Welcome back to the "Greatest Ever" series as i continued with the rankings of the greatest point guards in NBA History.
A point guard is a player who usually runs the offense of the team, is the main ball handler and controls the tempo of the game. There's no strict definition actually about it.
The position itself may be the most important, because these players make valuable impact out there. The position has been stacked as of now as it has been, due to the rise of many young stars.
Who ranks on top? Without further ado, here's my list.
10.Tim Hardaway
Height: 6'0
Weight: 175 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
Tim Hardaway was a lighting quick and complete floor general that barely stood six inches on the court. He was one of the game's best point guards of all time.
He was mostly known his outstanding ball handling skills, especially for his devastating crossover aka UTEP 2 step on which he relied to blew by his defenders with ease. He may didn't have a rival in this aspect of the game.
The Bug was also one of the finest passers in NBA History. He could find the open man with ease and racked the assist totals. Tim was consistent among the league leaders, as he ranked as high as second once and cracked above ten dimes twice.
Hardaway was a great scorer too. Few could keep up with him because of his speed and lethal ball handles. He reached 5000 points and 2500 assists quicker than anyone in league history expect Oscar. A great feat, nonetheless.
In his peak, he was All-First NBA Team member and MVP candidate as he led the Heat to a franchise top record. Unfortunately, he had many injuries which forced him to miss many games and didn't peak as good as he could have.
Overall, he was truly a terrific floor general.
Honors: 5× NBA All-Star (1991–1993, 1997–1998), All-NBA First Team (1997), 3× All-NBA Second Team (1992, 1998–1999), All-NBA Third Team (1993), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1990)
9.Gary Payton
Height: 6'4
Weight: 180 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
He was a great floor general, who consistently shut down the opposing's top player and had a complete package. Gary Payton was one of the best point guards to step on a NBA Hardwood.
He was a wizard on defense, who in particular excelled as a perimeter stopper. He usually shut the opponent's finest scorer that played on the perimeter. For this ability, he earned the nickname "The Glove".
Gary's regarded as the most elite defender to play point guard, and is arguably the greatest defensive player of all time. He played the passing lanes quite well.
He's the only player from his position to ever win the Defensive Player Of The Year award, doing that in '96 and he holds the record for most All-First Defensive Teams with nine selections.
Payton was a remarkable all-around player too. He ranks among the better ones in this regard too. He had it all in a floor general and he consistently brought many things to the table.
He was also an excellent passer, who often ranked among the league leaders. Gary managed to lead once in total assists, and he ranks very high on the all time lists in this facet respectably.
Offensively, he was a good volume scorer with sweet lost post game for a guard and solid outside shot to compliment that. He created his own shot nicely too.
Payton had a nice prime and peak overall. Why above Hardaway? He was more complete, better defensively, had a better career and is simply did more. Unfortunately, he often had troubles to get past the first round in the playoffs with few expectations.
Overall, he can be argued higher of course.
Honors: NBA Champion (2006), 9× NBA All-Star (1994–1998, 2000–2003), NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1996), 2× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000), 5× All-NBA Second Team (1995–1997, 1999, 2002), 2× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 2001), 9× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1994–2002), NBA All-Rookie Second Team (1991), Pac-12 Player of the Year (1990), Consensus NCAA All-American First Team (1990)
8.Steve Nash
Height: 6'3
Weight: 195 lbs
Type Of A Player: Pass First
A quiet, highly smart and effective player, Steve Nash has defined the point guard position with his great play. He's one of the best floor generals in NBA History.
Steve's noted most for his passing, as he can lead and find his team mates for the easy points like few could. He's arguably the greatest playmaker of all time. He racks up the assist totals with ease.
He excels in shooting. Nash's one of the most elite shooters of all time. He can find the bottom of the net from anywhere and has long range on his jumper. He's also the only player to be in the 50/40/90 club for at least three seasons.
This leads to the fact that he's one of the finest offensive players of any time. Nash's ability to pass and shot are on top level with off the charts efficiency for a point guard and remarkable impact. He's proven to be a great scorer when needed as well.
Steve's amazing in making his team mates better too. He's proven to be productive even without great team mates which speaks a lot about him.
The most overlooked part of his game is his consistency. Despite the age and lack of athleticism, Nash has produced really well which led to huge success.
He had a long prime and peaked quite nicely. Steve won two MVP awards in his top years, that's a rare feat for a point guard. He's also established himself as a great player in the clutch and achieved enough in his career.
