When it comes to the best point guards in the NBA, I immediately think of Stephen Curry. With his incredible shooting range and ability to create space, Curry redefined the point guard position. His career average of 24.2 points per game and 42.8% three-point shooting percentage is just mind-boggling. He has also led the Golden State Warriors to three NBA championships, cementing his legacy as one of the greats.
If we are talking about pure playmaking, then Chris Paul is a name that has to be mentioned. Nicknamed "CP3," Paul is arguably the best floor general in the league. With career averages of 9.5 assists and 2.1 steals per game, his basketball IQ is second to none. He turned the fortunes of multiple franchises, most recently the Phoenix Suns, who reached the NBA Finals in 2021 for the first time in almost three decades under his leadership.
Kyrie Irving deserves a nod despite the controversies surrounding him. His handle, arguably the best in the NBA, allows him to get to any spot on the floor with ease. Irving's clutch performances are legendary, including his game-winning three-pointer in Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals, which gave the Cleveland Cavaliers their first championship. Averaging 23.3 points and 5.7 assists over his career, he remains an elite point guard offensively.
Damian Lillard is another name that jumps to mind. Few players in NBA history have been as clutch as Lillard. Remember "Dame Time"? His buzzer-beaters and dagger three-pointers have eliminated teams from the playoffs more than once. Lillard averages 24.7 points and 6.6 assists per game. His influence on the Portland Trail Blazers is unparalleled, turning them into perennial playoff contenders.
Trae Young represents the new guard in the NBA. In just a few seasons, Young has made a name for himself with his deep shooting range and superb playmaking. He led the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals in 2021, something few expected. With averages of 24.1 points and 8.9 assists per game, and given he's only 24 years old, the future is incredibly bright for Young.
So let's break it down; Curry's shooting prowess and championship pedigree are unmatched. Paul brings unparalleled leadership and consistency. Irving, despite his ups and downs, offers jaw-dropping skills and clutch genes. Lillard is the epitome of clutch and loyalty. Young, although early in his career, shows promise that could see him listed among the all-time greats.
When looking at efficiency, Curry's Player Efficiency Rating (PER) of 23.8 is one of the highest among point guards, showcasing how effective and valuable he is on the court. Paul's assist-to-turnover ratio is another important metric; his career average of 4:1 is one of the best in NBA history.
Financially, these players also make a huge impact. Curry signed a $201 million contract in 2017, making him one of the highest-paid players in the league. Chris Paul's recent contract with the Suns worth $120 million over four years ensures he's well-compensated for his services, even at the age of 36.
Setting records is another common thread among these players. Curry holds the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a single season, with 402 in 2015-2016. Lillard has the record for the most 35-foot three-pointers in a season, showcasing his deep-range ability.
Teams value these point guards for their unique abilities. Curry's fit in the Warriors' system, emphasizing spacing and ball movement, maximizes his shooting abilities. Paul's leadership and court vision fit perfectly in Monty Williams' defensive and disciplined approach in Phoenix. Irving's skill set fits alongside other scorers, such as Kevin Durant, creating a potent offensive duo in Brooklyn. Lillard’s loyalty and leadership parallel Portland's culture of resilience and grit.
Collectively, these players have multiple All-Star and All-NBA team selections, reinforcing their recognition across the league. Curry and Paul have nine and ten All-Star appearances, respectively, Irving has seven, Lillard six, and Young has already made two All-Star games at just 24 years of age.
Considering their impact on the game, these point guards have also changed how the position is played. Curry's shooting has influenced an entire generation of players to shoot more three-pointers. Paul's playmaking sets a standard for court awareness, while Irving's handles are often seen as the benchmark for ball-handling skills. Lillard's clutch performances serve as motivation for those looking to make big shots under pressure. Young's early success encourages young players to push boundaries and achieve greatness quickly.
With all these aspects in mind, there's no doubt that we are witnessing a golden era for point guards in the NBA. From buzzer-beaters to eye-popping stats and leadership, these players have set themselves apart. If you want to keep track of the continuing evolution and achievements of the best point guards, check out this best pg in nba.