It seems like since the beginning of the NBA a star gaurd comes along and transforms the game as we know it.  With either their sharp shooting or there unique passing ability or their size, they change the way opposition had to change their defenses to stop these hardwood demons.  They help coaches of whichever era to not only rethink their offense, but when they were forced to gaurd these mega-stars they had to come up with inventive defenses.  Such as various zones, box and 1, 1-2-2 and so forth. 

     Because of their overall game these guards from the '20's, '30's,'40's'50's, '60's, '70's, '80's, '90's, and 2000 to 2010 Not only stood out but had coaches and general Managers searching for the next one like them. 

     The following are simply my picks for these individual decades.  Enjoy adding your own versions or playmakers.  Though these will be hard to top.

1920-1929: Some of the true pioneers of the position, though the NBA was still just an idea there were many professional league playing around the states Mostly in the Eastern States.  During this time Semi-Pro league sprouted out everywhere and college player were permitted to play in them.

Hery Genert - Was a brillant defender and a scorer, but his defense was known to shut out multiple players thoughout a game.  Love slapping the backboard on his layups - a sort of taunting.  His defense resulted in the term take away (Prior to Steals) of which he was a master of.

Honorable Mention: Joseph (Poison) Brennan- A scorer unmatched in his era who played for various team thoughout any given year.  Said to be one of the first players to make $100 dollars a game.  In one year Won Championships in 4 Seperate league earning MVP twice.

1930-1939: During this time slot offenses were still pretty much sets and passes were thrown into a teams big man. Until these gaurds proved motion and a deft touch from the outside could foil a collapeing zone defense.

Nat Holman - An original Celtic, his play at the pivot help create the motion offense. his ability to score and distribute the ball were uncanny and unmatched in his day.  His play made the early Celtic team almost unbeatable.  His play created a scoring position out of the pivot where previously it was strickly a passing postion.

Honorable mention: Bernard (Bennie) Bogman- Another Defensive minded shooting gaurd.  He was one of the first gaurds  to expose weak dribblers averaging over 8 steals a game!  With a deadly set shot from out side range 18' or so.  Few took shots outside 15'.

1940-1949: The Game is changing due mostly to Holmans passing excellence, every team now searched for the next great ball handler.  Shooting acuratcy was figured as a bonus.

Joe Falks- With team looking for good ball handlers, Joe set the league on it's ear by foresaking the two handed set shot  for a one hand released "jump shot".  His ability to shot over not only opposing gaurds but just about everyone helped speed up the offensive sets.  His shots were seldom blocked and was one of the first to be accredited with a quick release.

Honorable mention: Robert E. (Bob) Davies- The first guard to be given the nickname "Houdini" known by all as "Houdini of Harrisberg" he quickly advanced the passing game in basketball beyond just the bounce pass.  Credited with the drop (leave) pass on breaks to a following teammate.  Helped create todays version of the fast break.

1950-1959: The first true golden age of guards in the NBA.  As hard as it was to try to seperate the stars of this era, I've decided to include two honorable mentions.    These gaurds were not only great passers but excellent shooter leading their teams in scoring something few guards consistantly did. 

Bob Pettit- The first modern day deep threat in the NBA, a pure shooter who was so acurate it was said he not only made a shot blindfolded from the top of the key but made 3 of 4!.  Named as All-Star MVP more times than anyone.  Played his whole career for the Hawks.  Once rumored that Red Aurbach wanted him so bad he would give up 3 starters.

Honorable Mention: Bob Cousy- Known both as the "Wizard" and "The Houdini of the Hardwood" He made the Famous Boston Celtics unstoppable on the break.  One of the true first showman with both behind the back passes and between the leg passes.  Was the only white man ever invited to join the Globetrotters.  Aurbach's loss was also his gain with Cousy blossoming into a bonifide star.

Honorable Mention: Ed Macauley a nice blend of the two guards mentioned above.  A deadly shooter and acurate passer.  His trade from the Celtics was not only for 2 stars but for the rights for the celtics to draft Bill Russell.

