Top Ten NBA Point Guards of All-Time
Do you have the NBA Lockout blues? We feel your pain and have a cure for you. The Hoops Manifesto has gathered together Bloguin's best basketball writers to rummage through the annals of NBA history (sounds dirty, but it's not - honest) to bring you rankings of the best players to have ever laced them up. First up: Top Ten Point Guards of All-Time.
Voting panel: Jeff Fox from The Hoops Manifesto, College Wolf from the TWolves Blog, Philip from Orlando Magic Daily, Diego from Hot Hot Hoops and Ezra from the Purple and Gold Blog.
10) Steve Nash - Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns - 1996 - present
Career accomplishments:
- tenth all-time in three-pointers made in NBA history
- eighth all-time in three-point % in NBA history
- all-time leader in free throw % in NBA history
- sixth all-time in assists in NBA history
- ninth all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- NBA leader in free throw % in 2005/06 & 2009/10
- NBA leader in assists in 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10 & 2010/11
- NBA leader in assists per game in 2004/05, 2005/06, 2006/07, 2009/10 & 2010/11
- two-time NBA MVP
- five-time NBA All-Star
- five-time All-NBA selection
"The greatest shooting point guard in history, and not too shabby of a passer either, only had one college scholarship offer coming out of high school in Victoria, B.C." - Jeff Fox
"One of the best distributors of all time, Steve Nash gets the best out of his teammates. His lack of Finals experience and defense knock him down a few spots on this list, though." - Diego
9) Gary Payton - Seattle Supersonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat - 1990 - 2007
Career accomplishments:
- member on one NBA championship team
- ninth all-time in games played in NBA history
- ninth all-time in minutes played in NBA history
- eighth all-time in assists in NBA history
- fourth all-time in steals in NBA history
- NBA leader in games played in 1990/91, 1993/94, 1994/95, 1997/98 & 1998/99
- NBA leader in threes (made & attempted) in 1999/00
- NBA leader in steals in 1995/96
- NBA leader in assists in 1999/00
- NBA leader in steals per game in 1995/96
- nine-time NBA All-Star
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- nine-time All-NBA selection
"One of the best defensive players ever, and finally "won" a title with the Miami Heat. Nine-time all-Star and only missed 13 regular season games in 16 years." - College Wolf
"The Glove made a living with his defense. But he was also an excellent assists man who could take over the game with his scoring and swagger." - Ezra
8) Tiny Archibald - Cincinnati Royals/KC-Omaha Kings/KC Kings, New York Knicks, Boston Celtics, Milwaukee Bucks - 1970 - 1977, 1978 - 1984
Career accomplishments:
- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of one NBA championship team
- NBA leader in minutes played in 1972/73
- NBA leader in field goals (made & attempted) in 1972/73
- NBA leader in free throws made in 1971/72, 1972/73 & 1974/75
- NBA leader in free throws attempted in 1971/72 & 1972/73
- NBA leader in assists in 1972/73
- NBA leader in points in 1972/73
- NBA leader in minutes per game in 1972/73
- NBA leader in assists per game in 1972/73
- NBA leader in points per game in 1972/73
- six-time NBA All-Star
- five-time All-NBA selection
"Still the best little big man in history." - Ezra
"Tiny had his big moments as a member of the Kings in Kansas City-Omaha. He did not win his title until he got to Boston. By then he was a veteran and willing to take a back seat for the better of the team. He was the big support Dave Cowens needed to win a few titles between Bill Russell and Larry Bird." - Philip
7) Walt Frazier - New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers - 1967 - 1980
Career accomplishments:
- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of two NBA championship teams
- seven-time NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- seven-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- six-time All-NBA selection
"The number one point guard of all-time in terms of style, dress, swagger and vocab." - Jeff Fox
"Along with Payton, he's one of the best defensive PG's ever." - College Wolf
6) Isiah Thomas - Detroit Pistons - 1981 - 1994
Career accomplishments:
- member of the basketball Hall of Fame
- member of two NBA championship teams
- NBA Finals MVP
- seventh all-time in assists in NBA history
- fifth all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- NBA leader in games played in 1983/84
- NBA leader in minutes played in 1982/83
