Making lists are a hard thing to do. It's always so hard to recognize all of the players and make sure they all go where they deserve. So I figured, why try and make a list all by myself and miss some players that deserve to be on the list?
There have been many great guards that have played the great game of basketball. Here are the best in list form by 4 established writers on Bleacher Report. Me (TJ Zwarych), Michael Whittenberg, Joe Willett and Benjamin Weixlmann. Enjoy.
Benjamin Weixlmann's List and Points:Reggie Miller
10.
Listen, I know I idolized Reggie growing up, but I think he deserves a spot on this list. He was quite possibly the finest outside shooter of our generation, and could pour in free throws with his eyes closed. Although he didn’t win an NBA championship, his legacy is cemented in the fact that he holds almost every NBA long-distance shooting record. In one of the most memorable sequences in NBA history, Miller scored eight points in 8.9 seconds to complete a miraculous playoff victory.
9.
Iverson, although he was one of the most fearless players ever, will unfortunately be remembered for his mouth. AI had the best crossover the game has seen, and could do whatever he wanted with the ball. AI is a player that you can say with confidence, "He can score at will". He’s just that good. He has averaged a whopping 27.9 ppg during his career, but will always be remembered for what he did with the media, instead of his on-court play.
8.
7.
6.
A 6’8" point guard with insane court vision? That could only be Magic Johnson. He was a five-time NBA champ with the Lakers, and averaged a career double-double with points and assists. His no-look passes reminded many of Maravich in his prime. "Showtime" as he was known, turned the Lakers into a dynasty, and one of the finest teams in NBA history. His unfortunate retirement due to HIV ended his career early, but Johnson was still considered a Top 50 Player of All-Time awarded in 1996.
5.
You may have been wondering when a point guard would come up on this list, amidst mostly shooting guards, but Cousy is here. This guy was a hardwood legend, simply put. He was a thirteen-time All-Star, but more impressively, a six-time NBA champion. His jersey, 14, was retired by the best NBA franchise ever, the Boston Celtics. It is awfully had to ignore his career line of 18/5/7, points/assists/rebounds respectively. Cousy is in a close battle with Larry Bird as the greatest Celtic of all-time.
4.
There is a reason that this man is the logo of the NBA, he epitomizes what it means to be an NBA player. He scored over 25,000 points, and was named to the NBA All-Star team thirteen times. West was one of the purest shooters the game has ever seen, and for that, he deserves an enormous amount of credit. We have seen such sharpshooters as Ray Allen and Reggie Miller in our generation, but neither of them get close to what West accomplished in his illustrious career. West was one of the best to put on the gold and purple, the second-most storied franchise in NBA history. His entire body of work places him as my number four guard of all-time.
Today's Must Reads
3.
I know many of you think Kobe is much better than Maravich, but I beg to differ. I think that a player should be evaluated by what they did for the game, and Maravich’s ability added to his creativity branded a whole new NBA style of entertainment-oriented sport. That being said, Kobe is one of the most gifted athletes the NBA has ever seen. He is closing in on his fourth NBA championship at the ripe age of 30, which would put him in some elite company. For my money, Kobe is the best player in the game today, bar none. But I still think that he won’t ever reach the expectations put forth of him by the media of achieving the greatness that Michael did.
2.
If you think the high-flying NBA of the 21st-century is entertaining, watch some tapes of Maravich. He was the best showman the game has ever seen, because he truly enjoyed playing the sport of basketball. His 24.2 points per game average furthermore displays his greatness on the court. That’s not to mention that behind Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, then Lew Alcindor, Maravich is arguably the greatest college player of all-time. He won pretty much every award in the book, and has his jersey number, 7, retired.
1
Jordan is the gold standard by which we compare all great NBA players. He was the best player ever to lace them up, it is not even close. I am quite frankly sick and tired of hearing all of the comparisons to Kobe, because they aren’t even on the same level. We were lucky enough to live in the Jordan generation, and to see the most impressive basketball player ever to walk the Earth. From all the records he has set, to the magical moments he has created, Jordan stands alone on top.
