From Magic Johnson's showtime passing to Stephen Curry's revolutionary three-point shooting, the point guard position has produced some of basketball's most iconic players. Who is the greatest of all time?
1Magic JohnsonLA Lakers legend who won 5 championships with his unmatched vision, versatility, and showtime charisma across 13 seasons.
2Stephen CurryGolden State Warriors sharpshooter who revolutionized the NBA with his three-point shooting, winning 4 titles and back-to-back MVP awards (2015, 2016), the second the only unanimous vote in NBA history.
3John StocktonUtah Jazz cornerstone who holds the all-time NBA records for assists and steals across 19 seasons, the ultimate team player.
4Oscar RobertsonThe Big O, who averaged a triple-double over an entire NBA season in 1961-62 — a record not matched for 55 years.
5Isiah ThomasDetroit Pistons captain who led the Bad Boys to back-to-back championships in 1989-90 with his ferocious competitive drive.
6Chris PaulThe Point God whose elite court vision, passing precision, and relentless leadership made him one of the most respected players of his generation.
7Jason KiddTriple-double machine and Hall of Famer who won his lone championship as a player with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011 after two Finals appearances.
8Gary PaytonThe Glove — Seattle SuperSonics enforcer whose defensive dominance at point guard earned him the Defensive Player of the Year award in 1996.
9Steve NashTwo-time MVP Canadian point guard whose creative passing and pick-and-roll mastery redefined modern NBA offense in Phoenix.
10Allen IversonThe Answer — Philadelphia 76ers icon whose fearless style, scoring crown titles, and cultural impact made him one of the most beloved players ever.
11Pete MaravichPistol Pete, the most spectacular ball-handler of his era whose freewheeling style and scoring records still awe fans decades later.
12Bob CousyThe Cooz — Boston Celtics magician who invented modern point guard play and won six championships in the 1950s and '60s.
13Chauncey BillupsMr. Big Shot — the clutch Detroit Pistons guard who led his team to the 2004 championship and earned Finals MVP honors.
14Tony ParkerSan Antonio Spurs French playmaker who won four championships alongside Tim Duncan and was named Finals MVP in 2007.
15Derrick RoseChicago Bulls prodigy who became the youngest MVP in NBA history at age 22 with his explosive athleticism and electrifying drives.
16Rajon RondoBoston Celtics playmaker whose extraordinary court vision and passing artistry anchored their 2008 championship and four All-Star selections.
17Damian LillardPortland Trail Blazers franchise cornerstone known for his loyalty, clutch shot-making, and elite scoring — including a buzzer-beater for the ages.
18Nate ArchibaldTiny Nate — the only player in NBA history to lead the league in both scoring and assists in the same season.
19Kyrie IrvingThe 2011 top pick and Rookie of the Year, whose three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 Finals sealed the Cavaliers' championship.
20Russell Westbrook2017 MVP who has averaged a triple-double in four seasons and holds the NBA record for career triple-doubles, passing Oscar Robertson.
21Walt FrazierWalt 'Clyde' Frazier, floor general and top perimeter defender of the New York Knicks teams that won the franchise's first two championships, in 1970 and 1973.
22Lenny WilkensHall of Fame playmaker for the Hawks and SuperSonics, a player-coach in Seattle, who retired from coaching with a then-record 1,332 NBA wins.
Photo credits
- Stephen Curry — Clément Bardot, CC BY-SA 4.0
- Chris Paul — Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0
- Jason Kidd — File:Jason Kidd Nets coach.jpg: Keith Allison derivative work: Chrishmt0423, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Rajon Rondo — Aaron Frutman, CC BY 2.0
- Damian Lillard — Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0
- Kyrie Irving — Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0
- Russell Westbrook — Erik Drost, CC BY 2.0
- Walt Frazier — All-Pro Reels, CC BY-SA 2.0
Comments 1
Sorted by position, one of them drops out: a 6ft 9in point guard with four assist titles qualifies, a small forward does not: https://youpick.best/articles/magic-johnson-vs-larry-bird-ranked
YP
ypb-teamAug 21



