- NBA leader in assists in 1983/84 & 1984/85
- NBA leader in assists per game in 1984/85
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- five-time All-NBA selection
"I feel like he is always vastly overlooked in "best ever" discussions. Has the stats and pedigree." - College Wolf
"Thomas was more of a scoring guard that let his backcourt partner Joe Dumars handle more of the facilitating and passing. But what made Thomas stand out was his leadership. Everyone remembers his effort in the Finals when he scored 25 fourth quarter points on a sprained ankle. He spent the entire game hobbling up and down the court and embarrassing the Lakers' defense." - Philip
"No other point guard was more intense or had more of a killer instinct than Zeke." - Ezra
5) Jason Kidd - Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets - 1994 - present
Career accomplishments:
- member of one NBA championship team
- tenth all-time in minutes played in NBA history
- third all-time in three-pointers made in NBA history
- third all-time in three-pointers attempted in NBA history
- second all-time in assists in NBA history
- third all-time in steals in NBA history
- seventh all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- NBA leader in games played in 1997,98 & 1998/99
- NBA leader in minutes played in 1998/99
- NBA leader in assists in 1998/99, 2000/2001, 2002/03
- NBA leader in steals in 2001/02
- NBA leader in assists per game in 1998/99, 1999/2000, 2000/2001, 2002/03 & 2003/04
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- nine-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
- six-time All-NBA selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- NBA All-Rookie Team
"One of the most intelligent players in the game today. That's what makes him great as a point guard." - Diego
"One of the best rebounding PG's ever. Gets a bump up due to winning the NBA Championship, while playing an integral role (unlike Gary Payton)." - College Wolf
"Kidd has his title now, so it might be time to start thinking about where he fits in historically. Kidd was a triple-double machine in a time when scoring was down and has continually been fantastic. He came into the league as almost a pure passer with little offense or jump shooting to speak of. By the time he won his championship with the Mavericks last year, he turned himself into a decent shooter." - Philip
"An extremely heady guy who can dissect any defense with his floor vision and deft passing. Not to mention of the best perimeter defenders ever." - Ezra
4) Bob Cousy - Boston Celtics, Cincinnati Royals - 1950 - 1963, 1969
Career accomplishments:
- NBA Hall of Fame member
- member of six NBA championship teams
- 13-time All-Star
- NBA MVP
- 12-time All-NBA
"Revolutionized the PG position." - College Wolf
"The Celtics needed a point guard to help them win those six championships in seven years. Cousy was a perennial All-Star and someone who could run the offense while Russell manned the defense. He led the league in assists for seven straight seasons and helped pace the greatest dynasty in league history." - Philip
3) John Stockton - Utah Jazz - 1984 - 2003
Career accomplishments:
- basketball Hall of Fame
- third all-time in games played in NBA history
- sixth all-time in minutes played in NBA history
- all-time leader in assists in NBA history
- all-time leader in steals in NBA history
- second all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- sixth all-time in steals per game in NBA history
- NBA leader in games played in 1984/85, 1986/87, 1988/89, 1990/91, 1993/94, 1994/95 & 1998/99
- NBA leader in assists in 1987/88, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1994/95 & 1995/96
- NBA leader in steals in 1988/89 & 1991/92
- NBA leader in assists per game in 1987/88, 1988/89, 1989/90, 1990/91, 1991/92, 1992/93, 1993/94, 1994/95 & 1995/96
- NBA leader in steals per game in 1988/89 & 1991/92
- 10-time NBA All-Star
- 11-time All-NBA selection
- five-time NBA All-Defensive Team selection
"All those accomplishments and he never once broke a sweat or messed his hair up." - Jeff Fox
"If we are going to measure the value of a point guard for doing whatever it takes to make his team good, you have to have the league's all-time assist leader pretty high. Stockton and Karl Malone worked the pick and roll to perfection, but Stockton did more than just dish the ball to Malone. He turned himself into a great shooter and found ways to get everyone involved. You don't rack up 15,800 assists and post nine straight seasons as the league's top assist guy without being a pretty good point guard." - Philip
