | Luka Doncic | 2015–present |
| 17 | Kyrie Irving | 2011–present |
| 18 | Damian Lillard | 2012–present |
| 19 | Anfernee Hardaway | 1993–2008 |
| 20 | Dennis Johnson | 1976–1990 |
| 21 | Nate Archibald | 1970–1984 |
| 22 | Chauncey Billups | 1997–2014 |
| 23 | Tim Hardaway | 1989–2003 |
| 24 | Dave Bing | 1966–1978 |
| 25 | Rajon Rondo | 2006–2022 |
1. Magic Johnson
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Earvin "Magic" Johnson Jr.
- Date of birth: 14 August 1959
- Place of birth: Lansing, Michigan, United States
- Championships: 5
- Career stats: 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 11.2 APG
Is Magic Johnson the best point guard ever? Magic Johnson is often regarded as the greatest point guard of all time. He was an oversized guard with perfect guard skills, including dribbling and passing. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five championships in the 1980s. He is a three-time NBA MVP.
2. Stephen Curry
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- Full name: Wardell Stephen Curry II
- Date of birth: 14 March 1988
- Place of birth: Akron, Ohio, United States
- Championships: 4
- Career stats: 24.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 6.4 APG
Stephen Curry is the point guard for the Golden State Warriors and is considered one of the best players of all time. A two-time MVP, Curry has won four NBA titles and established himself as the best shooter in the NBA's history. Outside the NBA, Curry is also one of the hottest NBA players.
3. Oscar Robertson
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- Full name: Oscar Palmer Robertson
- Date of birth: 24 November 1938
- Place of birth: Charlotte, Tennessee, United States
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 9.5 APG
The former point guard played for the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks. He was a 12-time All-Star, 11-time All-NBA Team member, and one-time MVP award winner. Oscar became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, a feat he accomplished in the 1961-1962 season with the Cincinnati Royals.
4. Jerry West
- Full name: Jerry Alan West
- Date of birth: 28 May 1938
- Date of death: 12 June 2024
- Place of birth: Chelyan, West Virginia, United States
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 27.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 6.7 APG
Jerry West, also known as "Mr. Clutch," is one of the most iconic and skilled guards in NBA history. He was known for his scoring ability, playmaking, and defensive prowess. He led the Lakers to an NBA championship in 1972 and was a 14-time NBA All-Star.
5. Chris Paul
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- Full name: Christopher Emmanuel Paul
- Date of birth: 6 May 1985
- Place of birth: Winston-Salem, North Carolina, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 17.5 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 9.3 APG
Paul has played for various teams throughout his career, including the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors. Known for his court vision, basketball IQ, and leadership skills, Chris won 12 All-Star selections, 11 All-NBA Team honors, and 9 All-Defensive Team selections. He is also one of the oldest active players in the NBA.
6. John Stockton
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- Full name: John Houston Stockton
- Date of birth: 26 March 1962
- Place of birth: Spokane, Washington, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 13.1 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 10.5 APG, 2.2 SPG
The former NBA player is considered among the greatest point guards ever. He spent his entire career with the Utah Jazz, which made the playoffs in 19 seasons. Stockton won ten-time NBA All-Star honours and held the NBA records for most career assists.
7. Jason Kidd
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- Full name: Jason Frederick Kidd
- Date of birth: 23 March 1973
- Place of birth: San Francisco, California, United States
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 12.6 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 8.7 APG
Jason Kidd is an NBA coach and former player who is the head coach for the Dallas Mavericks. He is regarded as one of the best point guards, known for his exceptional playmaking, basketball IQ, and defence. Kidd was a 10-time NBA All-Star, a six-time All-NBA Team member, and a nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team member.
8. Steve Nash
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- Full name: Stephen John Nash
- Date of birth: 7 February 1974
- Place of birth: Johannesburg, South Africa
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 14.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, 8.5 APG
Steve Nash is a Canadian professional basketball coach and former player who recently served as head coach of the Brooklyn Net (2020-2022). He played 18 seasons in the NBA, winning eight All-Star and seven All-NBA selections. He is also one of the greatest point guards of all time and was once named one of the most influential people in the world.
9. Russell Westbrook
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- Full name: Russell Westbrook III
- Date of birth: 12 November 1988
- Place of birth: Long Beach, California, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 21.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 8.1 APG
Russell Westbrook is one of the most electric players in NBA history. A former NBA MVP (2017), Westbrook became the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for a season three times. Westbrook is a nine-time NBA All-Star and plays for the Denver Nuggets. He is also among the richest NBA players in the world.