Why above Payton? Because of the impact on his teams, success in the post season, making his team mates better, efficiency and overall offense, Nash's ranked higher on the list.
Honors: 2× NBA Most Valuable Player (2005, 2006), 7× NBA All-Star (2002–2003, 2005–2008, 2010), 3× All-NBA First Team (2005–2007), 2× All-NBA Second Team (2008, 2010), 2× All-NBA Third Team (2002–2003), 2× Skills Challenge Champion (2005, 2010), J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (2007), Lou Marsh Trophy (2004), 3× Lionel Conacher Award (2002, 2005–2006)
7.Bob Cousy
Height: 6'1
Weight: 175 lbs
Type Of A Player: Pass First
The Houdini Of The Hardwood as they called him in his time, a pioneer who revolutionized basketball and helped defying the position in the 50's, Bob Cousy was one of the top point guards in NBA History.
He established himself as arguably the greatest passer to play the game. Cooz was in fact a playmaker, who involved and made his team mates better while racking the assist totals in style. He won the assist crown eight times in both regular and post season.
Bob was also a great scorer, who elevated his scoring in the playoffs, where he led twice in points and assists. He often ranked among the leaders in both categories. His production offensively was certainly among the elites ones.
He brought flare, excitement and flashiness in the game nearly half a century ago with his dazzling playing style. Cousy was credited as one of the most spectacular players ever that revolutionized the league in that regard.
Cooz was additionally a great all-around player, who did well in all the facets of the game. His passing, ball handling skills, court vision and instincts were made him ahead of his time.
The Houdini Of The Hardwood was a brilliant floor general, who made huge impact on his teams. He earned huge praise for his ability to run an offense and make others better.
He additionally had a long prime and great peak in which he won a MVP plus a championship. He enjoyed quite a career overall. Why above Nash? Because of the better prime, consistency, career and overall legacy.
Bob could be argued in the top five too. Unfortunately, he didn't have a great success in winning before Russell among few other things like no jumper, questionable game that would translate in other eras etc stop him from higher ranking.
Nonetheless, he's a legend.
Honors: All-Rookie Team (1971); Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1971); NBA champion (1957, '59, '60, '61, '62, '63); NBA MVP (1957); 10-time All-NBA First Team (1952-61); All-NBA Second Team ('62, '63); 13-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1954, '57); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History.
6.John Stockton
Height: 6'1
Weight: 170 lbs
Type Of A Player: Pass First
When a player defines a certain position you know that he's a great. John Stockton was one of the greatest point guards to ever step on a NBA Hardwood.
John excelled in passing, a skill in which few were better, if not at all. He could find and lead his team mates for the easy points. Despite playing in a slow system, he cracked the assist totals at a rate that few could.
He's the all time leader in assists, holds numerous records as well. Stockton won nine and ten assist crowns in his career, which is quite amazing.
Stock was known for his pesky, tough and at times dirty defense. He leads the league in this category (in totals). He ranks respectably high in the post season as well.
With the way he was playing great, efficiently, the control of the game he had, the skill set and all the other things simply made him the best pure point guard of any time.
Additionally, John was among the elites of all time in terms of longevity. He played on a top notch for quite a long time and remained very effective as well.
Stockton had a really long prime and his peak was as good as it gets. Throw in the amazing career he had, revolutionizing a position, a terrific impact and making others better like few did, his ranking is deserved.
Why above Cousy? Because of the better prime, longevity, defense, efficiency, shooting and career. He can be argued as far as third on the list.
Honors: All-NBA First Team (1994, '95); All-NBA Second Team (1988, '89, '90, '92, '93, '96); All-NBA Third Team (1991, '97, '99); All-Defensive Second Team (1989, '91, '92, '95, '97); 10-time NBA All-Star; Olympic gold medalist (1992, '96); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History ('96)
5.Jason Kidd
Height: 6'4
Weight: 205 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
A skilled, highly intelligent and versatile player, Jason Kidd's has been a quiet yet effective force in his career. He's one of the greatest point guards in NBA History.
Jason's established himself as one of the most complete players of all time, if not the most of them all. He's been known as a consistent triple double who fills out the stat sheet quite nicely and does everything well.
He's excelled in passing as well. Kidd is one of the best playmakers of any time, with a solid case for the first spot. He can find and lead his team mates for easy points really well. Also, he's cracked high assist totals too.
For a floor general, he's rebounded like a big man. He's the finest rebounding point guard ever. He leads all guards in league history in this facet of basketball and ranks high for all non big men rebounders too.
