Top 50 Point Guards of All Time: Magic, The Big O and Curry Top List

As far as basketball positions go, the point guard spot is arguably the most important position on the floor. Our top 50 point guards of all time list is based on numerous statistical categories such as assists, steals, and All-NBA Teams.

1. Magic Johnson

Looking back on Magic’s career, he’s arguably the best passer in NBA history. He’s also one of the few players on this list to average double-digit assists for their entire career and did so nine times in his thirteen-year career. Johnson was also the centerpiece on several great Lakers teams, bringing “Showtime” to Los Angeles while winning five championships during his career. The three-time MVP brought an unmatched amount of charisma to his already generational passing ability and was the first 6-foot-9 point guard ever.

2. Stephen Curry

How much does Steph Curry have left in the tank. Can he eventually beat out Magic Johnson for the status of greatest point guard ever? As the best shooter that this game has ever seen, it’s hard to argue Curry’s value to the sport. He single-handedly revolutionized the game and was the league’s first unanimous MVP. We’ve never seen a shooter and ballhandler quite like him before, and if he maintains his health, Curry could move up on both scoring and assist lists.

3. Oscar Robertson

The “Big O,” as Robertson was referenced as throughout his career, was the first player to average a triple-double during the course of an entire season. That alone could make an argument to be on this list. Nevertheless, Robertson will go down as one of the best all-around players ever. He was also a great scorer and averaged a near triple-double in his first five seasons in the NBA.

4. Jerry West

West’s greatness speaks volumes, as he is the NBA logo and one of the best scorers in NBA history. West’s 27-point career scoring average helped him end his career with the 22nd-most points in league history as well as one scoring title. The 14-time All-Star was also a terrific defender, as he made five All-Defensive Team selections and averaged 2.6 steals per game. Not just a prolific scorer, West was a great passer, highlighted by his 6.7-assist average and assist title during the 1971 season. The Hall of Famer also won an NBA championship with the Lakers in 1971 and is the only player in NBA history to win Finals MVP for the losing team (1968).

5. John Stockton

When you’re number one in both career steals and assists, you’re going to be high on any list. Stockton was the focal point, along with Karl Malone, on a ton of great Jazz teams that would challenge Michael Jordan’s Bulls. Had Stockton won a championship or two, he might be higher on this list. Still, Stockton is one of two players to average double-digit assists for his entire career and made 10 All-Star appearances.

6. Chris Paul

CP3 continues his brilliant play despite the fact he is in his late-30s. Paul currently sits at third in both career steals and assists. In his prime, Paul was regarded as the NBA’s best point guard and has made the All-Star game 12 times. Paul also led the NBA in assists five times and in steals six times in in his illustrious career. Like many others on this list, his lack of championship pedigree knocks him down a few spots on this list, but he’s still one of the best at his position ever to play.

7. Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is one of the most electric players in NBA history. Since entering the league in 2008, he’s led the NBA in assists three times and in scoring twice. Westbrook is also one of only two players (Oscar Robertson) to average a triple-double throughout the course of an entire NBA season. Westbrook has accomplished the feat a whopping four times. He’s also a nine-time All-Star and won the NBA MVP award during the 2016-17 season.

8. Steve Nash

Nash is one of the more forgotten NBA players by fans today. In addition to 8 All-Star game appearances, Nash was the focal point for some explosive Suns teams. In his prime, Nash was a two-time MVP winner and an annual member of the 50/40/90 club. Not only was Nash a great assist man, but he was a sniper from deep and one of the best free-throw shooters of all time.

9. Isiah Thomas

Perhaps underrated a bit and overshadowed by other players in his era, “Zeke” is one of the best point guards ever to set foot on a basketball court. Not only was he a twelve-time All-Star, but Thomas won two championships with the infamous “Bad Boy” Pistons. Zeke brought a toughness to the game that few have ever matched and was one of the best pound-for-pound players in NBA history.

