Magic Johnson Declares Isiah Thomas the Greatest Point Guard Over Curry and Stockton
August 9, 2025
In a recent interview, Thomas acknowledged Jason Kidd's increasing recognition as one of the greatest players in NBA history.
When discussing his top five point guards, Thomas ranks himself as the best among smaller guards, including Stephen Curry, John Stockton, Chris Paul, and Jason Kidd in his selections.
Magic Johnson, the legendary point guard for the Los Angeles Lakers, recently declared Isiah Thomas of the Detroit Pistons as the greatest point guard of all time, placing him above Stephen Curry and John Stockton.
In his list, Thomas places Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson in a separate category due to their significant contributions to the game, recognizing their foundational roles in shaping the point guard position.
In 2016, ESPN ranked Magic Johnson as the top point guard, placing Isiah Thomas fifth, a decision Johnson publicly criticized, arguing that both Stockton and Curry should not be rated higher than Thomas.
Recognized for his exceptional leadership and basketball IQ, Thomas excelled in a physically demanding NBA era, showcasing skills like precise passing and a keen ability to read defenses.
Johnson emphasized Thomas's remarkable performance in the 1988 NBA Finals, where he scored 25 points in a single quarter while battling through a severe ankle injury, highlighting his resilience.
Drafted second overall in 1981, Thomas was pivotal in transforming the Pistons into a formidable team, leading them to consecutive NBA championships in 1989 and 1990 during the 'Bad Boys' era.
His impressive legacy includes two NBA titles, 12 All-Star selections, and a lasting influence on future generations of point guards, earning him respect from contemporaries like Magic Johnson.
Thomas's rankings are generally well-received, reflecting a consensus among many NBA fans and analysts regarding the greatest point guards.
As a legendary point guard himself, Thomas's opinions on the greatest players carry substantial weight in the basketball community.
Both Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson are acknowledged for their foundational roles in the evolution of the point guard position in the NBA.
Summary based on 2 sources
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Sources

The Cold Wire • Jul 22, 2025
Isiah Thomas Names His Top-5 PGs Of All-Time
Bolavip US English • Aug 9, 2025
Lakers legend Magic Johnson weighs in on the greatest PG of all time, ranking a Pistons legend above Curry ...