Steve Nash is widely regarded as one of the most influential point guards in NBA history. A two-time league MVP and an iconic figure for the Phoenix Suns, Nash helped redefine the position with his elite vision, control, and shooting. Now retired, the Suns legend recently took part in an engaging discussion about what it would take to build the perfect point guard—pulling from the skill sets of several NBA icons, including Stephen Curry.
Across generations, the point guard has remained a cornerstone of NBA success. Often the primary playmaker, the position demands a unique blend of traits to truly dominate. According to Nash, no single player possesses every quality. Instead, the ideal point guard would combine elements from multiple stars—past and present—to reach perfection.
In a recent appearance on the Mind The Game podcast, Nash was asked to assemble the perfect point guard by selecting players based on specific attributes: handles, shooting, finishing, defense, passing vision, and clutch performance. “Am I allowed to say myself? I think I’m in the conversation,” Nash said, before breaking down his all-time composite.
“I’d say Kyrie [Irving]—he’s the best ball-handler of all time. If Steph Curry counts as a point guard, he’s the greatest shooter ever, period. For finishing, I’d take Kyrie again—and maybe his uncle, Rod Strickland. On defense, I’m giving it to two guys from my era: Gary Payton and Jason Kidd. As for passing, Magic Johnson inspired me the most.”
Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors standout.
Nash hesitated when asked about the most clutch point guard of all time. “A lot of clutch PGs out there,” he said. “Hopefully people think I was clutch too. Tyrese Haliburton has been really clutch in these Playoffs.” After some thought, he made his final selection: “I don’t know if I have to pick one… but Magic Johnson. I think about him hitting that skyhook in Boston to win the Finals. Incredible clutch player.”
see also
A Miami Heat legend sparks controversy by claiming Kobe Bryant didn’t deserve the 2010 NBA Finals MVP
Notable omissions from Nash’s picks
While Nash’s selections were largely well-received—especially for handles and shooting—some notable omissions raised eyebrows. For passing vision, he didn’t mention Chris Paul or John Stockton, the league’s all-time assist leaders. Their court awareness and consistency helped define how the position is played.
In terms of finishing, Nash also left out dynamic athletes like Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose. Both were known for their explosive drives and fearlessness at the rim. Westbrook, in particular, brought a level of intensity and verticality that redefined the role of the scoring point guard.
Another absence was Isiah Thomas, the floor general who led the Detroit Pistons through the grueling Eastern Conference battles of the late ’80s. Thomas not only won two NBA titles but also took down some of the game’s greatest names on the way—earning a place in any serious point guard conversation.
Lastly, Nash’s inclusion of Tyrese Haliburton, while relevant to the 2025 Playoffs, may be a bit premature. The Pacers star has delivered in big moments, but naming him among legends could be seen as optimistic. Still, Nash’s perspective offers a unique look at how one of the game’s smartest minds evaluates greatness—not by accolades, but by skill.
