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NBA Power Rankings: 30 Greatest Point Guards of All-Time

By Shane Young

Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA legend Magic Johnson laughs during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 16, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; NBA legend Magic Johnson laughs during the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Legends Brunch at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 29, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Golden State Warriors head coach Mark Jackson during a press conference prior to the game between the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Clippers in game five of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports /

26.  Mark Jackson

1987 – 2004

Franchises:  New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Indiana Pacers, Denver Nuggets, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Houston Rockets

Career totals:  12,489 points, 10,334 assists, 4,963 rebounds, 1,608 steals, 3,155 turnovers

Career averages:  9.6 points, 8.0 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.2 steals, 2.4 turnovers

Shooting:  44.7 percent field goals, 33.2 percent 3-pointers, 77 percent free throws

Accolades:  1x NBA All-Star, Rookie of the Year, 1x NBA assists leader

Statistically, Jackson wasn’t one of the best point guards to play. Averaging in single digits in every category through 17 years, he only has a couple seasons where he shined through the top of the league in metrics.

During his sophomore year with the Knicks, Jackson played 72 games and had his best scoring season. In just his second year, he was scoring nearly 17 points a night, and delivering 8.6 assists. More impressively, he shot 46.7 percent from the field, which was a top five year for him in regards to efficiency. However, it was his effectiveness in two-point range that stood out in that sophomore season. He shot 50.7 percent from within the 3-point arc, which was the second-best mark of his career.

Jackson’s astonishing second year with the Knicks came after a ridiculous rookie year.

Entering the league in 1987, he was thrown right into the fire under coach Rick Pitino. He had to start 80 of 82 games, and be an instant impact in order to get them to 38 wins. Although they still finished under .500, Jackson had posted a rookie performance that left people stunned. Many asked how in the world this man could’ve went 18th overall, and not much higher.

His rookie season of 13.6 points, 10.6 assists, and 4.8 rebounds spoke for itself. It remains the only time in NBA history a rookie has achieved that type of line.

Bouncing around from seven different teams, and currently being fourth all-time in career assists, Jackson finalized his career with just one all-star appearance. But, it’s his adaptation to all the different teammates he’s dealt with, and his understanding of the game that earns him a spot among the greats.

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