In NBA history, elite point guards have defined eras, orchestrated iconic offenses, and lifted their teams to new heights. These playmakers blend scoring, passing, defense, and leadership to leave a lasting mark on the game. Here’s a look at the ten greatest NBA point guards ever, ranked by their achievements and longevity.
10. Gary Payton
Gary Payton played 17 seasons in the NBA, winning 1 championship with the Miami Heat in 2006. He was a nine-time All-Star, nine-time All-Defensive First Team selection, and the only point guard to win Defensive Player of the Year (1996). He ranks top 10 in career assists and steals and retired with averages of 16.3 PPG, 6.7 APG, and 3.9 RPG. Payton led the Seattle SuperSonics to the 1996 NBA Finals and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2013.
9. Walt Frazier
Walt Frazier played 13 seasons in the NBA, winning 2 championships with the New York Knicks (1970, 1973). A seven-time All-Star and seven-time All-Defensive First Team selection, Frazier was one of the best defensive guards in history. He averaged 18.9 PPG, 6.1 APG, and 5.9 RPG for his career and was known for his performances, including his 36-point, 19-assist Game 7 in the 1970 Finals. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1987.
8. Steve Nash
Steve Nash played 18 seasons in the NBA, winning 2 MVP awards (2005, 2006). He was an 8-time All-Star and 7-time All-NBA selection. Nash led the league in assists five times and retired with career averages of 14.3 PPG, 8.5 APG, 3.0 RPG, and 42.8% three-point shooting. Despite never winning a championship, he led some of the best offenses in history with the Phoenix Suns. He ranks top 5 in career assists and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
7. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd played 19 seasons in the NBA, winning 1 championship with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011. A 10-time All-Star and 9-time All-Defensive Team selection, he ranks second all-time in assists (12,091) and steals (2,684). Kidd recorded 107 career triple-doubles and averaged 12.6 PPG, 8.7 APG, and 6.3 RPG. He led the league in assists five times. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2018.
6. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has played 19+ seasons in the NBA, making 12 All-Star appearances and earning 11 All-NBA selections. He is a 6-time steals leader and 5 5-time assists leader, ranking top 3 all-time in both categories. Paul has career averages of 17.5 PPG, 9.4 APG, and 2.1 SPG. Despite never winning a championship, he led the Phoenix Suns to the 2021 NBA Finals.
5. John Stockton
John Stockton played 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz, holding the NBA records for most career assists (15,806) and steals (3,265). A 10-time All-Star and 11-time All-NBA selection, he led the NBA in assists for nine consecutive seasons. Stockton averaged 13.1 PPG, 10.5 APG, and 2.2 SPG for his career. Despite not winning a championship, he helped lead the Jazz to two NBA Finals appearances (1997, 1998). He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2009.
4. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas played 13 seasons with the Detroit Pistons, winning 2 NBA championships (1989, 1990) and a Finals MVP. A 12-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, Thomas led the “Bad Boys” Pistons and finished his career with averages of 19.2 PPG, 9.3 APG, and 3.6 RPG. He is the Pistons’ all-time leader in points and assists and ranks top 10 in career assists. Thomas was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
These passes by Isiah Thomas 😮💨 pic.twitter.com/rRBg6wMorU
— Fastbreak Hoops (@FastbreakHoops5) July 3, 2025
3. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson played 14 seasons with the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks, winning 1 NBA championship (1971). He was the 1964 NBA MVP and a 12-time All-Star. Robertson was the first player to average a triple-double for a season (1961-62), finishing with career averages of 25.7 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 9.5 APG. He ranks top 10 all-time in assists and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980.
2. Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry has played 15+ seasons with the Golden State Warriors, winning 4 NBA championships (2015, 2017, 2018, 2022). He is a 2 time NBA MVP (2015, 2016). An 11-time All-Star and two-time scoring champion, Curry holds the all-time record for most three-pointers made. He has career averages of 24.8 PPG, 6.4 APG, and 4.7 RPG. He won his first Finals MVP in 2022.
Who is the greatest point guard in NBA history?
Magic Johnson played 13 seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning 5 NBA championships (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988). He was a three-time NBA MVP (1987, 1989, 1990), three-time Finals MVP, and a 12-time All-Star. He led the NBA in assists four times and retired with career averages of 19.5 PPG, 7.2 RPG, and 11.2 APG. Johnson is the all-time leader in assists per game in NBA history (11.2) and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2002.
