Making a list of the NBA's greatest point guards always results in a heated debate, because you're not going please everyone.
Not only does it bring heated discussion—but the list itself is almost easy to compose.
This list will break down the best point guards by decade starting from the 1950s.
Unfortunately, only one player can make the cut as "the best" from each decade. The guys who didn't quite qualify will receive honorable mentions.
To view career statistics of the selected players, click on their names.
1950s
The 50s didn't see many great point guards. In fact, no player in the league averaged double-digit assists during the 50s.
The Pick: BOB COUSY, Boston Celtics/Cincinnati Royals (1950-1970)
The guy who ran the show for one of the NBA's greatest dynasties led the NBA in assists for eight straight seasons (1953-60) while in Boston.
When it comes to the point guard position in the 50s, this guy is the first that comes to mind.
Some say he was ahead of his time, but he was the best pure floor general during the early years of the NBA.
He was also a great passer, who would have had more career assists had it not been for the assist rule in the 50s and 60s.
Also known as the "The Houdini of the Hardwood," Cousy made the no-look pass and the behind-the-back dribble what they are today.
Cousy won six NBA championships and one MVP award, made 13 All-Star appearances, and made the All-NBA first team 10 times.
Honorable Mention
Bob Davies, Rochester Royals (1948-1955)
1960s
The Pick: OSCAR ROBERTSON, Cincinnati Royals/Milwaukee Bucks (1960-1974)
Robertson, also known as the "Big O," is the only guy in NBA history to average a triple-double in a season.
The Big O made the triple-double was it is today, and is the all-time leader in that department with 181.
He almost averaged a triple-double in the 1963-64 season, but the 9.9 rebounds per game kept the record from officially being called a triple-double.
He is known as the best post-up guard, and some say he was way ahead of his time.
Even other great players of the decade like Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Jerry West, John Havlicek, and Elgin Baylor proclaimed the Big O as the best player from the 60s.
Oscar won one championship in 1971 with the Bucks along side Lew Alcindor, who we now know as Kareem-Abdul-Jabbar.
His other honors include Rookie of the Year in 1961, league MVP in 1964, and 12 All-Star appearences.
He finished with a career average of 25.7 PPG.
Honorable Mention
Lenny Wilkens, St. Louis Hawks/Seattle Supersonics/Cleveland Cavaliers/Portland Trailblazers (1960-1975)
Walt Frazier, New York Knicks/Cleveland Cavaliers (1967-1980)
Guy Rodgers, Philadelphia Warriors/San Francisco Warriors/Chicago Bulls/Cincinnati Royals/Milwaukee Bucks (1958-1970)
- B/R Ticket Guide
1970s
The Pick: WALT FRAZIER, New York Knicks/Cleveland Cavaliers (1967-1980)
Also known as "Clyde," Frazier was not only one of the greatest floor generals—but also one of the greatest defenders at his position.
Frazier was a seven-time All-Star but never did win league MVP.
Clyde won two championships in 1970 and 1973. His most notable playoff game came in the Finals in 1970, when he scored 36 points along with 19 assists and five steals.
The fact that Nate "Tiny" Archibald is an honorable mention really isn't all that fair.
Honorable Mention
Nate Archibald, Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City-Omaha Kings/Kansas City Kings/New York Nets/Boston Celtics/Milwaukee Bucks (1970-1984)
Norm Van Lier, Cincinnati Royals/Chicago Bulls/Milwaukee Bucks (1969-1979)
Norm Nixon, Los Angeles Lakers/Clippers/San Diego Clippers (1977-1989)
1980s
The Pick: MAGIC JOHNSON, Los Angeles Lakers (1979-1996)
This decade saw some of the league's all-time greatest players enter the NBA.
Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Karl Malone, and Patrick Ewing were just a few guys who went on to become all-time greats at their positions.
You can also add Earvin "Magic" Johnson to that list. Magic isn't just one of the greatest point guards of all-time—but he is "arguably" the greatest point guard to play the game.
Although he was oversized at his position standing at 6'9", Magic was still a pure point guard.
His size gave him the advantage against other guards, and allowed him to play all five positions.
Excellent in the run-and-gun transition, Magic made some of the most eye-popping passes. Not only was he a magnificent passer—but he was very unselfish. He helped popularize both the behind-the-back and the no look pass.
He averaged double-digit assists nine straight seasons from 1982-1991.
During his rookie season Magic played the center position in the Finals, due to an injury to Kareem-Abdul Jabbar. Magic went on to score 42 points, grab 15 rebounds, and dish out seven assists.
It's a little unfair to Isiah Thomas that Magic played in his era, because it prevented him from being the best point guard during this decade.
Magic won five NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988), three league MVPs, three Finals MVPs, and earned 12 All-Star appearences.
His most memorable All-Star Game came in 1992, when he came out of retirement to play in the All-Star Game after contracting HIV.
