The Best 80s NBA Point Guards

Magic Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his extraordinary blend of size, court vision, and versatility during the '80s, becoming the face of the "Showtime" Los Angeles Lakers. Towering over most defenders at 6'9", Johnson leveraged his physical gifts to break down defenses and create scoring opportunities for teammates; his ability to post up or score in transition added a unique dimension to his game. A relentless competitor, Magic's numerous game-winning shots in clutch situations demonstrated his fearlessness and solidified his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Creator of the quintessential pick-and-roll system, John Stockton became synonymous with the Utah Jazz at the helm of their offense, dominating the '80s with his surgical precision passing and cerebral basketball IQ. Known for his unselfishness and ability to control the pace of a game, Stockton made those around him better by constantly finding the open man and keeping defenses off-balance. As a tenacious defender himself, opponents often found themselves unable to shake off the pesky and fundamentally sound Stockton.

The leader of the notorious “Bad Boy” Detroit Pistons, Isiah Thomas brought a toughness and grit to the point guard position that was unmatched in the 1980s. A tenacious defender and intelligent playmaker, Thomas' quick hands, darting speed, and deceptive physicality wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. His fierce competitiveness fueled numerous deep playoff runs, making the Pistons a powerhouse team and a force to be reckoned with in the league.

Known as the "Secretary of Defense," Sidney Moncrief was one of the premier backcourt defenders of the 1980s, establishing a reputation for smothering the league's top scorers. A skilled all-around player, Moncrief possessed a strong mid-range game and an uncanny ability to finish around the rim despite his lack of prototypical size for a shooting guard. Moncrief's relentless work ethic and boundless energy epitomized the toughness of the Milwaukee Bucks teams he played for.

Fearless in big moments and relentless on defense, Dennis Johnson was a crucial cog in the 1980s Boston Celtics dynasty, showcasing his clutch gene time and time again. A pesky defender and consistent scorer, DJ's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor typified the hard-nosed, gritty Celtics teams of the era. Always stepping up when it mattered most, Johnson's legendary performances in high-stakes scenarios earned him the moniker "Mr. Clutch."

A sharpshooter and pioneer of the modern-day point guard, Mark Price's ability to stretch the floor and knock down shots from all over the court was the vanguard of the three-point revolution seen today. Possessing an uncanny ability to create space and leverage his quick release, Price's shooting prowess enabled him to overcome size disadvantages and command respect from defenders. In addition to his offensive firepower, Price was a pesky defender and solid playmaker for the Cleveland Cavaliers.