NBA

The Golden Age for Point Guards

By Justin Nixon

September 30, 2019

JUSBALLOUT ILLUSTRATION

The point guard position has transcended over the years to the top position in the NBA. The money and the talent guarantees this opinion, with point guard’s Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook and John Wall projected to be the top earners for the upcoming season. Each player bringing home an estimated 38.6 million.

Retired NBA point guard Tony Parker expressed his take on the direction of the league in a recent ESPN interview, while over in China observing the FIBA World Cup. “I love the game,” Parker said. “I think the game is in a great place. You have great players…I feel like it’s the golden age for point guards.”

Parker is definitely one of the many point guards that shifted the way the position is viewed. The future Hall of Fame guard was always extremely aggressive on the offensive end in his 18 seasons. His ability to create his own shot was a large part of the Spurs success. Every team needs a player that can get a bucket out the mud, and Parker was the guy.

Bob Cousy | Photo: Boston Herald

From Bob Cousy in the 50’s to Magic Johnson in the 80’s, the roles of NBA guards have evolved over generations. The 6’1 Cousy led the league in assists every year from 1952-1960. His creative ball handling and vision created the mold for what a point guard resembles.

Earvin "Magic" Johnson vs. Celtics | Photo: NBA.com

When Magic Johnson entered the league in 1979, he changed the position completely. Standing at 6-foot-9, Magic was the tallest point guard in NBA history. His height, ball handling, and vision inspired his all-around play. The abilities of Magic were revolutionary to the basketball eyes.

The 90’s featured a sort of point guards with different attributes. The durable John Stockton played the position the way it was designed. Him and Karl Malone made a living in the half-court set with their prolific pick-and-roll, which led to Stockton holding the NBA record for assists (15,806). Point guard Gary Payton, nicknamed “The Glove” was the true example of 90s basketball. The jaw jacking 6-foot-4 point guard with efficient scoring abilities and strong defensive instincts had other guards’ shook around the NBA. His approach to the game was different than most guards, because his defense created his offense.

John Stockton | Getty Images

Gary Payton | Getty Images

The game was expanding to new heights during the 90’s; point guards were becoming more creative with their handles. Guards like Jason Kidd, Kenny Anderson and Tim Hardaway gave coaches fits with their defensive game plans. The game was still dominated by frontcourt stars like Hakeem Olajuwon, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson, but guards were starting to showcase their all-around skills.

Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway | Getty Images

Allen Iverson | Getty Images

When Anfernee “Penny” Hardaway and Allen Iverson entered the league, they changed the perspective of how a point guard is supposed to look and play. Penny was a 6-foot-9 slender guard like Magic Johnson, but his scoring ability was top notch. He could shoot, dribble, pass, and defend multiple positions. Allen Iverson’s game was different. The 6-foot assassin combined his speed, athleticism, ball-handling and scoring abilities to shake up the game completely. The word combo guard was implemented into the game with many different representations, but for Iverson the word just meant he was a small dynamic scoring point guard.

In today’s game, the pick-and-roll offense has become the go to play for most coaches around the league. During the 2015-16 season, the average team scored 14.5 points per game off the ball-handler getting a bucket in a pick-and-roll set. By last season, that number has climbed to 17.0 points per game. The modern point guard is making a good living off pick-and-roll play.

Due to the high frequency of pick-and-roll play, big-men our scoring more often off rolling to the basketball for a easy bucket or popping out for a smooth jump shot. Post-up plays our becoming more and more extinct. I guess its safe to say, “it’s the golden age for point guards.”