20 Greatest Point Guards of All-Time Ranked by NBA Fans

The debate surrounding the greatest point guard of all-time in the NBA invariably involves the likes of Magic Johnson and Stephen Curry. From pure play-maker to elite three-point shooters, the role of the lead guard has changed immeasurably since the days of Magic and Jerry West.

Now, not only are they tasked with trying to facilitate an entire offence, but they’re also responsible for getting over 20 points per game on a nightly basis too. They have the ball in their hands more than anyone, and a whole system can completely depend on whether they’re doing their job right.

After coming up with our own rankings for the best point guards in NBA history, and then asking ChatGPT to do the same, it’s now time to look at who basketball fans around the world believe can count themselves in the list of the 20 greatest PGs of all-time.

10

Russell Westbrook

The triple double king of the 21st century, Russell Westbrook’s career might have taken a slight downturn in recent years, but that doesn’t stop him from being remembered as one of the greats of the modern game.

The heart and soul of the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook’s passion and intensity was unmatched, and led to some memorable moments – not least Kevin Durant’s first game back at Oklahoma while as a Golden State Warrior. An MVP of the league, Westbrook will be desperately hoping to pick up an NBA title before he heads off into the sunset.

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9

Chris Paul

Similar to Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul will be hoping to clinch his first NBA title before he calls it a day. A return to the Los Angeles Clippers ahead of the 2025/2026 NBA season should give him the best possible chance to do that on a stacked roster featuring the likes of Kawhi Leonard and James Harden.

A true point guard who relished setting up his teammates and facilitating an entire offence, Paul was critical to both the Clippers in his first spell and then the Houston Rockets. A 12-time All-Star, nobody in the NBA has a better IQ than CP3.

8

Kyrie Irving

Armed with one of the greatest handles the NBA has ever seen, Kyrie Irving has been breaking ankles ever since he stepped into the league as a Cleveland Cavalier.

Aside from his crossovers and ball handling, Irving has never been scared about taking the big shot, doing so in memorable fashion for the Cavs in that famous triumph over the Golden State Warriors in the NBA Finals. Now with the Dallas Mavericks, Irving will be hoping to recover quickly from his ACL and guide the side to playoff success next year.

7

John Stockton

The man with the most total assists and steals in NBA history, John Stockton created a virtually unstoppable two-man game with Karl Malone. The Utah Jazz were a perennial contender in the Western Conference during the 1990s, but came unstuck when having to face off against Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls when the title was on the line. Despite Stockton’s inability to get the Jazz over the line, he was rightly recognised for his individual greatness, being named a 10-time All-Star and All-NBA player on nine occasions.

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6

Jerry West

One of the greatest players in Los Angeles Lakers history, the logo himself, Jerry West, had one of the most remarkable careers of anyone who stepped foot on a basketball court. A 14-time All-Star, West is remembered not just for his scoring and incredible clutch genes, but also for the fact he remains the only player to have won the NBA Finals MVP award despite his team losing the championship. West was also named to the All-NBA First Team ten times, and, along with Elgin Baylor, helped turn the Lakers into a formidable team during his era.

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5

Isiah Thomas

One of the most disrespected players ever, Isiah Thomas should be heralded for the fact he overcame all three of Larry Bird, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan during the 1980s. The Detroit Pistons’ physicality and brutality didn’t exactly endear them into the hearts of the average NBA fan, or even their fellow players across the league, but that shouldn’t detract from just how good they were.

Thomas was at the heart of all that, running the offence by himself and taking it upon himself to not only score, but set up his teammates too. A two-time champion, and one-time Finals MVP, Thomas is often in the conversation for the greatest point guards in NBA history.

4

Oscar Robertson

Before Russell Westbrook, it was Oscar Robertson who was regarded as the triple double machine. A point guard who could do absolutely everything on the court, the ‘Big O’ won his one and only NBA title alongside fellow Hall of Famer, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Robertson finished his NBA career averaging over 25 points per game and close to 10 assists per game too, and was a dominant rebounder for his position too.

3

Allen Iverson

A cultural icon who made waves with his style and charisma both on and off the court, Allen Iverson was the NBA superstar who fans of even opposition teams couldn’t help but admire and respect. From his unique handles and crossovers, to his iconic moments like stepping over Tyronn Lue, AI had the kind of swagger that everyone gravitated towards.

A multiple-time scoring champ, Iverson would even win the MVP award while with the Philadelphia 76ers, and made a mockery of the fact he was a little guard in a big man’s league.

2

Steph Curry

An NBA Hall of Famer already, Stephen Curry can undeniably take his spot as the number one shooter of all-time. Having overtaken both Ray Allen and Reggie Miller for the most three-point shots made in NBA history, Curry’s legacy as one of the best scorers is already secure.

A two-time MVP of the league, the Golden State Warriors great will be hoping to add to his haul of four titles before he signs off his career. But given just how much of an impact he has made on the game with his elite shooting, it’s no surprise fans rank him so highly.

1

Magic Johnson

The greatest point guard in NBA history according to fans, Magic Johnson’s accolades are second-to-none. An integral part of the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1980s, Magic’s unique skills made him one of the must-watch stars of the decade.

A point guard who could play at the center too – which he did to surprisingly great effect when replacing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar – Johnson earned three MVPs and three Finals MVPs too. Add to that his tally of five championship rings, and there’s no questioning Magic’s spot as the best PG of all-time.