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The point guard position has become one of the most exciting positions in the sport of basketball. They are considered the "floor generals" on each team, as they are required to put their team in a position that gives them the best possible chance to succeed. Over the history of the sport of basketball, the game has seen a number of different types of point guards. It's a position that truly continues to adapt, as the modern era of basketball has shifted towards much bigger players than the traditional guards of old.
The NBA now features a variety of point guards who excite fans with their offensive ability. But that's not the only type of floor generals who have made a serious impact on this game. Throughout its long history, the NBA has also had a number of talented guards who were known for their ability on the defensive side of the ball as well.
Top five point guards in NBA history with defensive prowess
#5 Nate McMillan
Before Nate McMillan roamed the sidelines, he was known as one of the most ferocious defensive point guards in the history of the NBA. McMillan was a nightmare for opponents, as he had great size and quickness at 6'5". He went on to play 12-years in the NBA, all with the Seattle Supersonics. What's even more impressive about McMillan's place on the all-time list is the fact that he never averaged more than 0.7 blocks per game in a season. McMillan would finish his career with a total of 332 blocks. What's even more impressive is that McMillan had three seasons in the NBA in which he was statistically considered a shooting guard, meaning his total block number could have been even higher.
#4 Baron Davis
There's no denying that Baron Davis changed the way modern point guards looked and played throughout the course of his career. At a time in which most point guards had a smaller frame, Davis stood out with his size and overall strength. He was a physical floor general with great explosiveness that wasn't afraid to get after it on both sides of the ball. Davis went on to play 13-years in the NBA, including some notable years with the Hornets and Golden State Warriors. He would go on to finish his career with 360 total blocks despite being best known for his explosive ability on offense.
#3 Magic Johnson
While Hall of Fame point guard Magic Johnson was known for his electric playmaking ability during his career with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was also an imposing presence on the defensive side of the ball. Magic will always be remembered for being the driving force behind the "Showtime" Lakers as he wowed fans with his creativity as a passer and scoring threat. But he was also the first wave of point guards to have a sizeable advantage against the competition. The 6'9" floor general was a shot-blocking weapon at his position, as he went on to have 361 career blocks over the span of 13-years in the NBA. While he was known for being an elite point guard, Magic was also someone that could stand out with his versatility on the defensive side of the floor. Johnson missed four seasons as well, which means he could have been much higher on this list.
Also Read: Who is Magic Johnson's wife, Cookie Johnson?
#2 Jason Kidd
One of the most versatile point guards the game of basketball has ever seen, Jason Kidd was an incredibly underrated defender during his career in the NBA. Kidd was always known for his ability on the offensive side of the ball. Fans were in awe of his creativity in transition as he was one of the most exciting and gifted playmakers during his prime. But what is often forgotten is how relentless Kidd was on the defensive side of the ball. Jason Kidd was a pest, racking up a high number of steals and blocks over the span of 19-years in the NBA. He would finish up with 425 career blocks, an impressive number for the point guard position.
#1 John Wall
Ever since Houston Rockets point guard John Wall entered the league, he was known for his athleticism and competitiveness on both sides of the ball. Although Wall has played fewer years than anyone on this list, he still finds himself the leader of all-time blocks from point guards. Wall made his presence felt like a rising star with the Washington Wizards. While he was known for his ability as a playmaker, Wall continued to pile up the stats on the defensive side of the ball. Wall recently passed Jason Kidd for the lead in all-time blocks, and currently sits with 427 blocks to count. Although Wall put up some big numbers when it comes to steals per game, he managed to average 1.1 blocks per game during the 2017-18 season with the Wizards. Wall is currently working his way back to get himself ready to play for the Houston Rockets and it will be interesting to see if he can continue to add to that impressive lead on the leaderboard of all-time rejections.