10. Tony Parker

As a core piece of the San Antonio Spur’s dynasty, Tony Parker went on to win four championships with the franchise. More importantly, Parker and his teammates would establish a culture in San Antonio that NBA execs have raved about for decades. Parker would go on to make 6 All-Star appearances and won Finals MVP in 2006. With career averages of 15.5 points and 5.6 assists per game, he is one of the best international players to ever play in the NBA.

11. Walt Frazier

Frazier is one of the more underrated players in this list, as he was one of the first great scoring point guards in the NBA. Frazier posted terrific numbers in an era dominated by big men and was a part of some great Knicks teams. In an age where the pace of play was much slower than today, Frazier went on to average 18.9 points and 6 assists per game while winning two rings and making seven All-Star appearances.

12. Jason Kidd

Like Nash, Kidd’s dominance is largely underappreciated by fans today. Kidd posted a 12/6/9 stat line during his career and was one of the best all-around point guards in NBA history. Not only was Kidd a transcendent passer at his position but was a terrific shooter (35% career 3PT%) who could be counted on to hit many timely shots in his career. Kidd capped off his career by winning one of the most impressive championships in NBA history, alongside Dirk Nowitzki, as he guided the Dallas Mavericks to a title over the Miami Heat in 2011.

13. Bob Cousy

One of many Celtic legends on this list, Bob Cousey, was a thirteen-time All-Star and a six-time NBA champion. Cousey also made an All-NBA team twelve times, tied for the most on this list.

14. Gary Payton

Nicknamed “The Glove,” Gary Payton is perhaps the best defensive point guard in NBA history. He ranks 4th all-time in steals, won DPOY in 1995, and made the All-Defensive team nine times. Payton is best known for his time on the Seattle SuperSonics, as he and Shawn Kemp led Seattle to the 1996 NBA Finals against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

15. Allen Iverson

Allen Iverson was one of the greatest pound-for-pound players that the league has ever seen. Standing at just 6’0” tall, Iverson is one of the best scorers of all time, having averaged 26.7 points per game during his seventeen-year career. As a rookie, Iverson would average 23.5 PPG while taking home ROY honors. The Philadelphia 76ers legend would make the All-Star game eleven times and win an MVP award while doing so. The only knock on Iverson is that he has no championships, but it’s hard to argue against his greatness as a scorer and for the passion he played the game with.

16. Luka Doncic

Even though Doncic has only been in the NBA for five seasons, he has eclipsed legends on our Top 5o Point Guards of All Time list. How? Doncic has been a force in the NBA since he was 19 years old; his career averages of roughly 28 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists rival the greatest players ever. And he has not even entered what is usually considered an NBA player’s “prime years.” Continued ascension is inevitable for Doncic; the only question remaining is, “how high can he go?”

17. Kyrie Irving

Since being selected number one overall in 2011, Irving has been nothing short of spectacular, averaging well over 23 points and five assists per game on nearly 40 percent shooting from deep. One of the best finishers and ball handlers of all time, Kyrie has received much consideration as the most skilled player offensively in history. Irving took home ROY honors in 2011, has made eight All-Star appearances, and helped the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first title in franchise history during the 2015-16 season.

18. Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard could very well crack the top 15 by the time his career is over. A seven-time All-Star, Lillard entered the league in 2012 and won ROY. Lillard has been one of the most clutch players of his era and has compiled numerous game-winners in the regular season and the playoffs. Lillard is the all-time scoring leader for the Portland Trail Blazers and holds the team record for most points in a single game (71). Now, he takes his talents to Milwaukee to partner with two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo.

19. Anfernee Hardaway

Like Rose, Hardaway’s career was ravaged by injuries that kept him from reaching his tremendous potential. As a rookie, Hardaway averaged 16 points, 6.6 assists, and 2.3 steals per game for the Orlando Magic. He would also team up with Shaquille O’Neal to form one of the more dynamic young duos in NBA history. He would make the All-Star game four times before his career was taken over by injuries. In his prime, Penny was a terrific two-way guard and was a top-10 point guard in the league.

