AI Names and Ranks the 10 Greatest Point Guards in NBA History

From the moment the NBA was formed, there have been countless point guards who have come and gone who have shaped the league in their own way. Whether it was Oscar Robertson racking up triple doubles before it came into fashion, or more recently with Stephen Curry’s insane ability to hit the three-point shot from virtually anywhere on the court, the art of the point guard has gone through an evolution unlike any other position.

The NBA Hall of Fame is home to many of those greats, including the aforementioned Robertson and Curry, as well as current San Antonio Spurs star, Chris Paul, who announced that he could well be retiring from the game come the end of the 2025/2026 season.

Having already published our own rankings, we asked ChatGPT to give its ranking of the 10 greatest point guards in NBA history, and below is what it came up with. Based on ranking factors that include individual accolades, team success, longevity, and overall impact on the game, there are some huge names who don’t feature.

Honourable Mentions

As with any top 10 list, there are always some big names to miss out, but ChatGPT has provided five names who could be considered as being very close to making it. Tony Parker – responsible for much of San Antonio Spurs’ great success during the late 2000s and early 2010s – makes the cut as a four-time NBA champion, while Gary Payton also makes it as one of the greatest defensive players in history.

Derrick Rose who made history as the youngest winner of the MVP award also gets a mention, while two current stars in Russell Westbrook and Damian Lillard also get a shout-out from ChatGPT. Perhaps Westbrook with his own MVP award and status as the all-time triple-double king can count himself the most unlucky for missing out on the top 10 below.

10

Bob Cousy

A cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ legendary success during the 1950s and 1960s, Bob Cousy was named the league’s most valuable player in 1957, and was voted into the All-Star team on 13 occasions. The NBA’s assists leader for eight seasons in a row, Cousy would win six championships, and is regarded as perhaps the first great point guard – in fact, he was the first man to reach the mark of 4,000, 5,000 and 6,000 assists.

9

Walt Frazier

The man who led the New York Knicks to their only two championships in franchise history, Walt Frazier holds a special place in the hearts of those fans watching on at Madison Square Garden. Voted into the NBA’s 50th and 75th anniversary teams, the 6 foot 4 point guard would be voted into the All-Star team on seven occasions, and was named to the All-NBA First Team three times.

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8

Jason Kidd

Now a head coach, Jason Kidd’s IQ and knowledge of the game even during his playing days was second-to-none. An NBA champion with the Dallas Mavericks in 2011, Kidd enjoyed his best period of basketball on a personal level during the 2000s however, being voted into the All-NBA First Team four times in a row from 1999 to 2002. A defensive hound as well, Kidd followed up a fine college career by making a real impact in the NBA.

7

Steve Nash

While Steve Nash may be somewhat disrespected for his talents – Shaquille O’Neal has repeatedly insisted he deserved MVP honours over him in the years that he won – he no doubt goes down as one of the greatest point guards of his generation.

It was in his second spell with the Phoenix Suns that would see him win back-to-back MVPs, and while he couldn’t quite get a championship ring – often being thwarted by Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers – Nash was a perennial all-star and assists leader.

6

Chris Paul

In the conversation for being the greatest ‘pure’ point guard in NBA history, Chris Paul has enjoyed a stellar career in the association, despite not getting over the line with a championship ring.

Despite his height compared to most other guards, and NBA players in general, Paul’s processing speed and tight handles have always kept him as amongst the best in the business. A leader of men, it’s no wonder the San Antonio Spurs were keen to pick him up and have him impart his wisdom to the likes of Victor Wembanyama and co.

5

John Stockton

The all-time leader in assists, John Stockton’s record for that particular category may never be caught given the greater emphasis on point guards being able to score. His pick-and-roll game with fellow Hall of Famer, Karl Malone, was nigh on unstoppable despite it being the template of the Utah Jazz’s success in the 1990s, and again, while he couldn’t lead the franchise past Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls to a title, he is an undisputed great.

4

Isiah Thomas

The leader of the iconic ‘Bad Boys’ Detroit Pistons team in the late 1980s, Isiah Thomas’ talents are often overlooked given the kind of reception and fanfare his side received from both players, pundits and fans alike.

It is a testament to his ability though that even Magic Johnson has said he would have Thomas lead his team in a hypothetical all-time starting five. What is also perhaps forgotten is the fact he beat the likes of Johnson and the Lakers, Larry Bird and the Boston Celtics and Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

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3

Oscar Robertson

The man who first proved it possible for point guards to register triple doubles, Oscar Robertson was a key part of the Milwaukee Bucks alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar during their period of success. A 12-time All-Star, and winner of the NBA’s MVP award in 1964, Robertson was taller than most when it came to guards of that era, standing at 6 foot 5. Despite leading the league in assists for six years, it is remarkable to think that Robertson would finish with a career scoring average of over 25 points per game.

2

Stephen Curry

The undisputed best shooter in NBA history, Stephen Curry has simply redefined what many consider is possible from an NBA player, let alone a point guard. Children growing up watching the game can only marvel at what the Golden State Warriors icon has done and achieved, and it’s no surprise that young players who are entering the league over recent years have almost made it their mission to replicate Curry’s three-point shooting. Quite simply, one of the greatest scorers to ever play the game.

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1

Magic Johnson

ChatGPT’s answer for the greatest point guard in NBA history, Magic Johnson, was at the helm of the Showtime Lakers and their fabulous success during the 1980s. In fierce battles against long-time rivals the Boston Celtics, it would be Johnson who facilitated everything with his array of passing. Towering above point guards, Magic’s physical build naturally gave him advantages others could only wish for, but he combined it with an elite IQ and feel for the game too.