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.
In the year of the big name trades every contender tried it's hand, while other stood pat and prayed. With more big names switching team then in recent history, most of the main contenders played one up with the rest of the trade frenzy playoff teams. The following is a breakdown of who was helped and who will be left behind. For those team who basically stood pat, my guess is there will be changes come the of there playoff runs. Others who traded wildly may be at it again if their playoff runs come to an early end.
First the teams that stood pat. For the life of me I'll never understand the reasoning for this when help was only a phone call away. San Antonio with it's banners still fresh decided they had enough to continue their hold on the throne, BIG MISTAKE! As the playoff go on, their lack of a solid 3rd and 4th option will show. Detroit who has been on top in the east for so long will also fall to this sernario. Denver also stood pat, but had there finger on the trigger but failed to make a trade. Toronto made their moves before the season picking up gaurds Kapono and Delfino and also failed to added any additional fire power. Washington who also stayed pat but their lack of defense would of been helped if they would of picked up a solid inside defender. As it is look for them to be one and done in this years playoffs. The last of the six teams who thought their teams were good enough are the 76'ers Though they picked up Miller last year and added pre-season acquisition Reggie Evans they too will be one and done in the playoffs this year.
Though San Antonio and Detroit may last till the finals in their respective divisions, but will fall.
Orlando picked up Rashard Lewis in the pre-season and added Maurice Evans in one of the most lopsided trades in recent history. The outlook doesn't look pretty for the Magic but Toronto isn't exaltly a power but will be good enough. Look for Toronto in seven.
The Lakers added 3pt specialist Ariza and in the biggest move added Pau Gasol. Giving themselves four good offensive weapons, with Bryant, Gasol, Odom, Bynum. Though Bynum is likely out for the playoffs Fisher still has enough spark to be a fourth option. Lakers in a sweep over Denver.
The Celtics who it can be said started this trade frenzy when they came to terms with Allen and Garnett to team with Pierce, also sensed additional moves needed to be made and brought in Cassell and Posey to help bolster their offense. Celtics in a sweep.
New Orleans who formed most of their current team last year signed Peterson in the pre-season and later signed Bonzi Wells to help their inside game. With Paul coming into his own look for the Hornets tochallenge for the top spot in the west. The Hornets in six over the Dallas.
The Hawks picked up Bibby hoping for some direction, but his days are more then likely behind him and can be closed down with an aggresive defensive scheme. Which won't help Atlanta in it's hopes for advancing. Celtics in a sweep over the Hawks
Likewise the Dallas Mavericks with the addition of Jason Kidd have looked more lost then usual and may of picked up the wrong point gaurd for their team. As good as Kidd is his supporting cast still would rather play one on one then as a team. I look for them to be upset in the first round by New Orleans in six.
Phoenix fans are banking on O'Niel to get them over the hump, along with pre-season acquisition Giricek, but the long and short of it is that Shaq is good only for limited stretches though he will open up things for Stoudamire his fatigue factor will show as the Suns try to get by the Spurs in their first round. I like the Spurs in 6.
The Jazz picked up Price in the preseason, but added Korver for a little insurance in case the shots stop falling for their stars. Their team is young but there moves will only get them past the first round. Utah in six over Houston.
Houston decided they only needed Bobby Jackson, but with Ming down and McGrady having to carry the team they just don't have enough fire power to get by Utah. As they will most likely fall in six.
Which brings up to the wholesale team of the playoffs the Caverliers. Obviously trying to help out their star James, Cleveland went bananas in the trade market. Bringing in three starters and a couple role players hoping they had the right mix to try to advance beyond the second round. They started by Adding Wally Szczerbiak, Lalonte West and Devin Brown then followed up with Joe Smith and Ben Wallace. The team has the talent but can they play together and jell in such a short time. Cleveland still has to show it can win on the road but should win the first round against Washington in seven.
In the other game not mentioned look for Detroit over the 76'ers in 6.
This year look for a change to the old ways with the Lakers and Celtics playing for the Championship. No matter what the outcome. The Lakers had the early jump on next year with Bynum and Ariza waiting in the wings. If the Lakers manage to win the Championship look for another frenzy of trades both in the pre-season and during the next season to try to play catchup to the Lakers.
I am a graduate of UCLA, though I attended AU for one year on a baseball scholarship. Served my active duty time in the Air Force mainly overseas in Turkey and the Philippines. Upon my honorable discharge I remained in the Areospace field as a sub-contracto r in Fixture Stuct., which allowed me to travel and work on projects such as the Stealth and the C-17. After losing most our aerospace contracts to oversea's competitor Aerobus, I returned to California (Orange County) and now oversee my remodeling company.
I'm a avid fan of all Los Angeles Sport teams and have knowledge through my father of the teams history from his moving From South Dakota, to Cleveland, to New York and Finally to Los Angeles. Brings the Clev. Rams, Minn. Lakers, and Dodgers with him, to hear him tell it.