Michael Whittenberg's List:
10. Pete Maravich
9. John Stockton
8. Clyde Drexeler
7. George Gervin
6. Jerry West
5. Isiah Thomas
4. Oscar Robertson
3. Kobe Bryant
2. Magic Johnson
1. Michael Jordan
Joe Willett's List:
10. Walt Frazier - 7 time All-Star, one of the great defenders in NBA history.
9. George Gervin - 12 time All-Star, Hall of Famer, 4 scoring titles (All-Star and scoring titles combined NBA and ABA)
8. John Stockton - 10 time All Star, all-time leader in assists and steals.
7. Bob Cousy - 13 time All-Star, 1957 MVP, Hall of Famer, led Boston Celtics to 6 titles including 5 straight from 1959-63
6. Jerry West - 14 time All-Star, Hall of Famer, "Mr. Clutch" is the only player to lose the NBA Title and be the Finals MVP
5. Isiah Thomas - 12 time All Star, Hall of Famer, scored 16 points in final 94 seconds of the 1984 Game 5 Finals, baddest of the bad boys
4. Oscar Robertson - 12 time All Star, 1961 ROY, 1967 MVP, Hall of Famer, averaged a triple-double the first 5 years of his career combined
3. Magic Johnson - 12 time All-Star, 3 time MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, could dominate anywhere on the court, one of the best at any position
2. Kobe Bryant - 10 time All-Star, 2007-08 MVP, fastest to 20,000 points, already one of the greatest and he is still playing
1. Michael Jordan - 14 time All-Star, 5 time MVP, 1985 ROY, 6 time Finals MVP, 1988 Defensive POY, greatest to ever play the game period
TJ Zwarych's List: * - Still Playing
10. Bob Cousy - One of our many point guards on this list, Cousy lead the NBA in assists 8 consecutive years. Cousy made 13 all-star teams, 12 NBA All-First teams, he won 6 championships and won the MVP award in 1957.
9. John Stockton - John Stockton and Karl Malone were won of the most potent dynamic duo's ever, so the guard half of that duo had to be on the list. Stockton is the NBA's all time leader in assists and steals. He was also a 10 time all-star.
8. Isiah Thomas - Thomas was elected to 12 all-star teams, which he was the MVP of twice. He was on 3 NBA first teams and 2 NBA second teams. Isiah has won 2 NBA titles where he won the finals MVP honour in 1990. Thomas was also inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
7. Clyde Drexler - Clyde the Glyde has always been on great teams which was taken some spotlight away from him. Being on teams with Hakeem Olojuwon and other fantastic players, you sometimes cannot get all the touches you deserve. Clyde made the NBA first team once, the NBA second team twice and the NBA third team 3 times, he also won 1 NBA title and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
6. George Gervin - Nicknamed "The Iceman" for his coolness and composure on the court, George Gervin definitely deserves to be on this list. Gervin was a 3 time ABA all-star, a member of the ABA top 30 team, a 7 time NBA All-First team, a 9 time NBA all-star and was the MVP of the all-star game in 1980.
5. Jerry West - The Logo, Mr. Clutch, however you put it, Jerry West is one of the best shooters to ever put on a Lakers uniform, and to ever play in the NBA. Jerry West won an NBA Championship in 1972, and is also the only player ever to be the Finals MVP without winning the finals. Mr. Clutch was a 13 time all-star, with 1 all-star MVP, a 10 time NBA All-First team member, a 2 time NBA Second team member and a 3 time NBA All-Defensive team member.
4. Oscar Robertson - Oscar Robertson was a walking triple double. He averaged a triple double for his first 5 years in the league combined. He was a 12 time all-star and a 9 time All NBA First Team member. He was an NBA champion in 1971 and the MVP in 1964. He also won 3 all-star game MVPs and was the rookie of the year in 1961.