20. Dennis Johnson

Johnson was a huge part of some great Celtics teams and won three NBA Championships during his career. Although he wasn’t a great scorer, Johnson was one of the best defenders of his era and made the All-Defensive team 9 times. The Hall of Famer was also the 1978 Finals MVP with Seattle. The following year, Johnson help the SuperSonics win their first NBA title.

21. Nate Archibald

Nate “Tiny” Archibald was one of the first great points guards after the ABA-NBA merger. The Hall of Famer put up 18 points and 7.4 assists on 47% shooting for his career. In 1972-73, Archibald would lead the NBA in assists and points per game while also playing an absurd 46 minutes per game. He’s also a 6-time All-Star selection and made 5 All-NBA teams. Archibald also won ASG MVP during the 1980-81 season.

22. Chauncey Billups

Another Pistons’ great, Chauncey Billups, is one of the more underrated point guards in recent memory. Nicknamed “Mr. Big Shot,” Billups led the Pistons to a championship in 2003 while taking home Finals MVP honors. During his career, Billups shot nearly 40 percent from three and 90 percent from the free-throw line. Billups also made the All-Star game five times and was a member of the All-Defensive team twice.

23. Tim Hardaway

In 15 NBA seasons, Hardaway averaged 17.7 points and 8.2 assists per game. In the early 1990s, Hardaway was part of the famous “Run TMC” squad that included Chris Mullion and Mitch Richmond. He was famous for his killer crossover, and Hardaway was also a solid defender, averaging 1.6 steals per game. Hardaway also contributed significantly to a Miami Heat team later in his career and would wind up with 5 All-NBA and All-Star selections.

24. Dave Bing

The Pistons great was one of the top scorers throughout the late 1960s and early 70s. Bing would average a little over 20 points and six assists per game during his career while making the All-Star game seven times. Dave Bing also won ROY during the 1966-67 season and averaged 20 points per game.

25. Rajon Rondo

From 2008-14, Rajon Rondo was widely recognized as one of the top point guards in the NBA. The four-time All-Star has averaged double-digit assists career times in his 14-year career, including three straight (2010-12). The Laker point guard currently sits at 15th on the all-time assists list. Rondo is also a 3-time assist leader and 1-time season steals leader. He is most remembered for his time with the Celtics, which included winning an NBA Championship in 2007.

26. Mark Price

Before LeBron James came to Cleveland, their best player was arguably Mark Price. Price would play 12
seasons in the NBA and made the All-Star and All-NBA teams four times during his time as a Cavalier. In addition to his passing ability, Price was a knock-down shooter, shooting 47% from the field, 40 % from three, and 90.4% from the free-throw line throughout his career.

27. Derrick Rose

In his prime, Derrick Rose was one of the most exciting NBA players to watch, displaying elite speed, shiftiness, and vertical leaping ability. Rose entered the league in 2008 as the number one overall pick and went on to win ROY. He later became the league’s youngest MVP (22 years old), taking home the award in 2010. Despite his injuries, Rose has stuck around in the league, still playing at age 35 for the Memphis Grizzlies.

28. Jo Jo White

A two-time NBA champion and one-time NBA Finals MVP, Jo Jo White was an incredibly decorated basketball player during his professional career. White began his NBA stint with the Boston Celtics right after Sam Jones and Bill Russell retired, but he picked up where they left off. Jo Jo made seven consecutive All-Star teams from 1971-1977.

29. Ron Harper

Known most notably for his time with the Chicago Bulls, Ron Harper was a tremendous defender at the point guard position. In his 16-year career, Harper averaged more than two steals per game seven times. Harper made the All-Rookie team in 1986 and would win five championships in his career.

30. Jamal Murray

While Murray might not have many of the regular season accolades that most other players on this list have, he was a key component in the Denver Nuggets‘ march to their first NBA Championship in the 2022-23 season. Murray has had to overcome several injuries, including an ACL tear, but none of them have slowed him down. Jamal ramps up his play in the postseason and has put together numerous clutch moments already.