Honorable Mention
Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons (1981-1994)
Dennis Johnson, Seattle Supersonics/Phoenix Suns/Boston Celtics (1976-1990)
Maurice Cheeks, Philadelphia 76ers/San Antonio Spurs/New York Knicks/Atlanta Hawks/New Jersey Nets (1978-1993)
Mark Jackson, New York Knicks/Indiana Pacers/Denver Nuggets/Toronto Raptors/Utah Jazz/Houston Rockets (1987-2004)
John Stockton, Utah Jazz (1984-2003)
1990s
The Pick: JOHN STOCKTON, Utah Jazz (1984-2003)
The 90s were one of the most exciting decades in the history of the NBA.
Just like the 80s, the 90s saw a large number of the league's all-time greats.
There were a few great point guards in the 90s, but John Stockton stood out the most.
Stockton is one the toughest point guards of all-time. He was a great leader and a perfect passer.
His durability is one of the more memorable things about him. In his 19-year career, Stockton missed only 22 games. His ability to perform in the clutch is something that often goes unnoticed.
He and Karl Malone formed one of the best duos off all-time. Stockton never did win an MVP or a championship—but he did make 10 All-Star appearences.
The guy averaged double-digit assists for 10 straight seasons from 1987-1997.
To this day, Stockton still holds the all-time record for total assists with 15,806. This record may never be broken; Jason Kidd is the only current player even close to it.
If there is anyone we should compare to Steve Nash, it's Stockton.
Honorable Mention
Gary Payton, Seattle Supersonics/Milwaukee Bucks/Los Angeles Lakers/Boston Celtics/Miami Heat (1990-2007)
Tim Hardaway, Golden State Warriors/Miami Heat/Dallas Mavericks/Denver Nuggets/Indiana Pacers (1989-2003)
Kevin Johnson, Cleveland Cavaliers/Phoenix Suns (1987-2000)
Mark Price, Cleveland Cavaliers/Washington Bullets/Golden State Warriors/Orlando Magic (1986-1998)
Rod Strickland, New York Knicks/San Antonio Spurs/Portland Trailblazers/Washington Bullets/Wizards/Miami Heat/Minnesota Timberwolves/Orlando Magic/Toronto Raptors/Houston Rockets (1988-2005)
Mookie Blaylock, New Jersey Nets/Atlanta Hawks/Golden State Warriors (1989-2002)
2000-present
The Pick: JASON KIDD, Dallas Mavericks/Phoenix Suns/New Jersey Nets (1994-present)
Kidd is fortunate to still be playing today, and is averaging close to a triple-double this season.
In the 00s, a case can be made for Kidd or Steve Nash as the best point guard—but Kidd was clearly the best the first few years of this decade.
While Nash may have won two MVPs, Kidd led his team to back-to-back appearences in the NBA Finals. Unfortunately, he failed to get a championship either year.
An excellent passer, Kidd is fifth all-time in total assists, trailing only Robertson, Magic, Mark Jackson, and Stockton.
J-Kidd doesn't have to score for his team to win, and makes a huge impact by making all the players around him better.
He will be starting in this year's All-Star game for the Eastern Conference.
Honorable Mention
Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns/Dallas Mavericks (1996-present)
Sam Cassell, Houston Rockets/Phoenix Suns/Dallas Mavericks/New Jersey Nets/Milwaukee Bucks/Minnesota Timberwolves/Los Angeles Clippers (1993-present)
Chauncey Billups, Boston Celtics/Toronto Raptors/Denver Nuggets/Minnesota Timberwolves/Detroit Pistons (1997-present)
Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer for BleacherReport.com.
comments (24) write a comment »
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9 months ago
WOW!fantastic article man.This is one of the funnest things to debate about in the NBA.But in the 90s I have to disagree and put Payton over Stockton.
from 9 months ago
I have to disagree.
Sure, Payton is the bigger, more athletic guard. He was a better rebounder, better at backing guys down into the paint, and scored more often. And at his peak, he was probably a better defender than Stockton (not by much).
But Stockton was good for much, much longer. He didn't score as much as Payton but literally runs all over him passing wise, which in my opinion is the most important characteristic for a point guard to have.
And when you want a clutch three pointer in the playoffs, who would you rather have shooting it?
9 months ago
Quite an undertaking... going to have to go back and read it through again before I make any judgements on the picks. But an ambitious posting, kudos.
9 months ago
Don't really know much about the 50s and 60s, but the rest of the picks you made were pretty accurate including the honorable mentions. Nice article, you clearly did your reseach.
9 months ago
This is awesome Michael. Just awesome—excellent idea.
I guess the only pick that I think is debatable is the Jason Kidd selection. There's an argument to be made here for Steve Nash.
Kidd obviously takes the cake on the defensive end, as well as rebounding. At their peak, they are pretty comparable passing wise—but I'd probably give Nash a slight edge in this regard.