10. Isiah Thomas
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- Full name: Isiah Lord Thomas III
- Date of birth: 30 April 1961
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Championships: 2
- Career stats: 19.2 PPG, 3.6 RPG, 9.3 APG, 1.9 SPG
Isiah Thomas is a former point guard and coach who is an analyst for NBA TV. He spent his entire professional career for the Detroit Pistons. As one of the greatest point guards of all time, Thomas was a two-time NBA champion, an NBA Finals MVP recipient, a five-time All-NBA Team member and a 12-time NBA All-Star.
11. Tony Parker
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- Full name: William Anthony Parker Jr.
- Date of birth: 7 May 1982
- Place of birth: Bruges, Belgium
- Championships: 4
- Career stats: 15.5 PPG, 2.7 RPG, 5.6 APG
Tony Parker is regarded as one of the best international point guards in NBA history. Tony played in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs from 2001 to 2018. During that run, he and the Spurs won four NBA Championships. The NBA star was also named to six NBA All-Star games and MVP of the 2007 NBA Finals.
12. Walt Frazier
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- Full name: Walter "Clyde" Frazier Jr.
- Date of birth: 29 March 1945
- Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia, United States
- Championships: 2
- Career stats: 18.9 PPG, 5.9 RPG, 6.1 APG
Walt Frazier, known as "Clyde," is celebrated as one of the greatest point guards and defensive players in the history of the NBA. He led the New York Knicks to two championships (1970 and 1973). Frazier was a seven-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defensive First Team selection.
13. Gary Payton
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- Full name: Gary Dwayne Payton Sr.
- Date of birth: 23 July 1968
- Place of birth: Oakland, California, United States
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 16.3 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 6.7 APG
Gary Payton is one of the greatest point guards ever. He is best known for his 13-year tenure with the Seattle SuperSonics. Payton was a nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection and the 1996 Defensive Player of the Year. He won an NBA championship with the Heat in 2006.
14. Bob Cousy
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- Full name: Robert Joseph Cousy
- Date of birth: 9 August 1928
- Place of birth: Manhattan, New York, United States
- Championships: 6
- Career stats: 18.4 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 7.5 APG
Bob Cousy played point guard for the Boston Celtics from 1950 to 1963 and briefly played for the Cincinnati Royals during the 1969–70 season. His exceptional ball-handling, playmaking, and leadership helped lead the Boston Celtics to six championships. Bob is also a 13-time NBA All-Star and the 1957 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP).
15. Allen Iverson
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- Full name: Allen Ezail Iverson
- Date of birth: 7 June 1975
- Place of birth: Hampton, Virginia, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 26.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.2 APG
Allen Iverson is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time. He played 14 seasons in the NBA at shooting and point guard positions. A former MVP (2001) and 11-time All-Star, Iverson led the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals in 2001. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.
16. Luka Doncic
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- Full name: Luka Dončić
- Date of birth: 28 February 1999
- Place of birth: Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 28.7 PPG, 8.7 RPG, 8.3
Luka Doncic, also known as Luka Magic, is a white NBA player for Dallas. He played for Real Madrid from 2015 to 2018 and is considered one of the greatest European players of all time. In 2018, he won the EuroLeague championship and was named EuroLeague MVP and EuroLeague Final Four MVP.
17. Kyrie Irving
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- Full name: Kyrie Andrew Irving
- Date of birth: 23 March 1992
- Place of birth: Melbourne, Australia
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 23.6 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 5.7 APG
Kyrie Andrew Irving plays for the Dallas Mavericks. He is among the best finishers and ball handlers of all time and has been considered the most skilled offensive player in history. His strong three-point shot makes him a consistent scoring threat. Irving won an NBA championship with the Cavaliers in 2016.
18. Damian Lillard
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- Full name: Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr.
- Date of birth: 15 July 1990
- Place of birth: Oakland, California, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 25.1 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.7 APG
Damian plays for the Milwaukee Bucks. He is best known for his big shots in the clutch and is nicknamed "Dame Time." Damian Lillard began his NBA career after being drafted in 2012 and quickly established himself as a skilled player, earning the NBA Rookie of the Year Award that year. Throughout his career, he has received six NBA All-Star selections.