31. Slater Martin

Before the Lakers were located in Los Angeles, Slater Martin was leading them to championships (four) in Minneapolis. Martin was best known as a playmaking floor general on the offensive end and a star-stopper on defense for the Lakers. Despite his small stature (5-foot-10), Martin had no issues scoring either. He will forever be remembered as a Laker great.

32. Deron Williams

Depending on how you look at it, Deron Williams could very well be the second-best point guard in Utah Jazz history (behind John Stockton). From 2007-13, Williams was one of the most dominating scorers in the league. Williams also averaged double-digit assists for four straight years (2007-11). After retiring in 2016, Williams finished 22nd on the all-time assist list.

33. Kevin Johnson

One of the best scoring and playmaking guards in NBA history, Johnson sits 24th all-time in assists. He is a 5-time All-NBA Team member and made three All-Star Game selections during his career. Johnson also averaged double-digit assists for four straight seasons and won the NBA’s MIP award during the 1988-89 season.

34. Lenny Wilkens

In his 15-year career, Wilkens was one of the most solid all-around point guards, posting career averages of 16.5/4.7/6.7. The Hall of Famer is a 9-time All-Star and led the NBA in assists during the 1969-70 season and won ASG MVP the following season in 1970.

35. Jrue Holiday

Widely considered one of the best defenders of the 2010s, Jrue Holiday has an NBA Championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks, two All-Star appearances, and three All-Defensive First Teams on his resume. Holiday’s grit, lateral quickness, and speedy hands allow him to strip even the best ball handlers in the NBA. Further, Holiday is a talented scorer on the other end, often displaying an ability to hit tough shots over and around formidable opponents.

36. Maurice Cheeks

Cheeks was one of the best two-way point guards of his time. In his 16-year career, Maurice Cheeks averaged six or more assists 11 times. The Hall of Famer made 4 All-Star game appearances and made the All-NBA Defensive team 5 times. Cheeks also sits 4th in career steals and 13th in career assists. Although scoring wasn’t his calling card, Cheeks did finish with an impressive 52.3 shooting percentage from the field. Cheeks also won a title with the Philadelphia 76ers during the 1982 season.

37. John Wall

Another number-one overall pick on this list, Wall was one of the most talked about prospects coming into the league in 2010, and for a good reason. He was one of the fastest point guards in the league when healthy, but injuries kept him from reaching his full potential at the NBA level.. At full strength, Wall was a blur on the open floor and possessed elite scoring and playmaking abilities. From 2014-17, Wall recorded three consecutive seasons with at least 17 points and ten assists per game.

38. Gus Williams

After an impressive college career for the USC Trojans, Gus Williams had a decision on whether to go to the ABA (draft in the first round) or the NBA (drafted in the second round.) His decision to join the Warriors in the NBA resulted in an All-Rookie First Team in his first season. A few seasons later, Williams won an NBA Championship alongside Dennis Johnson and the Seattle Supersonics. Two All-Star appearances and an All-NBA First Team followed shortly after for Williams.

39. Derek Fisher

Derek Fisher is one the greatest Lakers of all time due to his championship pedigree (five-time NBA Champion) and the amount of team he spent with the organization; however, he also makes our Top 50 Best Point Guards of All Time list. Fisher can best be described as a floor general who could knock down open threes, make plays for others, and run the offense effectively. He was an excellent leader, and it showed as he won championships in numerous decades.

40. Kyle Lowry

Although Lowry’s first six-to-eight seasons in the NBA were somewhat average, his career took off when he switched teams to Toronto. His career averages aren’t eye-popping, but Lowry’s impact on the basketball culture in Toronto might be unmatched, making him one of the greatest Raptors of all time. He joined a struggling franchise and turned it into a perennial playoff power, including helping them win an NBA Championship in 2019. Additionally, in 15 NBA seasons, Lowry made the All-Star game six times.