2) Oscar Robertson - Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks - 1960 - 1974
Career accomplishments:
- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of one NBA championship team
- third all-time in free throws made in NBA history
- sixth all-time in free throws attempted in NBA history
- fifth all-time in assists in NBA history
- third all-time in minutes per game in NBA history
- eighth all-time in points per game in NBA history
- fourth all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- NBA leader in games played in 1962/63
- NBA leader in free throws made in 1963/64, 1964/65, 1967/68 & 1968/69
- NBA leader in free throw % in 1963/64 & 1967/68
- NBA leader in assists in 1960/61, 1961/62, 1963/64, 1964/65, 1965/66 & 1968/69
- NBA leader is assists per game in 1960/61, 1961/62, 1963/64, 1964/65, 1965/66, 1967/68 & 1968/69
- NBA leader in points per game 1967/68
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- 11-time All-NBA selection
- NBA Rookie of the Year
- NBA MVP
"The triple-double season sits in the annals of NBA history and probably has more legend attached to it than fact at this point. Robertson was a great point guard, able to score at will and dishing to teammates that often were not that good. He did not win his title until he was traded to Milwaukee and played with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The numbers don't lie though - Robertson could produce." - Philip
1) Magic Johnson - Los Angeles Lakers - 1979 - 1991, 1996
Career accomplishments:
- basketball Hall of Fame
- member of five NBA championship teams
- fourth all-time in assists in NBA history
- first all-time in assists per game in NBA history
- NBA leader in assists in 1982/83, 1985/86 & 1986/87
- NBA leader in free throw % in 1988/89
- NBA leader in steals per game in 1980/81 & 1981/82
- NBA leader in assists per game in 1982/83, 1983/84, 1985/86 & 1986/87
- 12-time NBA All-Star
- three-time NBA Finals MVP
- three-time NBA MVP
- NBA All-Rookie Team
- 10-time All-NBA selection
"He had absolute command of the Showtime Lakers' offense and was one of the league's greatest champions. His selflessness and ability to play any position meant he was the ultimate teammate. And that is exactly what a point guard is supposed to do." - Philip
"His stats were sick, and he could literally do it all, playing any position on the court. Not only the best PG ever, but one of the best ever players in the history of the NBA." - College Wolf
"The best basketball player ever. Not only did he dominated the point guard position, you could also pencil him in as one of the best player to ever played the other four positions in basketball." - Ezra
If were going BEST Point guard ever, meaning who can win me the damn game, I'm going with Magic 1, Oscar 2, Isiah 3, Payton 4, Paul 5, Nash 6, Stockton 7, Frazier 8, Archibald 9, Kidd 10. Notables Cousy, KJ, Rose. If were going by video game stats DERRICK ROSE is best POINT GUARD followed by Chris Paul. Got to be able to shoot that 3 ball. If there's any denotation on Magic is that he can't shoot very well. I prefer Rose's game. Magic was ultimate distributor of ball but his quickness and jumpshot were not good..... New LIST best point guard ever
1. Derrick Rose
2. Chris Paul
3. Isiah Thomas
4. Magic Johnson
5. Gary Payton
Based on video game stats...
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During his career with the team, it was known first as the Cincinnati Royals (1970–1972), then the Kansas City–Omaha Kings (1972–1975), and finally as the Kansas City Kings (1975–1976). He also briefly wore No. 10 at one point. guess who
@michealrockstar mike you are the best of all time to me and my family we alway keep up with your game there not a player Rigth know there beater then you was at time wind your play so dont let these player talk albout how beater we know daer no mike king of the court big mike from my family to you we know your the best of all time
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Magic #1..Easy choice. But how does anyone rank Stockton over Isaiah? Other than assist numbers (Isaiah beign the first to tally 1,000 assist in a season as an aside), what else did Stockton do better than him? Certainly not win championships. Isaiah beat alot of the all time greats at some point in his career (e.g. Jordan, Magic, Bird). Come on guys, you can't let your dislike for him overshadow his greatness and contribution to the game!
@vtjam05 "His selflessness and ability to play any position meant he was the ultimate teammate. And that is exactly what a point guard is supposed to do."
