Stephen A. Smith Drops His Top 5 All-Time Point Guards — And Fans Are Already Debating No. 2. Guess Who? But Did He Get It Right?
NEW YORK, NY — Leave it to Stephen A. Smith to light up the NBA conversation once again. On a recent episode of First Take, the outspoken ESPN analyst released his personal list of the Top 5 NBA point guards of all time — and while some choices are no-brainers, it’s his No. 2 pick that has the sports world buzzing.
“You can’t have a real basketball conversation without talking about greatness — and I’m telling you right now, this is MY list,” Smith declared, unapologetically.
Here’s his official ranking:
Magic Johnson
Stephen Curry
Isiah Thomas
Jason Kidd
Chris Paul
Let’s break it down—and dive into the debates already lighting up social media.
🥇 No. 1 – Magic Johnson: The Undisputed King?
No surprise here. Most NBA historians and analysts still agree that Earvin “Magic” Johnson remains the greatest point guard of all time. With 5 NBA titles, 3 MVPs, and a revolutionary style that redefined the position, Magic remains the gold standard.
“Magic was the ultimate floor general. Size, vision, leadership—he had it all,” Smith explained.
Fans largely agree on Magic’s placement. The real fireworks begin just one spot lower.
🥈 No. 2 – Stephen Curry: The Controversial Climber
This is where the debate gets heated.
Stephen A.’s choice to put Stephen Curry at No. 2 sparked immediate reaction. The four-time NBA champion, two-time MVP (including the only unanimous MVP ever), and greatest shooter in league history has certainly transformed the game—but some purists still argue he’s more of a combo guard than a traditional point guard.
“I don’t care what you call him—Steph revolutionized basketball,” Smith said. “He’s a point guard in my book, and the second-greatest we’ve ever seen.”
Still, fans of legends like Isiah Thomas and Oscar Robertson weren’t so quick to agree.
Trending on X (formerly Twitter):
“Steph over Isiah? Nah.”
“Stephen A. bold for this one.”
“Curry deserves it. Changed the entire league.”
🥉 No. 3 – Isiah Thomas: Underrated or Just Right?
Detroit Pistons legend Isiah Thomas lands at No. 3—a move many consider fair, though some argue he deserves the second spot over Curry. Thomas led the Bad Boy Pistons to back-to-back titles, was a 12-time All-Star, and remains one of the toughest and most intelligent leaders the game has seen.
“Isiah was a killer,” Smith noted. “Undersized but never intimidated. Took down Bird, Magic, and MJ.”
Still, Thomas often gets overlooked in today’s “ring-count” culture, despite his massive resume.
🏀 No. 4 – Jason Kidd: The Stat Sheet Stuffer
Jason Kidd checks in at No. 4, earning praise for his longevity, defense, and all-around game. The 2011 NBA Champion, 10-time All-Star, and 2nd all-time in assists remains one of the best playmakers and rebounders at the guard position.
“Kidd made average teams great. He didn’t just pass—he controlled the game,” said Smith.
Few argued against Kidd’s placement, though some felt John Stockton or Steve Nash deserved the nod.
🧠 No. 5 – Chris Paul: The Lasting Legacy of the “Point God”
Rounding out the list is Chris Paul, aka the “Point God.” Though he’s still chasing his first championship, Paul’s impact on the floor cannot be denied. With over 11,000 assists, multiple All-NBA selections, and a career defined by leadership and clutch play, Paul’s résumé keeps him in elite company.
“Don’t tell me rings are the only thing that matters. CP3 is one of the smartest and most skilled guards of all time,” Smith said.
Fans were split, especially with John Stockton, Russell Westbrook, and Oscar Robertson all missing the cut.
🗣️ The Missing Names and the Bigger Debate
As expected, the backlash wasn’t just about Curry—several legends were left out entirely:
John Stockton – The NBA’s all-time leader in assists and steals
Oscar Robertson – The original triple-double king
Russell Westbrook – The modern triple-double machine
Steve Nash – Two-time MVP and one of the most efficient shooters ever
Walt Frazier – Two-time champion and lockdown defender
Each omission sparked its own wave of debate.
📱 Social Media Reactions
Across platforms, fans and analysts quickly chimed in:
“Stephen A. got this half right. Where’s Oscar?”
“Steph changed the game, he belongs in the top 2.”
“Stockton snubbed AGAIN?”
“You can’t take CP3 over Nash or Westbrook in 2024. Sorry.”