41. Gilbert Arenas

“Agent Zero,” as many fans have come to know him, was one of the most electric players of his era. Arenas was a tremendous scorer and averaged nearly 30 points in consecutive seasons. Despite having little playoff success, Arenas made 3 All-Star appearances and won MIP during the 2002-03 season.

42. Trae Young

Since entering the NBA, Trae Young has been one of the best playmakers, averaging just shy of ten assists per game. Young’s impressive ball handling and quickness allow him to get wherever he wants to on the floor; he’s a nightmare for opposing defenses. The biggest weakness that could hold Trae from climbing much higher is his defense, which is borderline atrocious. If Young improves defensively and shoots at a more consistent clip, he could skyrocket on this list.

43. Stephon Marbury

“Starbury,” as many fans know him, is one of the best scoring and assist men in NBA history. Before becoming a legend in China, Marbury was one of the most popular players to ever come out of New York. During his career, Marbury recorded 9 seasons in which he averaged at least 20 points per game. As a passer, Marbury was equally as impressive, recording 13 seasons of at least 7 assists per game. Marbury could’ve been higher on this list but lacked the championship pedigree and playoff experience of those before him.

44. Rod Strickland

Rod Strickland enjoyed a long, successful NBA career with a number of different teams. Strickland stands 13th in all time assists and 23rd in steals. He was also an impressive scorer, with five seasons averaging over 17 points per game on solid efficiency. While Strickland never won an NBA Championship, he was the assist leader in 1998 and made an All-NBA team that season, too.

45. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell was a shifty and clever point guard who played 15 seasons in the NBA, winning three NBA Championships in the process. Cassell also made an All-Star team and an All-NBA (Second) Team during the 2004 season, when the Minnesota Timberwolves, behind Cassell and Kevin Garnett, were the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference.

46. Baron Davis

Davis is one of the more forgotten players in the modern NBA era. In his prime, Davis put up 19 points and 8 assists on a nightly basis and played a considerable role on some overachieving Warrior and Hornet teams. Davis is a 2-time NBA All-Star, and NBA steals champ. He also made the All-NBA team during the 2003-04 season. As a playmaker, Davis recorded 8 seasons in which he averaged at least seven assists.

47. Lafayette “Fat” Lever

Another terrific all-around point guard, “Fat” Lever, was a dominant scorer and assist man during his time with the Denver Nuggets. He made the All-Star game twice and made the All-Defensive team in 1987. Averaging 2.2 steals per game, Lever is 25th all-time in career steals.

48. Kemba Walker

Walker’s place on this list would be much higher if he weren’t a part of the Charlotte Hornet’s losing culture. Before arriving in Boston this season, Walker had been one of the best-scoring guards in the NBA. He’s a career 20-point-per-game scorer and shoots the three-ball at an excellent clip (36%). Walker is a 4-time NBA All-Star and made the All-NBA team in 2018 when he averaged 25.6 points per game. Walker also leads the Charlotte Hornets in many of the franchise’s statistical categories.

49. Mike Conley Jr.

Few players enjoy a career as long as Mike Conley’s; he has played over 1,000 games and has shown no signs of slowing. After being moved at the trade deadline in 2023, Conley now joins Anthony Edwards and Karl Anthony-Towns on the Minnesota Timberwolves. Conley made an All-Star team in 2021 and has a chance to crack the Top 25 assists leaders by the end of his career, as he currently ranks 42nd.

50. Mark Jackson

While Mark Jackson may be more known for his commentary and coaching career by some younger fans, Jackson is one of the greatest assist men to ever suit up in the NBA. He finished his career fourth on the all-time assist list, trailing only John Stockton, Jason Kidd, and Steve Nash. Currently, Jackson ranks sixth in all-time assists. As a rookie in 1987, Jackson put up nearly 14 points and 11 assists per game, which helped him take home ROY honors. Jackson went on to average double-digit assists three times during his career and even made an All-Star game.