The Top 10 NBA Point Guards of the 1980s
The Top 10 NBA Point Guards of the 1980s
By Edcel Panganiban July 24, 2024 04:51
The 1980s is synonymous with the "Golden Era" of the NBA, an era marked by fierce rivalries, high-scoring offenses, and some all-time great players. The point guards were the orchestrators of their respective teams' attacks. They would push the pace and improve their teammates, which was central to some of this era's most iconic team and player performances.
While the NBA hasn't typically been a point guard league, it was during the 1980s when championship contenders flourished with elite floor generals in control. Soon enough, guys like Magic Johnson, Isiah Thomas, and John Stockton showed what was possible at the position. You could run a team just as easily from point guard as with any other "quarterback" of an offense. These playmaking dyads were also serious scoring threats while maintaining positive leadership qualities.
This article provides a close observational play-by-play of the top 10 NBA Point Guards during the 1980s, in-depth into their performances, the types of games they played, and much more.
1. Magic Johnson - Los Angeles Lakers
- 5x NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 &1988)
- NBA Finals MVP (1982, 1985, 1998)
- 12x NBA All-Star
- 4x pacesetter in NBA Assists (1983, 1984, 1986 & 987)
- NBA MVP (1987, 1989, 1990)
Magic Johnson, the marquee point guard of his time and unquestioned king of 1980s-era true floor generals, changed how the point guard position was played with a level vision, passing aptitude, and overall talent not seen before. The 6-foot-9 point guard guided Showtime to five titles, captaining one of the most powerful offenses in NBA history. Magic's skill at running the break, locating an open teammate, or getting to wherever he liked on the floor was virtually unstoppable, making him one of history's most memorable players.
2. Isiah Thomas - Detroit Pistons
- 2x NBA Champion (1989, 1990)
- NBA Finals MVP (1990)
- 12x NBA All-Star
- Two-time NBA Steals Leader ( 1982, 1985 )
- Second Team All-Defense (1983)
Isiah Thomas was the heart and soul of those Bad Boys Detroit Pistons teams that won NBA titles in 1989-90. An ultra-quick live wire with the smoothest of moves and most slippery feet, Thomas was a headache match-up nightmare for defenses everywhere.
3. John Stockton, Utah Jazz
- 10x NBA All-Star
- NBA Assists Leader (1989, 1990)
- NBA Steals Leader (1988, 1991-92)x2
- All-NBA defense First Team (1995, 97, '98)
- All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1989, 1990, 1992, 1994 & 96)
A pick-and-roll master, Stockton piloted the Jazz to back-to-back NBA Finals in the '90s and still holds current career marks for assists and steals. His high basketball IQ, precision passing, and relentless defense made him a nightmare for opposing teams to defend against while he endeared himself in Utah. He may not have been the best at any one thing, but John Stockton was unquestionably great for a long time.
4. Kevin Johnson - Phoenix Suns
- 3x NBA All-Star
- NBA Most Improved Player Award (1989)
- All-NBA Defensive Second Team (1990)
Kevin Johnson is one of the best two-way point guards in NBA history. A terror in transition and blessed with top-tier quickness and leaping ability, KJ could get out on the break using his blinding speed and then take off for a hammer every time. He became a consistent 3-point shooter and playmaker for the Suns, helping lead Phoenix to Finals appearances in 1988 and again in '93.
5. Mark Price - Cleveland Cavaliers
- 4x NBA All-Star
- NBA Free Throw Percentage Leader (1988, 1989)
- NBA Three-Point Contest winner (1993)
Not the most athletic or flashy point guard, Mark Price was a cerebral player whose shooting ability and leadership pretty much defined what made him such an effective floor general throughout the 1980s. Price ran the Cleveland offense with grace while guiding them to multiple deep playoff runs in the late 80s through early 90s. Textbook shooting mechanics and a high basketball IQ made him the epitome of today's NBA point guard.
6. Denver Nuggets - Fat Lever
- 2x NBA All-Star
- NBA Steals Leader (1985)
Fat Lever was the man who made it all go for those high-scoring Nuggets teams of the 1980s, doing a little bit of everything at point guard with his uncommon size and athleticism. Lever was a guy who could do it all, as he nearly averaged double-doubles in points and rebounds almost every year, and his entire career was versatile. Though he may not have been quite as successful from an accolade perspective, his knack for playmaking and scoring, along with lockdown defense, made him one of the most well-rounded point guards of the era.
7. Maurice Cheeks - Philadelphia 76ers
- NBA Champion (1983)
- First team All-Defense (1983, 1985-87)
- NBA Steals Leader (1983)
A pass-first point guard known as a "floor general," Maurice Cheeks was never one of the league's leading scorers but constantly ranked among its assists leaders, masterfully running an offense by relying on court vision, leadership, and defensive value. Cheeks' basketball IQ, court vision, and tenacious defense played an integral role in the 76ers winning a championship back in 1983, and he is still one of the most respected point guards to play during his generation.
8. Alvin Robertson - San Antonio Spurs
- NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1986)
- NBA steals leader (1986, 1987, 1988,1991)
- NBA All-Defensive First Team (1986, 1987, 1988)
- Second Team NBA All-Defensive (1985, 1989)
An absolute two-way terror of a point guard, Alvin Robertson combined his elite quickness with perfect anticipation and tenacity to become one of the most disruptive defensive players in that position. Robertson's knack for causing turnovers and excelling in the open court made him a nightmare on defense, but he also produced scoring opportunities for the Spurs.
9. Dennis Johnson - Seattle SuperSonics, Phoenix Suns, Boston Celtics
- NBA Champion (1979, 1984, 1986)
- NBA Finals MVP (1979)
- Nine Consecutive All-Defensive First and Second Teams
Dennis Johnson was the consummate two-way point guard. He could effectively check anyone on defense, while his court vision hooked him up with a steady jump shot. While he was often overshadowed by some of the league's bold stars, DJ provided clubhouse leadership, clutch play, and a tenacious, high-pressure style to help his teams win championships with Seattle in 1979, Phoenix in 1995, and Boston.
10. Norm Nixon - Los Angeles Lakers/San Diego Clippers
- 2x NBA Champion (1980, 1982)
- 2x NBA All-Star (1981, 1984)
Norm Nixon was a perfect fit for Magic Johnson. He played tough defense, ran the offense, made open shots, and worked hard during practice. A consistent and solid playmaker brought decision-making to a Lakers team that had won titles in 1980-81. He might not have the individual accolades others on the list can boast, but Nixon's case as a championship answer at point guard must be noticed.
Each added individual accolades and a distinct game to the point guard position. Together, these floor generals laid lasting foundations for future generations of player development and labeled the 1980s one of, if not arguably, the most memorable decade in NBA history.
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