Stockton has 889 more career points ,6745 more career assists, and 1404 more career steals then Isiah. Stockton also only missed 22 games his whole career. Stockton has him beat in all three shooting percentages 47% from the field, 33% from behind the arc, and 81% from the free throw compared to Isiah 45% from the field, a dismal 29% from behind the arc and 76% from the free throw. Stockton was way better stats don't lie bro!
@Sportsguru Simple . Pull his stats from both NBA FINALS. Pull Isiah stats from his 3 finals. Not talking about the regular season.sTATS DON'T LIE.....
@DanielParker You have some good points! I think it is just time to agree to disagree. And agree they are both great players.
@Sportsguru youtube "Tom Brady 6 " Tom Brady syas "What seperates the really good from the really great is execute under great pressure. The biggest games , the greatest games . " 30 minute mark. http://www.complex.com/sports/2012/06/the-25-most-clutch-players-in-nba-finals-history/clutch-finals-1. Isiah Thomas is number 13 try to find Stockton. Stockton is really good , Isiah is great.
@Sportsguru Yes he was durable. Isaih never played with a dominate big man so , he couldn't just throw the ball in the post. He had to create shots for his team mates. Isiah is much better in the clutch. I am glad you pulled up the championship stats. Stats can swell during the regular season when you play bad teams sometimes. The playoffs seperate good from great. Would you rather have 2 rings(great seasons) or no rings and 6 more ok seasons. Utah needed more scoring in the finals and he couldn't provide it. Isn't that a part of being clutch , providing whatever your team needs in the playoffs.
@DanielParker Fair enough but does consistency and durability count for nothing. Stockton played consistent basketball longer. Stockton played for 19 seasons and 1504 games compared to Isiah who played 13 seasons and only 979 games. Also i know you don't care about assists but Stockton holds 5 out of the six best assist averages for a season all time. Isiah only holds one. Isiah also had a career turn over average of 3.8 Compared to Stockton 2.8. Isiah had one year with more then 1000 assists. Stockton had 7 years with more then 1000 assists. Isiah is a better scorer and more explosive. John Stockton is a better overall player, and a much better Point guard which is what this list is rating them on any ways.
Truth .....Like i explained . The Finals Malone saw double and triple teams . No one else could score . Malone still avg 25 and 11 . I prefer Oscar over Magic but , that can be argued. @vtjam05
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I was more speaking of Isaiah's ranking in general-not just your ratings. I've seen a lot of people rank Stockton over him. Specific to your rankings though, there is no way Nash is ranked higher than him. Kevin Johnson had better stats than him (17Pts 9 Asst 3 Reb 1.47 Stls) vs Nash's (14pts 8.6 Asst 3 Reb .8 Stls). And neither of them won a championship; only KJ went to a finals-no showing for Nash........until this year of course when he goes with KB and Dwight!
@CollegeWolf @vtjam05 at vrjam05 you can argue for Kobe. at College Wolf , Stoudemire and Marion owe Nash part of their paychecks. He also extended several people's career. One other person comes to mind for that Everybody(especially KMART) from the NETS OWE Jason Kidd money. Overrated? no
@DanielParker @vtjam05 Nash is the worst and most overrated multiple MVP winner in the history of the NBA.
Could be argued that at least one of Nash's MVP was undeserving. Kobe was clearly the best player in the league at 35.4 PPG.
@vtjam05 Nash does have 2 MVPs. Again this argument is valid. I like Kevin Johnson and I was wrong to overlook him.
1) OSCAR ROBERTSON , Only man to average a triple double for an entire season . 2) MAGIC 3) Steve Nash 4)Isiah Thomas 5)Walt Frazier 6) Jason Kidd 7)Tiny Nate Archibald 8) JO JO WHITE 9)Chris Paul 10) Deron Williams . Honorable mention Gary Payton, Derek Rose, John Stockton. I know this is controversial to some but, pull Stockton's stats in the 1997&1998 finals . Pull his stats vs HOUSTON in the western conference finals. He couldn't be counted on to score 20.
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Man this list is going to change when the current points move on you got Deron Williams and CP3 20-10 guys for the past 7 years now. Rose and Westbrook 6'4 guys with explosiveness that is just special and they can be really entertaining on those solo breaks. Then you have the pure distributor in rondo though I honestly wouldn't put him in the same league as the others mentioned just because he can't shoot i mean 60%
@Mkeets Rose and Westbrook 6'4 guys will probably surplant some of the older guys at some point.. Don't be surprised if Westbrook wends up playing 2 guard at some point .