His ability to make his team mates better is among the elites of any period. J-Kidd leadership and unselfishness plus his great play were very crucial for the Nets, a team that he led to two Finals appearance with average rosters.
Additionally, Jason's been among the better ones in terms of longevity, as he remained in top shape for a really long time. He also has a great work ethic which helped him to add to his abilities of course and he did.
He's been a terrific impact maker throughout his career, and his years with New Jersey prove that. Kidd has enjoyed a long prime with even better peak and an amazing career.
Why above Stockton? Because of his all-around game, defense, impact, ability to take over in important games and leadership. He may be ranked another spot higher, but that's about as he gets.
Honors: NBA Champion (2011), NBA co-Rookie of the Year (1995), 10× NBA All-Star (1996, 1998, 2000–2004,2007–2008, 2010), 5× All-NBA First Team (1999–2002, 2004), 1× All-NBA Second Team (2003), 4× NBA All-Defensive First Team (1999,2001–2002, 2006), 5× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000,2003–2005, 2007), NBA All-Rookie First Team (1995), Skills Challenge Champion (2003), Naismith Prep Player of the Year (1992).
4.Isiah Thomas
Height: 6'1
Weight: 180 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
Isiah Thomas, although wasn't a big in terms of size, he made it up with his brilliant play on the court. He's one of the greatest points to step on a NBA Hardwood.
When it came to being a complete player, he ranks among the elites of any time in this regard. He could do everything well. To back up this claim, i'll point out the fact that he's the Pistons' all time leader in points, assists, steals and few other categories.
He was remarkable in passing. Isiah was one of the best playmakers in league history. He could lead his team mates for the easy points nicely and find the open man of course. He cracked the assist totals in the process too.
Thomas' offensive production was certainly among the finest ones of all time. He ranked several times among the leaders in both points and assists, in the playoffs. He produced quite big consistently.
He made a reputation for himself as one of the top clutch performers the game has ever seen. He had the skills and determination plus tough playing style to take over games like few could.
Zeke always produced on an amazing level when it mattered. He led the Pistons to two titles in the late 80's with a Finals MVP under his belt which cemented his legacy.
Additionally, he was a terrific defender too. He was a pesky stopper that did a good job of playing the lanes and put excellent pressure on the ball as well.
Finally, there wasn't a better "little man" than him in NBA History. He never let the height issue bother him thanks to his attitude, skill set and determination to be great.
Why above Kidd? Because he was a better scorer, took over games better, was a better scorer, achieved slightly more and had arguably a better prime. He may have a solid case for the third spot, but that's about he gets.
Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2000); NBA All Rookie Team (1982); 12-time NBA All-Star (1982-93); NBA All-Star Game MVP (1984, '86); All-NBA First Team (1984, '85, '86); All NBA Second Team (1983, '87); NBA Champion (1989, '90); NBA Finals MVP (1990); U.S. Olympian (1980); J. Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award (1987); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
3.Walt Frazier
Height: 6'4
Weight: 200 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
If there's a guy for whom stats don't tell the story, it's the great New York Knickerbocker legend Walt Frazier. He was one of the greatest floor generals in NBA History.
Walt was a defensive wizard, who's arguably one of the best perimeter and overall defenders of all time. He regularly shut the opposing players and he made issues in other team's offensive schemes with his abilities to pick steals too.
He was a member of seven consecutive All-First Defensive Team. Frazier made a remarkable impact on this side of the court, especially in his prime. He's regarded as the top stopper to play at the point guard position and for a good reason.
He also possessed a nice skill set. He was one of the most all-around players of any time. Clyde did everything quite well and recorded many triple doubles as well.
What set him apart of his peers, was his remarkable play in the important games. Few were better in the clutch than him. Walt's terrific performances led the Knicks to two titles in the early 70's and he was robbed of two Finals MVP awards that he deserved.
His offensive game wasn't bad either. Unfortunately for him, he played in an extremely unselfish team and the triangle system which is why his stats aren't as good as most of the guys here have.
Frazier had an outstanding prime and peak. Why above Zeke? Because he was better defensively, was better clutch performer, his prime and peak were better as well as him having the better overall career too.
Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1987); NBA champion (1970, '73); All-NBA First Team (1970, '72, '74, '75); All-NBA Second Team (1971, '73); All-Defensive First Team (1969-75); Seven-time NBA All-Star; All-Star MVP (1975); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
2.Oscar Robertson
Height: 6'5
Weight: 205 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
A skilled, physical and highly intelligent floor general that posted excellent numbers, Oscar Robertson wasn't just one of the top point guards but also one of the greatest players in NBA History.