1960-1969: The scoring era stikes it big! But an all around game was needed from this position.  The guards from this era not only surpassed almost all bigmen in scoring, but were defensive players as well.  Thought to be the best of the best for their time.

Oscar Robertson- As much as it pains me (being a Laker fan) I give the nod here for a variety of reason, but mostly because of his all round game.  Oscar was the only player in NBA history to average a triple double for the year!!!!  Enough said!

Honorable Mention: Elgin Baylor- One of the original gutbug players.  His game was played above the rim.  A forefather to the Dr. J's and David Thompsons.  It was said he could touch the top of the basketball backboard, few gaurds tried shots with Baylor fronting them.  One of the first to use the floater shot (via Paul and Parker in todays game)

1970-1979: The sixty and seventy had so many outstanding guards I took liberties here in placing these two in the seventys to accomendate the level of great guards in these two eras. Also have placed again two honorable mentions.

Jerry West- Mr. Clutch himself, or as many suspect the logo for the nba.  There may of never been a more pure shooter of the jump shot then Mr. West.  Always an All-Star and even a MVP in a the Championships series which the Lakers lost.  Forever remembered for this 63 foot shot during the finals which was all net.

Honorable Mention: Walt (Clyde) Frazier - The cornerstone of the Knickabockers run during the seventy.  Quick and able to throw up a shot from any angle.  His defense helps place him here over other '70's greats.

Honorable Mention: Pete (Pistol) Marovich - You simply can't have a list of all-star guards without adding the pistol.  The phase "he never met a shot he didn't like" was attributed to him along with the line "His range is anywhere after he enters the arena".  Before the 3pt shot came to be in the NBA, Marovich lived on the outside forcing opposing defenses to extend to up to 25' from the basket.  Talk about speading a defense.

1980-1989: With the league struggleing a star was needed to recapture the fans imagination.  When one did it did it with style and grace but above all he was tall.  Bringing to the NBA a tall point guard which there weren't any effiecient ones at the time.

Irving (Magic) Johnson- Not since Cousy has there been someone who could distribute the ball better.  Magic brought back the no-look pass and was able to thread a pass anywhere at any time during a game.  At 6'9" He brought about the tall gaurd era.  Magic's overall game had teams thinking diffrently when when looking for a point guard.  He help bring Showtime not only to the Lakers, but the NBA as well.  Brought back the triple double.  And created post up plays for guards?!

Isiah Thomas- A quick and swift defender and a fearless shooter.  His overall game may of lacked the showmanship of Magic's, but Thomas could equal the results.  Help bring Detroit back into the limelight with his play.  The leader of the bad boys.

1990-1999: This Era brought about the extreme in the gaurd position.  From posible one of the greatest of all-time to a headly team player and assist artist.

Micheal Jordan-  Their wasn't a more electrifing player to capture the mass audience attention then Mr. Jordan.  His uncanny ability not only to make a shot, but thrived at having the ball in crunch time and seemingly always coming through.  Not only did the Bulls three peat, but after a two year retirement  threepeated again!!!

Honorable Mention: John Stockton- To some mister invisible, Stockton was one part of the most feared give and go tandems in the league (with Karl Mallone).  One of the greatest assist artist in NBA history.  Stockton had a way of quietly turning in double doubles in points and assist, but his results were felt in helping Utah to prominence.

2000-2010:  Though there are still a few years left I can comfortably name these two as the dominate guards of this era.

Kobe Bryant- Far and away probably one of the few best along with Jordan to ever play the game.  Mobile, quick and deadly in creating his own shot.  Being from either beyond the arc or driving the lane.  Almost unstoppable one on one.  He and Jordan will always be 1-2 or 1-1 when mentioning all time gaurds.  Both were All-Defensive selections.

Honorable Mention: Steven Nash-  A great floor leader and clutch shooter.  His heady play and overall basketball I.Q. helps distance himself from others as the next best.  That and his years of service as an all-star and multiple league MVP places him ahead of such players as Wade, Kidd, Parker and Paul.