When the NBA announced its 75th Anniversary Team in 2021, 13 of 75 players chosen were point guards. Among them were players across eras, starting from Bob Cousy to Stephen Curry.
Among this elite group, four point guards stand out as the best playmakers in NBA history. Their careers span nearly six decades and involve different approaches to the game, yet they share a common thread: exceptional leadership.
Discussing with Reggie Miller on a podcast, Isiah Thomas attempted the assignment but could only cut his list down to five players.
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"I think the list starts with Magic and Oscar" - Isiah Thomas
In this list we explore the four best point guards in NBA history.
Mount Rushmore of NBA point guards
#4 Oscar Robertson
One of the best players of the 1960s, "The Big O" redefined how to play point guard with his remarkable versatility. Standing six-foot-five, the Milwaukee Bucks legend was one of the first big guards and put it to good use in scoring as well as rebounding.
He's today best remembered as an all round great with 181 triple-doubles. During his record-breaking 1960-61 season, he averaged an astonishing 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game — an achievement that was only matched 50 years later by Russell Westbrook.
In his 14-year NBA career, Robertson accumulated 26,710 points and close to 10,000 assists, earning him a spot in the Hall of Fame in 1980. He's one of only three players with 20,000+ points, 9,000+ assists and 6,000+ rebounds.
#3 Isiah Thomas
Being Michael Jordan's biggest rival is no small accomplishment. Hailing from Chicago, it was ironic and hurtful for Isiah Thomas to be less revered in his own home town than his arch nemesis, but he channeled it into a mix of unparalleled grit, leadership and competitive spirit.
The "Bad Boys" Pistons took after their inspirational point guard, bringing a level of violence to the court that was sure to sour many relationships and sully many reputations.
Over the course of his career, the 12X All-Star averaged 20 points and nine assists and led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA championships in 1989 and 1990, where he was named the Finals MVP in 1990.
#2 Stephen Curry
Born in the same hospital as LeBron James, Steph Curry was mentored by his father Dell Curry into the greatest shooter in NBA history.
As the cornerstone of the Golden State Warriors dynasty, Curry has transformed the way the point guard position is played, making the 3-pointer the most potent offensive threat in basketball.
With four NBA championships and two regular-season MVP awards, including the first unanimous MVP in 2016, Curry's accolades speak for themselves. He holds numerous records, including most 3-pointers made in a season and in playoff history.
#1 Magic Johnson
In his illustrious career with the LA Lakers, Magic led the team as point guard to five NBA championships and was named the Finals MVP three times.
His pioneered "Showtime", a signature style of play with dazzling no-look passes and fast breaks that captivated fans. His tandem with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is held as the ideal two-man punch.
Johnson is the all-time NBA leader in average assists per game and allied his size and stature with a pass first philosophy that earned him 3x NBA MVP, 3x NBA Finals MVP, 12x All-Star and 9x All-NBA First Team.