He was the first "big" guard, who with his great play and overall excellence opened the path for other similar players like Magic, Penny etc.
Oscar was arguably the most complete player of all time. He did everything well and filled out the stat sheet like no else did. His skill set was truly amazing and he had nice physical gifts to compliment his abilities too.
To back this up, i'll point out the fact that Robertson's the all time leader in triple doubles, a thing he did for five straight years and also the fact the fact that he's the only one to ever do that. Quite amazing.
He excelled in passing. The "Big O" was one of the best playmakers to play the game. He could lead or find his team mates easily and he cracked the assist totals, despite playing in an era where assists weren't given out like today.
That makes it even more impressive achievement. The "O" won seven assist crowns in both regular and post season. His ability to score was on pair with anyone's as well.
In fact, his offensive excellence and production were arguably unmatched. He didn't have a weakness in his offense and he regularly ranked among the leaders in both dimes and points, more so than anyone in league history.
Oscar did an impressive work on the glass. He's one of the few floor generals to lead his team in rebounding for a season and is regarded high in this facet of basketball too.
He wasn't a brilliant stopper, but he was certainly solid in this regard because of his ability to get steals and he improved later on in his playing days.
Unfortunately, all of this brilliance was nearly wasted, because he couldn't push his teams over the Celtics and Sixers in the 60's as they struggled defensively. Luckily for him, he got traded later on and led his team to a title (with Kareem) as a Buck.
When also things such as dominance, statistics, importance and making his team mates are added, it's clear that Robertson has a solid case for the honor as the greatest player of all time.
Why above Frazier? Because he's simply few classes above him in overall greatness.
Honors: Elected to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (1980); NBA champion (1971); NBA MVP (1964); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1961-69); All NBA Second Team (1970, '71); Rookie of the Year (1961); 12-time NBA All-Star (1961-72); All-Star MVP (1961, '64, '69); One of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996); Olympic gold medalist (1960).
1.Magic Johnson
Height: 6'9
Weight: 215 lbs
Type Of A Player: All-Around
A skilled, versatile and intelligent player who posted brilliant numbers while winning big, Magic Johnson isn't regarded only as the best point guard but also one of the greatest players in NBA History
It was simply "Magic" how a man of that size did all of those things with the ball and how he made everything look easy. He continued the tradition of the "big" guards that Oscar started.
Johnson had no peers when it came to versatility. He's the only man who could play all positions on top level, as he played at several positions (with his role remaining the same) through his career and is this performance certainly backs that up.
He defined the term "passing". He was arguably the finest playmaker of all time. He could led and found his team mates for easy points in a fancy way. He cracked high assist totals in the process.
Earvin won four and five times respectably in this category during both regular and post season. He's the all time leader in dimes in the playoffs and finals too, which speaks a lot about him.
He was also a great scorer who relied on his sweet post up game and added a great shot later on. This allowed Johnson to establish as one of the most elite and productive offensive forces ever.
He's also praised for being second to none when it came to all-around game. His ability to shot and defended improved at the middle of his career. Then, there are the numbers to back him.
He ranks second on the all time list in triple doubles in the regular season and first in playoffs history as well. His career numbers are a proof of his all-around excellence.
When additionally his dominance, impact, resume, flashiness are added, he totally deserves this honor. In fact, he deserves to be even called as the greatest player in NBA History, for which he has a respectable case.
Honors: Elected to Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame (2002); NBA champion (1980, '82, '85, '87, '88); NBA Finals MVP (1980, '82, '87); NBA MVP (1987, '89, '90); Nine-time All-NBA First Team (1983-91); All-NBA Second Team (1982); 12-time All-Star; All-Star MVP (1990, '92); Olympic gold medalist (1992); One of 50 Greatest Players in NBA History (1996).
Honorable Mention:
-Kevin Johnson, Nate Archibald, Lenny Wilkens, Bob Davies, Norman Van Lier, Mark Price, Penny Hardaway, Lafayette Lever, Alvin Robertson (if he's viewed as PG) and so many others.
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Written by Darko Mihajlovksi, Columnist (Archive/Feed)Hi,everyone My name is Darko and i have been a sports fan ever since i watched the first soccer game for me between AC Milan and Inter.I'm a major sports fan overall,who's interested in NBA basketball,soccer,winter sports such as ski jumping,skiing,athletics,F1 and so on.
