Chris Paul and the ten greatest level guards of all time

Chris Paul introduced his retirement Friday, ending a 21-year profession as one of many best level guards in NBA historical past. He retires ranked second all-time in assists and steals, with 11 All-NBA appearances and 15 journeys to the playoffs.

Because the 12-time All-Star walks away from the sport, in all probability yelling at a referee on his method, listed below are the ten best level guards of all time and the place CP3 ranks amongst them.

1. Magic Johnson

It is a testomony to Paul that folks nonetheless name him the “Level God” even when Magic Johnson exists. In 12 seasons, Johnson went to the NBA Finals 9 occasions, successful 5 championships and three MVP trophies. Because the orchestrator of the Los Angeles Lakers‘ “Showtime” offense, Johnson averaged extra assists than anybody in NBA historical past and was versatile sufficient to begin at middle in a Finals sport.

2. Steph Curry

Steph Curry gained 4 titles and two MVP awards for the Golden State Warriors. He is the NBA’s all-time chief in three-pointers by a mile and gained Finals MVP in 2022. One may knock Curry for being a scorer greater than a passer, however his gravity and skill to warp defenses makes up for his decrease help totals.

3. Oscar Robertson

The “Huge O” averaged a triple-double in his first 5 professional seasons, together with his MVP marketing campaign of 1963-64. He was first crew All-NBA for the primary 9 years of his profession, gained six help titles and took dwelling a title with the Milwaukee Bucks.

4. Bob Cousy

Bob Cousy was an NBA pioneer, successfully inventing the purpose guard place because the “Houdini of the Hardwood.” Cousy made the All-Star crew in all 13 years with the Boston Celtics, gained MVP in 1957 and was first-team All-NBA for a full decade whereas successful six titles.

5. John Stockton

Since retiring, John Stockton has turn into underrated, regardless of being the profession chief in steals and assists. He and Karl Malone had been collectively for 18 seasons — and gained zero titles. Regardless of Stockton’s unimposing look, he was a hard-nosed defender and unflappable in clutch moments.