However I don't think Kidd has ever been a potent scorer the way Steve Nash is when he heats up. Come playoff time, I'd much rather have Steve Nash on my team. He's a natural shooter and is money in the clutch. Kidd's shooting abilities have been largely inconsistent throughout his career.
Overall, I think you made the right pick as Kidd is more well rounded. That said, it's a close call.
9 months ago
I disagree that Jason Kidd is the best of the 2000s. It has to be 2-time MVP Steve Nash. For the 50s, 60s, and 70s I don't know whether to agree or not.
from 9 months ago
Steve Nash may have two MVPs, but if you look from 2000 to about 2004 Kidd was the best PG. Kidd has done something in my opinion, better than two MVPs and thats make it to the NBA Finals two straight years.
I think a finals appearance is better than winning an MVP. Nash has had just as much talent around him, if not better than Kidd and has failed to make the finals.
Nash might be better now--but Kidd has definitely the best PG and all around PG of this decade...So far
So for me, Kidd gets the slight edge over Nash.
Chris Paul will be the next best PG next decade.
9 months ago
Hey Michael—you know, this team of point guards you picked out could actually field a decent roster overall:
PG: John Stockton
SG: Walt Frazier
SF: Jason Kidd
PF: Oscar Robertson
C: Magic Johnson
(left Cousy on the bench)
Obviously a small lineup—but for my money, this group of unselfish ball handers, shooters, boarders, and defenders could probably take on a mediocre NBA team!
from 9 months ago
Cousy on the bench? Tommy Heinsohn would never stand for such a thing!
9 months ago
I like Tiny Archibald in the 70s instead of Frazier.I had the pleasure of watching all of these guys except Cousy.
9 months ago
Can I put in an early vote for Rajon Rondo as the best PG of the 2010s? :)
OK, maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself here...
Great article!
9 months ago
Great rundown of a great position.
Dennis Johnson deserves honorable mention for the 80's. Lionel Hollins earned noteworthy status for the 70's.
I second Sean's idea about Rondo - which means two people are getting ahead of themselves.
from 9 months ago
Yeah DJ was very underrated. He led his team to a championship before his days in Boston and won MVP in the finals. And you're right about Lionel Hollins.
9 months ago
same... i'd have to put Nash over Kidd for 2000's but soolllid article
9 months ago
Decent article dude, well done. Give us the shooting guards next...unless I missed that one.
9 months ago
I agree with all your choices. From Cousy to Kidd. I was lucky enough (or old enough) to watch all of them play. And I agree that "Magic" Johson was the best of all, though I think Bob Cousy would be second on that list. Bare in Mind that I have been a Lakers fan since George Miken played and I have no love for the Celtics. I also would put Jason Kidd above Steve Nash. Of the two MVP's he received, one was political, they just did not want to give it to Kobe.
One aside, Norm Nixon could and did double as an effective shooting guard after Magic arrived. It was his speed and shooting accuracy that helped start the "Show Time" era.
9 months ago
Great read and no doubt one article you had to know would get a lot of debate. Even as a Nash lover, I would have to say that as a PG, Kidd takes the award - but it might end up being different when the decade really is up. There are 3 seasons not included here (as 2008 is not yet done.) Character wise, Nash takes it, hands down. No way to argue that point.
Well done!
9 months ago
I have to agree 100% on Jason Kidd over Steve Nash just simply because Kidd has been better for a longer period of time. Many forget that Steve Nash was a late bloomer in the NBA and only recently hasbeen acknowledged as the elite NBA PG. Good article.
9 months ago
I have to admit that this is one of the best articles I've read on here. Great stuff, it's non-bias and factual. The one place I have to disagree is Stockton over Payton. I know Stock is great, but the Glove was better in my opinion. Once again, great stuff.
Reggie
9 months ago
I Like everything up to Kidd in the current decade. He's never been a threat to go far in the playoffs and has never had a good enough supporting cast to bump him up to the great plataeu. Steve Nash however, is a constant threat to not only get past the Spurs to reach the Finals, but to win the MVP. Now that he has Shaq, you can't count him out of getting not only his third MVP award, but maybe some other hardware to go with it.
-Silas
from 9 months ago
He case you didn't know, Kidd led his team to two seperate appearances in the Finals. Nash has yet to do that. And to bite off a comment above left by David, Nash was a late bloomer. People didn't even consider him a great point guard until he left Dallas to take play for Phoenix.
8 months ago
I think Kidd should be there, but he is a very limited shooter and scorer.
8 months ago
For my money Pistol Pete, that guy was magic"no pun intended. I may feel silly if he was
a forward, but any discussion has to include the pistol. You wrote a great piece I learned
alot "you are a real pro". Just for conversation I wonder how "Curly Neal would
have
done in the NBA. Talk about a guy who could handle the ball! Nice read thank you again.
7 months ago
What an exceptional article Michael...
I am with you on Kidd the back to back finals speaks volumes...
Alby
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