These floor generals have changed the game.
From Steph Curry launching threes from the logo, to Magic Johnson being the first real 6’9 player at point guard, these are the players that we have judged the best points guards in NBA history.
True point guards lead the offense, set up plays, and controlling the tempo of the game.
Best Point Guards In NBA History
Here are our 10 best point guards in NBA history, based on their career stats, including games played, assists per game (APG), points per game (PPG), steals per game (SPG), and overall influence on the game.
1. Magic Johnson
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 906
- Assists per Game (APG): 11.2
- Points per Game (PPG): 19.5
- Steals per Game (SPG): 1.9
Magic Johnson made the point guard position his own with his unique combination of size, skill, and vision.
Standing at an unheard 6’9″, Johnson was unlike any point guard the league had seen before. He led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships and was a three-time MVP.
Magic’s ability to run the “Showtime” Lakers offense with his exceptional passing and court vision made him one of the most dominant players of his era. His versatility allowed him to play all five positions, and his impact on the game is still felt today.
2. Stephen Curry
Career Stats (as of August 2024):
- Games Played: 1,100
- APG: 6.5
- PPG: 24.5
- SPG: 1.7
Stephen Curry is widely regarded as the greatest shooter in NBA history.
On December 14, 2021 against the New York Knicks, Curry surpassed NBA legend Ray Allen’s record of 2,973, becoming the all-time leader in regular-season three-pointers made.
He transformed the game with his ability to hit three-pointers from virtually anywhere on the court.
Curry has led the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships and has won two MVP awards. His deep shooting range and quick release have forced defenses to adapt, and his impact on the game’s evolution is undeniable.
Beyond his shooting, Curry is also an excellent ball handler and playmaker, making him one of the best point guards ever.
3. Oscar Robertson
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,040
- APG: 9.5
- PPG: 25.7
- SPG: Data not officially recorded
Oscar Robertson, also known as “The Big O,” was the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season.
Robertson was a versatile and powerful player who could score, rebound, and assist at an elite level.
He was a 12-time All-Star and won an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971.
4. John Stockton
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,504
- APG: 10.5
- PPG: 13.1
- SPG: 2.2
John Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals, records that may never be broken.
Stockton was the epitome of a traditional point guard, known for his precise passing, basketball IQ, and durability.
He played his entire 19-year career with the Utah Jazz, leading them to two NBA Finals appearances. Stockton’s partnership with Karl Malone was one of the most successful duos in NBA history.
5. Isiah Thomas
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 979
- APG: 9.3
- PPG: 19.2
- SPG: 1.9
Isiah Thomas was the leader of the “Bad Boys” Detroit Pistons, a team known for its toughness, defensive, and according to many – dirty way of playing.
Thomas led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 and was named Finals MVP in 1990. Despite his small stature, Thomas was a fierce competitor and one of the best playmakers in the league.
6. Chris Paul
Career Stats (as of August 2024):
- Games Played: 1,260
- APG: 9.5
- PPG: 18.0
- SPG: 2.1
Chris Paul, often referred to as “CP3,” or “point god”, is one of the most complete point guards in NBA history.
CP3 is known for his amazing ball-handling, court vision, and leadership on the court. Throughout his career, he has consistently been among the league leaders in assists and steals. Paul’s ability to control the pace of the game and make his teammates better has earned him numerous All-Star selections and All-NBA honors.
Despite not yet winning an NBA championship, Paul’s impact on the game and his position is unquestioned.
7. Steve Nash
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,217
- APG: 8.5
- PPG: 14.3
- SPG: 0.7
Steve Nash was a two-time MVP and one of the best pure point guards in NBA history.
Nash was known for his shooting, particularly his ability to shoot off the dribble in the paint, and his high free-throw percentage.
He led the league in assists five times and was the orchestrator of the high-powered Phoenix Suns run-and-gun offense that revolutionized the modern NBA with its fast pace and emphasis on three-point shooting.
8. Walt Frazier
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 825
- APG: 6.1
- PPG: 18.9
- SPG: Data not officially recorded
Walt Frazier, known for his cool demeanor and flashy style both on and off the court, was a key figure in the New York Knicks’ success in the 1970s.
Frazier led the Knicks to two NBA championships and was known for his defensive prowess as well as his scoring and playmaking abilities. Frazier’s performance in Game 7 of the 1970 NBA Finals, where he recorded 36 points and 19 assists, is one of the greatest in Finals history.
9. Jason Kidd
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,391
- APG: 8.7
- PPG: 12.6
- SPG: 1.9
Jason Kidd was one of the most well-rounded point guards in NBA history, known for his rebounding, defense, and playmaking.
Kidd was a triple-double threat every time he stepped on the court and is one of the few players in NBA history to record more than 100 triple-doubles.
Kidd led the New Jersey Nets to two NBA Finals appearances and won an NBA championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011.
10. Gary Payton
Career Stats:
- Games Played: 1,335
- APG: 6.7
- PPG: 16.3
- SPG: 1.8
Gary Payton, known as “The Glove,” was one of the best defensive point guards in NBA history. Payton was known for his tenacious defense, earning nine All-Defensive First Team selections and winning Defensive Player of the Year in 1996.
However, Payton was also an accomplished scorer and playmaker, leading the Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996.
Best Ever NBA Point Guards Statistics
| Player | Games Played | APG | PPG | SPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Magic Johnson | 906 | 11.2 | 19.5 | 1.9 |
| Stephen Curry | 1,100 | 6.5 | 24.5 | 1.7 |
| Oscar Robertson | 1,040 | 9.5 | 25.7 | |
| John Stockton | 1,504 | 10.5 | 13.1 | 2.2 |
| Isiah Thomas | 979 | 9.3 | 19.2 | 1.9 |
| Chris Paul | 1,260 | 9.5 | 18.0 | 2.1 |
| Steve Nash | 1,217 | 8.5 | 14.3 | 0.7 |
| Walt Frazier | 825 | 6.1 | 18.9 | |
| Jason Kidd | 1,391 | 8.7 | 12.6 | 1.9 |
| Gary Payton | 1,335 | 6.7 | 16.3 | 1.8 |
From Magic Johnson’s style of play to Stephen Curry’s deep shooting range, these point guards have not only led their teams but have also shaped the way the game is played.
Check out the best centers in NBA history and the best shooting guards in NBA all-time.
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