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top 10 point guards today
1.CP3
2.D-Rose
3.Rajon Rondo
4.Deron Williams
5.Russell Westbrook
6.Steve Nash
7.Tony Parker
8.Jason Kidd
9.Stephen Curry
10.Kyrie Irving
honourable mentions: Ramon Sessions, Ricky Rubio, Jeremy Lin
@becoz fuk u verdict still out on Lin ....got to see a full season . I hope he does well though.....It was a feel good story. Same for Ricky Rubio.......
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@becoz fuk u ...WORST LIST EVER how can you put a guy who played thirty games in honorable mention?
1. CP3 -out of respect, doesn't play full seasons
2. Derek Rose
3. Deron Williams
4. Russel Westbrook
5. Steve Nash
6. Tony Parker
7. Rajon Rondo (would be third if more consistent and could shoot)
8. Andre Miller
9. Chauncey Billups
10. Jason Kidd (out of respect although old and less productive)
honorable mention.Kyrie Irving (two years too soon) Stephen Curry (coming up), Ricky Rubio (talent) Out of respect of early 2000's Baron Davis (five great years) Gilbert Arenas and Steve Francis, Sam Cassell. Even Kyle Lowry and Calderon are better than lin and sessions.
@bbbeee Yes he is amazing
#1) Magic Johnson
#2) Oscar Robertson
#3) John Stockton
#4) Isaiah Thomas
#5) Bob Cousy
#6) Jason Kidd
#7) Walt "Clyde" Frazier
#8) Nate Archinbald
#9) Steve Nash
10) Chris Paul
Honorable mention:
Gary Payton, Deron Williams
@logankulas @bbbeee Gary Payton was better than chris paul. You have to give paul a full career. Dont' forget he taught jason kidd how to play ball in oakland.
how, why, could, shape, manic, insanity, love, hat, regret, remorce or how ever it's spelt
#1) Magic Johnson
#2) Oscar Robertson
#3) John Stockton
#4) Isiah Thomas
#5) Bob Cousy
#6) Jason Kidd
#7) Gary "The Glove" Payton
#8) Walt Frazier
#9) Steve Nah
10) Tiny Archinbald
@logankulas See, if you keep on changing your mind, you come across as not really having the faintest idea as to what's going on.
But then... I think we'd already established that.
what would you do tell me come on thats right you can't tell me because you can't please everyone
New List:
#1) Magic Johnson
#2) John Stockton
#3) Oscar Robertson
#4) Isiah Thomas
#5) Jason Kidd
#6) Bob Cousy
#7) Walt Frazier
#8) Steve Nah
#9) Gary Payton
10) Tiny Archinbald
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@logankulas Who arguably didn't deserve either MVP he got.Look, you may think you're funny, but you're simply coming across as a complete and utter moron.
@WithMalice so what he was still a great pure point guard because all he does is steal pass steal pass and then steal and pass some more and can still shoot when he needs to
@CollegeWolf Well... he did try once/twice to be 'serious' - but that kinda slipped him by. He's clearly reverting back to form now. Oh well... leopard, spots, and all that.
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@logankulas Hahahaha... hold a sec there champ. First of all: I stand corrected. That's absolutely right. Shaq - 2005, Kobe 2006.
However... I make a simple mistake with remembering off the top of my head which season was Kobe's 35 per year. You make inanely stupid claims like "Jordan-isn't-#1" and whatever else you've done here (too long a list to reel off), and then you have the temerity to insinuate that anyone else's "stupid"?Chief, I don't *think* you're stupid. I *KNOW*.
@WithMalice actually 2005 should have been SHAQ'S and the 2006 should have been Mambas and you think I'm stupid
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@logankulas Really? "Steal"? Guy is a complete SIEVE on D. Again (same with the SF list): NO-ONE has stated that Nash is a bad player, just that he isn't BETTER than the other guys on the list.
And by the way: 2005 should have been Kobe's MVP, 2006 Shaq's.