3. *Kobe Bryant - Finally winning an MVP this year and getting to the finals again, Kobe definitely deserves to be this high on the list. Kobe was the fastest player ever to reach 20,000 points. Kobe is a 10 time all-star, a 10 time NBA first team member, 8 time all-defensive team selection, 3 time NBA champion (maybe 4, depends how this one unfolds), 2 time all-star MVP, 2 time scoring champ and the 1997 slam dunk contest champ.
2. Magic Johnson - Magic could literally play every position. He is widely considered the second best player ever and was the leader of the 1980's showtime lakers. Magic was a 5 time NBA champion, 3 time finals MVP, 3 time NBA MVP, 9 time all NBA first team member, a 12 time all-star and a 2 time all-star game MVP
1. Michael Jordan - Ok, I think we were all expecting this. Michael isn't just the best guard ever, he is the best player ever. Michael was a 6 time NBA champion, 6 time NBA finals MVP, a 5 time NBA MVP, 1 time Defensive player of the year award winner, 10 time all NBA first team member, a 14 time all-star, 3 time all-star game MVP and a 2 time slam dunk competition champ.
Honourable Mentions: Pete Maravich, Reggie Miller, Allen Iverson and Jason Kidd.
http://bleacherreport.com/users/10220-TJ-Zwarych
http://bleacherreport.com/users/4105-Joe-Willett
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3 months ago
Anyone leaving off the Big O can't be serious or never saw him play. Whittenberg's list is the closest to mine, we have the same guys in a different order. I have Gervin and Drexler at 9 and 10 and Isiah at 8. Then Maravich, Stockton, West go 7, 6 and 5. Top four are Magic, Big O, Kobe and Michael, all subject to change as conditions merit.
3 months ago
You guys are all wrong. Michael Jordan was a legend, but he was not better than the Magical Man. Magic led his team to 9 finals appearances in 12 years during the greatest era in the history of the league by far (The 1980's). He won 5 titles, is by far and away the greatest point guard ever, is the only player that isn't a center that could dominate the game without scoring a point and saved the NBA along with Larry Bird. Jordan was amazing, but he couldn't win crap until every team in the 80's were finsihed such as Magic's Lakers, the Celtics, the Sixers and the Pistons. Jordan had no competiton in his prime. There wasn't another great shooting guard in the 90's that will be a first ballot hall of famer and there wasn't another great team besides his Bulls.
from 2 months ago
Jordan had plenty of competition: The 1990-92 Blazers, 1991-94 Phoenix Suns and the Spurs, among others. Jordan's titles should not be put to shame because of the competition. Magic had Kareem, Worthy, Wilkes, Norm Nixon, Byron Scott and a host of legendary reserves (McAdoo, Cooper, Mychal Thompson, etc.) that Jordan never had. I don't ever see Bill Cartright, Horace Grant or John Paxson ever reaching the Hall. Pippen was his only support. I say this and I'm a Blazers fan...
Jordan was the best. Magic was not as quick and could not score at will like MJ.
3 months ago
Good stuff, TJ. Thanks for asking me to be apart of this.
I always love going vintage when it comes to the NBA.
3 months ago
Nice job TJ, thanks for asking me to be in this.
3 months ago
I love reading lists like this and engaging in the debate. There are good arguments for every player on every list. I decided to throw out my own but opted to list the players alphabetically.
I learned something watching vintage Bill Russell footage. The young adults of our generation put Michael Jordan at the top of every 'best of' list because he is the best we have seen in our lifetime. His mere presence embodied that of a winner and his aura was undeniable. Jordan. Air Jordan. Sir Michael.
I think all of us, regardless of which team we support, can still hear Ray Clay doing the starting introductions at the United Center. "And at guard, from Noorth Caaaroliiina...Michael Jordan."
But, to watch Russell is to appreciate the ultimate winner from another generation. It is one thing to know that he won eight straight championships with the NBA's proudest franchise. It is another to see Red Auerbach light that cigar and do so because of Russell's dominance. Bob Cousy belongs in the ultimate winner discussion, too, for his stay on that Celtic dynasty.
