Kendrick Perkins Names The 5 Greatest Point Guards In NBA History

Kendrick Perkins stirred up some debate when he appeared on "NBA Today" and unveiled his top five greatest point guards in NBA history. Known for his bold takes, Perkins made it clear that his list might ruffle some feathers, but he stood firm on his choices, emphasizing that this was his personal ranking.

"Coming in at number five, bam! John Stockton, listen, one of the greatest to ever do it. We know what he did with playing alongside Karl Malone, the mailman, picking and popping, picking and rolling... Although he didn't win the championship, all time leader in assists. I mean, think about it. All his years of playing in the NBA, leading the league with double-digit assists, John Stockton come in at number five."

"The Brodie I'm not about to get out of my chair and start crib walking on national television, but when you talk about one of the greatest to do it, that is Russell Westbrook."

"Takes all boxes, the triple-double king. I understand he didn't win the championship, but damn it, he did what he needed to do when he was in the prime and peak of his career. Kevin Durant left Oklahoma City, people thought they was dead. What did The Brody do? Won the MVP and kept that organization afloat."

"The Big O Oscar Robinson. He set the bar for Russell Westbrook. But not only did he average a triple-double for a few seasons or two, but he also won the NBA championship."

"The Big O doing it all fashion. When you talk about being big at the point guard position. When you talk about the physicality that he played with. Back in the old school, now I wasn't born, but dammit, I know my history."

"Coming in at number two, Magic Johnson. Happy birthday, Magic. We're talking about one of the guys that helped save the NBA, the Showtime Lakers. 6'9" at the PG Spot. You know what happened?"

"When Kareem went out in the finals, Magic said, I got this, took over in great fashion. One of the greatest point guards, one of the greatest players to ever touch the down basketball still top 10 player of all time in my eyes. That is Earvin Magic Johnson coming in at number two."

"At number one. The light-skinned brother with the green eyes, Steph Curry, and other people can argue about whether or not he's a shooting guard or point guard. Damn it, he's a point guard to me. He just changed the way the game has been played. He changed the game forever, forever, when it comes down to the point guard position."

"One of the most skilled players to ever touch the damn basketball, the greatest shooter of all time. Again, if you're getting your feelings, that's your personal problem. This is not your list, this is my list. Big Perks, big list of greatest point guards in NBA history." (1:07)

Starting at number five, Perkins selected John Stockton . Perkins acknowledged Stockton's legendary career as the NBA's all-time leader in assists. Although Stockton never won a championship, his partnership with Karl Malone and his consistent double-digit assists performances made him a lock for Perkins' top five.

At number four, Perkins placed Russell Westbrook , affectionately known as "The Brodie." Westbrook's record-breaking triple-double seasons and his ability to carry the Oklahoma City Thunder after Kevin Durant's departure were key factors in his selection. Perkins noted that while Westbrook hasn't won a championship, his impact on the game and his MVP season in 2017 solidified his place among the greats.

Coming in at number three was Oscar Robertson , "The Big O." Perkins highlighted Robertson's pioneering role as the original triple-double king and his championship win with the Milwaukee Bucks.

Perkins' number two pick was none other than Magic Johnson , the iconic leader of the Showtime Lakers. "Happy birthday, Magic," Perkins began, as he praised Johnson's revolutionary play at the point guard position and wished him on his birthday. Standing 6'9", Magic's versatility, leadership, and five championships made him an easy choice for Perkins. He also pointed out Magic's legendary performance in the 1980 NBA Finals, where he famously played center in Game 6 and led the Lakers to victory.

Finally, at the top of Perkins' list was Stephen Curry . Perkins credited Curry with changing the game of basketball forever with his unparalleled shooting ability and revolutionary style of play. For Perkins, Curry's impact, skill, and championships make him the greatest point guard in NBA history.

Related: Who Is The Greatest NBA Point Guard Of All Time? (The Most Accurate Formula)

In true Kendrick Perkins fashion, he concluded by reminding viewers that this was his list, and if anyone disagreed, "That's your personal problem."

Dave McMenamin Still Thinks Magic Johnson Is Above Stephen Curry

Dave McMenamin, during the same panel discussion, made it clear that he still believes Magic Johnson ranks above Stephen Curry in the all-time greatest point guards debate, even after Curry's remarkable performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

"Steph Curry is fantastic and he should be in the conversation, but Magic has more MVPs, Magic has more championships as you mentioned Magic figures in getting the NBA where it is today and think about what he did jump in center against the Sixers as a rookie I give the edge to Magic." (4:24)

McMenamin pointed to Magic Johnson's unparalleled impact on the game, not just through his accolades but through his role in popularizing the NBA globally. He also highlighted Magic's legendary performance as a rookie in the 1980 NBA Finals, where he famously played center against the Philadelphia 76ers and led the Lakers to a championship.

McMenamin concluded that while Curry has revolutionized the game with his shooting and style, Magic's overall contributions, leadership, and influence on the sport give him the upper hand in this debate.

Related: Ranking The 5 Greatest Point Guards In NBA History By Decade (1950s-2020s)

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