19. Anfernee Hardaway
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- Full name: Anfernee Deon "Penny" Hardaway
- Date of birth: 18 July 1971
- Place of birth: Memphis, Tennessee, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 15.2 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 5.0 APG
Anfernee is an American college basketball coach and former professional player who is the head coach of the Memphis Tigers men's team in the American Athletic Conference (AAC). Hardaway played college basketball at Memphis for 14 seasons in the NBA. He was a four-time NBA All-Star and a three-time All-NBA Team member.
20. Dennis Johnson
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- Full name: Dennis Wayne Johnson
- Date of birth: 18 September 1954
- Date of death: 22 February 2007
- Place of birth: San Pedro, Los Angeles, California, United States
- Championships: 3
- Career stats: 14.1 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.0 APG, 1.3 SPG
Dennis Wayne Johnson was an American professional basketball player for the Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, and Boston Celtics. He was a key player for the Boston Celtics, winning three championships (1974, 1981, 1986). He was named five All-Star Teams, one All-NBA First and one Second Team.
21. Nate Archibald
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- Full name: Nathaniel "Tiny" Archibald
- Date of birth: 2 September 1948
- Place of birth: New York City, New York, U.S.
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 18.8 PPG, 2.3 RPG, 7.4 APG
Nate Archibald is known as a standout point guard in the NBA. He played for various teams for 14 years, most notably the Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City–Omaha Kings and Boston Celtics. In 1972-73, Archibald led the NBA in assists and points per game while playing an absurd 46 minutes per game. Archibald won ASG MVP during the 1980-81 season.
22. Chauncey Billups
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Chauncey Ray Billups
- Date of birth: 25 September 1976
- Place of birth: Denver, Colorado, United States
- Championships: 1
- Career stats: 15.2 PPG, 2.9 RPG, 5.4 APG
Chauncey Ray Billups is an American professional basketball coach and former player who is the head coach for the Portland Trail Blazers. As one of the best NBA point guards, Chauncey helped the Detroit Pistons win an NBA championship. He also made the All-Star game five times and was a member of the All-Defensive team twice.
23. Tim Hardaway
Source: Getty Images
- Full name: Timothy Duane Hardaway Sr.
- Date of birth: 1 September 1966
- Place of birth: Chicago, Illinois, United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 17.7 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 8.2 APG
Timothy spent his NBA career as a guard point for teams including the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets and Indiana Pacers. He was a five-time NBA All-Star and a five-time All-NBA Team member.
24. Dave Bing
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- Full name: David Bing
- Date of birth: 24 November 1943
- Place of birth: Washington, D.C., United States
- Championships: 0
- Career stats: 20.3 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 6.0 APG
David Bing was one of the top scorers throughout the late 1960s and early 70s. He was known for his scoring ability and court vision, primarily with the Detroit Pistons, where he became a seven-time NBA All-Star.
25. Rajon Rondo
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- Full name: Rajon Pierre Rondo
- Date of birth: 22 February 1986
- Place of birth: Louisville, Kentucky, United States
- Championships: 2
- Career stats: 9.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 7.9 APG
Rajon Rondo was widely recognised as one of the top point guards in the NBA from 2008 to 2014. He played for the Phoenix Suns and Boston Celtics. While in Boston, Rondo helped his team win the 2008 NBA championship. The Laker point guard currently sits at 15th on the all-time assists list and is one of the players with the biggest hands in NBA history.
Who is the best point guard of all time?
Magic Johnson is widely considered the best point guard of all time. He is known for his exceptional passing and leadership skills.
Who has the most dunks in NBA history as a point guard?
Russell Westbrook has the most dunks in NBA history as a point guard with 652. He has the most dunks among point guards since the NBA started tracking play-by-play data in 1996-97. He is the only point guard in the Top 100 (72nd).
Who is the best Lakers point guard of all time?
Magic Johnson is often considered the greatest point guard in the Los Angeles Lakers' history. Other great Lakers point guards include Jerry West, Derek Fisher, and Steve Nash.
The point guard has been widely regarded as one of the most pivotal positions on the court. The best point guards of all time have helped their teams win, changed how the position is played, and inspired fans and players worldwide.
Legit.ng recently published a post about the tallest NBA players ever. These towering athletes have made an impact not only with their skills but also with their extraordinary height, which gives them an edge on the court.
Being among the tallest players in NBA history offers unique advantages and challenges, as they use their height to dominate in rebounds, blocks, and scoring. Discover who the tallest NBA players are and how their height has shaped their careers in the league in the article.
Source: Legit.ng