What we saw in the 90s was a player that everyone knew and wanted so badly to beat. Few players did, and many, like Charles Barkley can blame him (and a failed tour with the Houston Rockets) for the lack of a championship ring.
Russell was the same way with his opponents. The best players in the game were disappointed if they did not get to play his team. He was so great and his team was so dominant that beating them in a championship series seemed greater than winning it. For eight straight years, nobody could beat the Russell-Cousy Celtics.
As for guards, my list:
Bob Cousy
Isiah Thomas
Jerry West
John Stockton
Kobe Bryant
Magic Johnson
Michael Jordan
Oscar Robertson
Pete Maravich
Reggie Miller
3 months ago
Wow, Marcel. I think the most obvious choice on this list has to be Jordan at #1. Magic is good, but Jordan-good? No way.
3 months ago
What the hell is Weixlmann smoking? And, can i partake?
10. Stockton
9.. The Glove (truly underrated. The best D of the bunch and a 20 pt scorer and nice distributer)
8. Cousy
7. CP3
6. Kobe
5. Logo
4. Big O
3. Isaiah
2. Magic
1. Mike
from 3 months ago
Thanks for partaking in this debate Chef, but there is no way CP3 is one of the best ever...yet...
3 months ago
i know, but i gotta pub my man up. And he will be (elipses :)
from 3 months ago
I agree, with the season he had this year, you hafta think he will be one of the best ever.
3 months ago
KOBE IS STUCK ON HIMSELF, ARROGANT....CAN NOT MAKE PLAYERS AROUND HIM BETTER. I WOULD NOT EVEN PUT HIM IN THE TOP 7.
1...JORDAN
2...MAJIC
3...COUSY
4...ISAIAH
5...WEST
6...STOCKTON
7...BIG-O
8...GERVIN
9...KOBE
10...IVERSON
I AM INTERESTED IN YOUR COMMENTS...I THINK MY LIST IS THE MOST COMPREHENSIVE, LOGICAL AND ACCURATE LIST POSTED........NOW HOW ABOUT THE 10 GREATEST PLAYERS EVER???
3 months ago
Joe, did mix-up your #2 & #3's?
MAGIC IS BETTER THAN KOBE!!!EASILY!!!ANY DAY OF THE WEEK!!!
Joe W:
3. Magic Johnson - 12 time All-Star, 3 time MVP, 3 time Finals MVP, could dominate anywhere on the court, one of the best at any position
2. Kobe Bryant - 10 time All-Star, 2007-08 MVP, fastest to 20,000 points, already one of the greatest and he is still playing
David:
Wait, you were joking, right?
from 3 months ago
I didn't mix up my 2's and 3's, I think Kobe is better than Magic and the fact that he is still playing is making him even better.
from 2 months ago
Actually I'd say the fact that Kobe is still playing -- witness Game Six -- is actually making him worse. When would Jordan, to say nothing of Magic, West let a team go down like that, lead a team to the Finals and then not keep them in line as things got rough? Just because he's still playing doesn't mean he's going to be doing his legacy any favors. Think about Jordan with the Wiz.
2 months ago
T.J. has the best list by far. Anyone who puts Magic behind Cousy is on dope. Look at old video of Cousy dribbling out the clock in the 1962 finals. He can't even dribble with his left hand! has never seen both players play. Yes, Cousy was good for his time but would have zero championships without Bill Russell. My list:
1. Michael Jordan
2. Oscar Robertson
3. Magic Johnson
4. Jerry West
5. Kobe Bryant
6. Thomas (could dribble circles around Cousy)
7. Pete Maravich
8. Clyde Drexler
9. John Stockton
10. Bob Cousy
Don't even think Reggie Miller could crack this list. George Gervin was a better offensive performer than Miller and both never played defense. Iverson is a ball hog and a loser in the form of Dominique Wilkins: plenty of points and highlights but not team players like Magic, Big O, Jordan and Robertson.
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