20 Best Point Guards in NBA History

Point guards have always been the leaders on the basketball court, controlling the pace and guiding their teams. They are often the most intelligent players, with sharp decision-making skills and the ability to enhance the performance of those around them. From flashy passes to clutch shots, great point guards combine skill, vision, and leadership.

Tricia Quitales
June 14, 2025
7 min read

20 Best Point Guards in NBA History — Thomas B. Shea-Imagn Images

This article explores the 20 greatest point guards to ever play in the NBA, based on skill, impact, and legacy and offers detailed snapshots of each player’s achievements. Each entry highlights what made these athletes special, from court vision to championships. Fans will discover how these players helped shape the NBA’s rich history. From legends of the past to modern-day superstars, the list blends generations and styles of greatness.

20. Mark Jackson

Mark Jackson was one of the smartest point guards to ever play in the league. Known for his unique passing style, he finished his career with over 10,000 assists. He played with poise and rarely made mistakes on the court. Jackson also became a respected coach and analyst after retiring. His basketball IQ was among the best of his time.

19. Rod Strickland

May 3, 1994; Portland, OR, USA: FILE PHOTO; Houston Rockets guard Kenny Smith (30) defends a shot by Portland Trail Blazers guard Rod Strickland (1) in the 1993-94 NBA Playoffs at Memorial Coliseum

Rod Strickland was a magician with the ball, known for his crafty dribbling and finishes at the rim. Although he never made an All-Star team, his talent was respected league-wide. He ranks high in all-time assists and was a true floor general. Strickland had a smooth style that made the game look effortless. Many young guards today have borrowed from his game.

18. Kevin Johnson

Kevin Johnson was one of the fastest guards in the NBA during the late 1980s and early 1990s. He averaged over 20 points and 10 assists multiple times. His quick first step and sharp playmaking lifted the Phoenix Suns to new heights. Johnson also delivered in the playoffs, giving stars like Magic Johnson and Gary Payton real trouble. Off the court, he became a mayor, showing his leadership went beyond basketball.

17. Deron Williams

Deron Williams was a force during his prime, combining strength and skill. He was especially effective during his prime years. Williams could pass, shoot, and defend at a high level. He was a key part of Team USA’s gold-medal run in 2008 and 2012. Injuries slowed him down, but his peak years were elite.

16. Tim Hardaway

RVR Photos-Imagn Images

Tim Hardaway brought flash and fire to the position with his killer crossover move. He was a five-time All-Star and a central piece of the Run TMC era in Golden State. Hardaway was both a scorer and a distributor, with a strong personality on the court. He later made deep playoff runs with the Miami Heat. His unique blend of style and grit made him a fan favorite.

15. Lenny Wilkens

Lenny Wilkens played with grace and intelligence during his time in the league. He was a nine-time All-Star and later became one of the winningest coaches in NBA history. Wilkens remained calm under pressure and consistently controlled the game. He helped lead his teams with steady hands and sharp minds. His impact stretched across generations of basketball.

14. Tony Parker

Tony Parker was a crucial part of the San Antonio Spurs dynasty. His quickness and ability to finish in the paint made him a nightmare for defenders. Parker won four NBA championships and was named Finals MVP in 2007. He played with great timing and always seemed one step ahead. Coming from France, he helped expand the global reach of the NBA.

13. Kyle Lowry

Kyle Lowry’s toughness and leadership played a crucial role in helping the Toronto Raptors secure their first NBA title. Known for taking charges and playing with grit, he earned multiple All-Star nods. Lowry improved year after year and became a complete point guard. He was clutch in big moments and had a strong basketball IQ. His legacy is secure as one of the most respected players of his era.

12. Nate “Tiny” Archibald

Nate Archibald was a unique talent who led the league in both scoring and assists in the same season (1972–73)—a feat no one else has accomplished. Despite his small stature (just 6'1"), he played with tremendous heart, speed, and control. Archibald was a master at slicing through defenses and creating plays in tight spaces. He won an NBA championship with the Celtics in 1981 and was named to the NBA’s 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams. His blend of scoring and playmaking was ahead of its time.

11. Chauncey Billups

Chauncey Billups earned the nickname “Mr. Big Shot” for a reason. He was the leader of the 2004 Detroit Pistons championship team. Billups was calm in pressure situations and always made smart plays. He won Finals MVP and was a five-time All-Star. His leadership and clutch performances defined his career.

10. Walt Frazier

Walt “Clyde” Frazier brought style and substance to the game. He led the New York Knicks to two championships in the 1970s. Frazier was a lockdown defender and a smooth operator on offense. He was known for his fashion as much as his game, becoming a cultural icon. His court presence made him one of the coolest point guards ever.

9. Gary Payton

Gary Payton was known as “The Glove” for his elite defense. He could shut down even the best guards while also running an offense effectively. Payton won Defensive Player of the Year and later earned a championship with the Heat. His trash talk and competitive nature were legendary. Few point guards matched his combination of defense and toughness.

8. Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy was the original master of the fast break and flashy passes. He helped define the role of the point guard in the 1950s and ’60s. Cousy won six titles with the Celtics and earned 13 All-Star appearances. His creativity was ahead of his time, and fans loved watching him play. He paved the way for future generations with his vision and flair.

7. Steve Nash

Steve Nash was a two-time MVP who made every offense he ran more dangerous. His ability to pass without looking and shoot with deadly accuracy made him special. Nash led the Phoenix Suns to deep playoff runs with fast-paced basketball. He turned teammates into stars and made fans fall in love with team basketball. His influence is still felt in today’s style of play.

6. Jason Kidd

Jason Kidd could do it all on the court — pass, rebound, defend, and lead. He ranks second all-time in assists and was a 10-time All-Star. Kidd helped lead the New Jersey Nets to back-to-back NBA Finals. Later, he won a championship with the Dallas Mavericks. His leadership and vision made him a coach on the floor.

5. Chris Paul

Chris Paul is known for his precision, toughness, and consistency. He ranks high in assists and steals, and his leadership lifts every team he joins. Paul has been an All-Star many times and continues to compete at a high level. Though he hasn’t won a ring, his career is full of individual greatness. He’s one of the smartest players to ever handle the ball.

4. Isiah Thomas

Isiah Thomas led the Detroit Pistons to two championships with heart and grit. Despite being undersized, he played with fearless energy. Thomas was a great passer and clutch scorer, often taking over games when it mattered most. He faced off against legends and never backed down. His toughness defined the Bad Boys era.

3. John Stockton

John Stockton is the NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals. He played his entire career with the Utah Jazz and formed a legendary duo with Karl Malone. Stockton was quiet and focused, but his game spoke volumes. He ran the pick-and-roll to perfection and rarely turned the ball over. His consistency and durability were unmatched.

2. Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry changed the game with his deep shooting and fast-paced play. He’s a two-time MVP and has won multiple championships with the Golden State Warriors. Curry stretches defenses like no one else and opens up space for teammates. His handles, speed, and range make him nearly impossible to guard. He helped redefine what a point guard could be.

1. Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson was the ultimate point guard with unmatched size, vision, and flair. He led the Lakers to five championships and won three MVPs. Magic could play any position and always made his teammates better. His smile and style brought joy to the game and helped popularize the NBA. He remains the standard by which all point guards are measured.