When discussing the evolution of point guards in the NBA, I think it’s impossible not to marvel at how much the role has transformed over the decades. Back in the day, point guards primarily focused on distributing the ball and setting up plays. Take Bob Cousy in the 1950s and 60s, for instance. He averaged over 7 assists per game during a period when teams averaged fewer possessions compared to today. His 36% field goal accuracy was quite respectable at that time.
Moving into the 80s, Magic Johnson redefined what it meant to be a point guard. Standing at 6'9", he broke the mold by using his size and vision to dominate games. Magic averaged a staggering 11.2 assists per game over his career and was instrumental in the "Showtime" Lakers' success. His versatility allowed him to not only set up his teammates but also play multiple positions, an uncommon trait for point guards of that era.
Fast forward to the 90s, John Stockton emerged as the quintessential, pass-first point guard. With his career total of 15,806 assists, he remains the all-time leader in assists and steals (3,265). Stockton's ability to read defenses and execute pick-and-rolls with Karl Malone became the gold standard for point guards. At his peak, Stockton achieved an assist-to-turnover ratio of 4.20, highlighting his efficiency.
In the early 2000s, point guards like Steve Nash and Jason Kidd brought a different flavor to the position. Nash won back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006, largely due to his court vision, shooting efficiency, and leadership. During his MVP seasons, Nash had shooting splits of over 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line, also known as the 50-40-90 club, setting a benchmark for shooting excellence among point guards.
In contrast, Jason Kidd was a triple-double machine. His all-around game made him a threat for the entire duration of his 19-year career. Kidd accumulated 107 triple-doubles, ranking him third in NBA history right behind Magic Johnson and, more recently, Russell Westbrook. Even though Kidd was known for his lackluster shooting early in his career, his improvements saw him end with over 1,900 three-pointers made, making him one of the most prolific shooters among point guards by the time he retired.
Today, the role of the point guard has evolved even further. Guards like Stephen Curry and Russell Westbrook have changed the game with their blend of shooting and athleticism. Curry’s impact on the game cannot be overstated; his revolutionary deep three-point shooting ranges changed how teams construct their offenses. Curry boasts a career three-point shooting percentage of around 43%, leading to two MVP awards and three NBA Championships with the Golden State Warriors. The numbers tell the story: teams now attempt nearly 34 three-pointers per game, up from about 18 attempts per game a decade ago, clearly showing Curry's influence.
Westbrook, on the other hand, added a new dimension with his relentless athleticism and ability to put up triple-doubles regularly. He became the second player in NBA history to average a triple-double over an entire season, a feat he accomplished four times, breaking Oscar Robertson's record for the most career triple-doubles. Westbrook’s high-octane playstyle keeps defenses on their toes, although his shooting efficiency numbers have often faced scrutiny.
The modern point guard is more like a hybrid. Players like Luka Dončić exemplify this with their size, vision, and scoring ability. Luka already has multiple triple-doubles despite being only 24 years old, demonstrating that versatility remains crucial. His 6'7" frame allows him to see the court differently compared to shorter guards, leveraging his height to pass over defenders and create more scoring opportunities.
I find it fascinating that the salary and market value for point guards have skyrocketed. For instance, Damian Lillard signed a four-year, $196 million supermax extension in 2019, reflecting the premium placed on elite point guard play in today’s NBA. This is in stark contrast to earlier eras when big men usually commanded the highest salaries.
When you look at today’s landscape, it's clear that being a point guard in the NBA requires a more comprehensive skill set than ever before. Gone are the days when simply being a good ball distributor would secure you a spot on the roster. Nowadays, you need to score efficiently, shoot from long range, and, often, rebound and defend at a high level to be considered elite.
Whether you're a fan of Magic Johnson's flashiness, John Stockton's precision, or Stephen Curry's shooting, each era of point guards offers something unique. Ultimately, the role of the point guard will continue to evolve as the game changes, but the importance of this position remains a constant in the ever-dynamic world of the NBA. For more insights into the current and past best point guards, you might want to check out the best point guards in the nba.