These men ushered in a new style by re-inventing the position of the point-gaurd!
In the 21st century, a distinguished group of NBA point guards has profoundly influenced the game through their exceptional leadership and impact on their teams. From Stephen Curry's outstanding shooting skills to Chris Paul's masterful floor generalship, and the dynamic playmaking abilities of Steve Nash and Russell Westbrook, these players have shaped an era. This article recognises and honours some of the finest point guards of the twenty-first century, highlighting their statistical accomplishments and contributions to their teams' success on the court.
Stephen Curry revolutionised basketball with his exceptional shooting skills, redefining the potential of long-range scoring. With career averages of 24.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.5 assists per game, Curry's ability to consistently hit three-pointers at an unmatched volume and efficiency has made him one of the most formidable offensive threats in NBA history. His impact extends beyond statistics; Curry's influence has forced defences to stretch further out, creating more space for his teammates. His accolades include four NBA championships, two MVP awards (including the first-ever unanimous MVP in 2016), and 10 All-Star selections, demonstrating his sustained excellence and dominance for over a decade.
Future first-ballot Chris Paul, one of the most cerebral and effective point guards in NBA history, has cemented his place in the Hall of Fame. With career averages of 18.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 9.4 assists per game, Paul excels at controlling the game's tempo and enhancing his teammates' performance. His exceptional court vision, basketball IQ, and defensive tenacity have earned him 12 All-Star selections and 11 All-NBA Team selections. Paul's impact goes beyond his statistics. He has been a transformative leader on every team he has played for, elevating franchises and leading deep playoff runs. Despite not yet winning an NBA championship, Paul's 2021 Finals appearance with the Phoenix Suns highlighted his enduring talent and competitive spirit.
A two-time MVP, Steve Nash powered some of the NBA's most potent offenses. Averaging 14.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 8.5 assists per game, Nash mastered the pick-and-roll and excelled in shooting, leading the league in free throw percentage five times. His influence on the game's evolution towards a fast-paced, three-point-heavy offence was profound. Particularly notable was his tenure with the Phoenix Suns, where he won back-to-back MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. Though he never won an NBA championship, Nash's impact on pace and space is undeniable.
Jason Kidd's career was defined by his versatility and all-around excellence, cementing him as one of the most complete point guards in NBA history. With career averages of 12.6 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game, Kidd excelled in every aspect of the game. His court vision and passing skills were unparalleled, earning him five assist titles. Kidd's crowning achievement came in 2011, when he led the Dallas Mavericks to an NBA championship, providing veteran leadership and crucial playmaking throughout their playoff run. Known for his basketball IQ and competitive spirit, Kidd's impact on the game is undeniable, ranking him among the top point guards of the 21st century. His 2018 Hall of Fame induction further confirmed his legacy as one of basketball's all-time greats.
Russell Westbrook's career has been defined by explosive athleticism and relentless drive, making him one of the NBA's most dynamic point guards. Averaging 21.7 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 8.1 assists per game, Westbrook made history as the first player since Oscar Robertson to average a triple-double for an entire season—achieving this feat four times. His accolades include the 2016–17 MVP award, nine All-Star selections, and nine All-NBA Team honours. Despite criticism for turnovers and shooting inefficiency, Westbrook's impact and historic achievements are undeniable.
Tony Parker, Kyrie Irving, Damian Lillard, Derrick Rose, and Luka Doncic also deserve an honourable mention for discussing the greatest point guards of the 21st century.
