Legendary NBA Point Guards of the 1970s: Top 10 Players Who Defined an Era

By Edcel Panganiban June 04, 2024 13:04 GMT+4 min read

The 1970s was the decade of great basketball talent, and the point guard position was no stranger. It was a time when a number of phenomenal players entered the sport and have gone on to become some of the best to have ever graced the game. This piece will dive into the top 10 point guards of the 1970s in terms of their stats, their lasting impact on the association and how they are remembered today.

1. Tiny Archibald

The impact that Nate "Tiny" Archibald had on the game is massive. A dominant scorer, he averaged 23.0 points per game 1 in college football. With either an innate ability to find the back of the net or line up his teammates, Archibald was a powerful presence in more ways than one.

2. Walt Frazier

Walt “Clyde" Frazier (New York Knicks) In addition to his remarkable defense and discerning eye on court, Frazier was a prolific scorer, but dished out 6.1 assists per game. 1 His two-way impact endeared him as one of the best point guards of his time.

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3. Jo Jo White

Jo Jo White1 scoring depth is made even more obvious with 13,546 career points 1 Averaging 18.2 points and 5.1 assists, White's playmaking prowess also made him a standout of the 1970s.

4. Dave Bing

A true point guard, Dave Bing was your consummate all-around player. Bing was one of the leading point guards of his era, that could both score the ball with 20. 1 PPG and create for his teammates by dishing out to the tune of 6. 2 assists ppg, 1

5. Calvin Murphy

Calvin Murphy (18.2 ppg) – A scoring force (GETTY IMAGES) Using his quickness and quick feet, he sliced through defenses and dished out scoring chances to fellow Washingtonians.

6. Norm Van Lier

Though his impact went far beyond counting stats. Van Lier will always be remembered as a fierce on-the-ball defender and leader on the court, whose contributions to the game reached far beyond the stat sheet. Having the disruption nature that chiefs respect and being the head of your defense from the point guard role is transition disruptor.

7. Kevin Porter

The biggest trait Porter possessed as a player was his playmaking abilities. Porter was also one of the best passers of the 1970s, as his assist average of 8.2 assists per game 1 would indicate. He was a superb playmaker for his side as well with regards to setting up his team-mates for scores, which played a key part in his team constantly reaching success.

8. Lucius Allen

His all-around game made him a valuable point guard.(decades) That led to him being one of the best point guards in the league as his 12.4 points per game and 4.3 assists per game also attest to that.

9. Butch Beard

A point guard from his earliest years, Butch Beard was marked by his capacity to involve his teammates, with an average of 3,6 assists per game 1. His vision helped bring all of his teammates into the fold when it came to scoring.

10. Henry Bibby

Henry Bibby was more than stats Bibby, who was hailed as on the league's best defensive players and clutch performers during his time on the court, was an integral piece to his team achieving success. His running the show and his defense made him one of the better point guards in the 70s.

In the end, the 1970s was the era when premier point guards left their mark on the sport. The players put up incredible stats, but also played the game at an overwhelming level scoring, assist, leadership, defense. They pay their respects to the game since we keep viewing features of the top NBA point guards of the 1970s.