The Oklahoma City Thunder has seen some great point guards throughout their relatively short history in the NBA. From explosive rookies to seasoned veterans, the Thunder’s point guard position has been pivotal in shaping the franchise. Whether it’s about playmaking, leadership, or clutch moments, the men who’ve donned the point guard jersey for OKC have left their marks. But who stands out the most in Thunder history? Let’s take a look at the 30+ best point guards, ranked by the fans who’ve watched them through the highs and lows.

1. Russell Westbrook

No conversation about OKC’s point guards can start without mentioning Russell Westbrook. The MVP winner in 2017, Westbrook is one of the most electrifying players to ever play the game. His relentless energy, athleticism, and ability to dominate on both ends of the floor put him on top of the list. As a triple-double machine, he redefined what it means to be a point guard in the modern NBA. His time with the Thunder is legendary, and even though he left for Los Angeles, his legacy in OKC remains untouchable.

2. Gary Payton

While his best years came with the Seattle SuperSonics, Gary Payton’s brief stint with the Thunder (then the Seattle-based franchise) still earned him a spot on this list. Known as “The Glove,” Payton was a phenomenal defender who could shut down the best in the league. He brought grit and determination to the point guard position and was an essential part of the Sonics’ success during the late 1990s and early 2000s.

3. Chris Paul

Chris Paul, or “CP3,” was brought to Oklahoma City in a trade during the 2019 offseason, and his leadership skills immediately transformed a young Thunder team into a playoff contender. Though his time with OKC was short, he had a profound impact. CP3 was the ultimate floor general, making everyone around him better and proving that he could still play at an elite level despite his age. He helped guide the Thunder to a surprising playoff run in 2020, earning respect from both fans and players alike.

4. Reggie Jackson

Reggie Jackson played a vital role during a critical period in OKC’s history, particularly when he stepped up during the 2014-2015 season when Westbrook was injured. His scoring ability and ability to run the offense made him a key contributor to the team. Though he eventually moved on to the Detroit Pistons, Jackson’s time in OKC showed his potential as a point guard in a competitive NBA.

5. Earl Watson

Earl Watson was known for his steady leadership and calming presence on the court. Though he wasn’t a star, Watson was a reliable point guard who helped orchestrate the offense during his time with the Thunder. His veteran presence and understanding of the game made him an underrated player in Oklahoma City, particularly during the early years of the franchise.

6. Sam Cassell

Sam Cassell wasn’t with the Thunder for long, but during his time with the team, he brought a sense of confidence and swagger to the point guard position. Cassell was known for his clutch shooting and ability to take control in critical moments. He may not have spent much time with the Thunder, but his impact on the team’s culture during his brief tenure cannot be denied.

7. James Harden

James Harden’s role with OKC as a sixth man meant he wasn’t the starting point guard, but his ability to run the offense and distribute the ball was crucial during the Thunder’s deep playoff runs in 2012. Harden was part of one of the most dynamic trios in NBA history alongside Westbrook and Durant. Though he later became a superstar with the Houston Rockets, his time as a Thunder player proved that he had the tools to be a future MVP.

8. Dennis Schröder

Another point guard who helped the Thunder remain competitive during a transitional phase was Dennis Schröder. Acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in 2018, Schröder was an energetic scorer who often provided the team with a spark off the bench. His scoring ability and defensive effort were significant during OKC’s playoff push in 2020, and while his tenure was brief, Schröder left his mark on the Thunder’s point guard history.

Honorable Mentions

• Malik Rose – A key veteran presence, though not primarily a point guard, Rose did contribute as a ball handler.
• Nick Collison – Though a forward, Nick Collison’s basketball IQ made him a solid contributor in handling the ball during crucial moments.
• Delonte West – West had a short stint with OKC but showed flashes of his playmaking skills when given the opportunity.
• Vaughn Duggins – A role player for the Thunder, Duggins provided depth to the roster but didn’t make a lasting impact.

The Future of Point Guard for the Thunder

As of now, the Oklahoma City Thunder are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, and the future of the point guard position lies in the hands of young players like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Theo Maledon. With the team focusing on developing its core, the future of point guard play in OKC looks bright. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, in particular, has the potential to elevate his game even further, possibly leading the team to future success.

Conclusion

The Oklahoma City Thunder has been home to many talented point guards over the years. From the high-flying Russell Westbrook to the leadership of Chris Paul, the point guard position has been pivotal in the team’s success. Each of these players has contributed in unique ways, and their impact on the franchise will never be forgotten. As the team continues to rebuild, fans can look forward to seeing how the next generation of point guards in OKC will shape the future of the franchise.

Experiences of Thunder Fans with the Point Guard Position

The point guard position has always been an essential part of the Thunder’s identity, whether it was during their early years in Oklahoma City or during their peak playoff runs. Fans of the Thunder have witnessed the evolution of the position through the years, from the explosive style of Russell Westbrook to the calm, methodical approach of Chris Paul. Many Thunder fans remember the early days when Westbrook and Harden were a dynamic duo, and the thrill of watching them tear through defenses is still fresh in their memories. There’s something special about watching a point guard take control of a game, and fans of the Thunder have been fortunate to witness some of the best in the business.

As the Thunder moves forward with a new generation of players, the excitement is palpable. Fans are eager to see how Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, with his smooth handle and basketball IQ, will develop into one of the league’s top point guards. The potential for this team to once again rise to prominence is in the hands of these young stars, and it’s safe to say that OKC fans are excited for what the future holds.

From the high-octane style of play to the fundamental passing and court vision displayed by some of the best point guards, the Oklahoma City Thunder has always been a team that values the position. Whether you’ve been a fan since the early days or are just now tuning in, there’s no denying the excitement that comes with watching a top-tier point guard run the show for the Thunder.

As the Thunder’s rebuild continues, one thing is for sure: the point guard position will remain a key piece of the team’s strategy. And for Thunder fans, that means they’ll always have a reason to be excited about the future of OKC basketball.

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