Magic Johnson says scoring point guards have changed the NBA forever

Magic Johnson believes the rise of scoring point guards has dramatically transformed the NBA, and he’s not complaining about it.

Magic Johnson, the five-time NBA champion and one of the greatest point guards in league history, says the modern NBA is unrecognizable compared to his era: all because point guards now score more than ever.

During a rare public appearance, Johnson reflected on how the game has evolved since his playing days. He pointed to the growing dominance of scoring point guards as the biggest change in today’s league.

**"I score, but I'm really looking to set it up first"** Johnson made the comment while discussing the shift in point guard play. He emphasized that his generation prioritized playmaking above all else.

"I score, but I'm really looking to set it up first and set my teammates up first, pass first and then shoot second," Johnson said. His words captured the contrast between his era and today’s game.

What changed in the NBA?

Johnson’s observation highlights a clear shift in the point guard position. In his prime, floor generals focused on orchestrating plays and controlling tempo. Scoring was important, but facilitating came first.

Magic embodied that philosophy. Today, point guards refuse to be limited to just playmaking. They demand the ball to score, too.

The trend started with guards like Allen Iverson and Steve Nash in the late '90s. By the 2000s, it became the norm. Then came Stephen Curry, Damian Lillard, Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant and Trae Young in the 2010s.

How scoring point guards dominate today

The numbers back Johnson’s take. During his prime, point guards rarely averaged 25 or 30 points per game. Today, elite guards hit those marks while still handling playmaking duties.

Big point guards like Luka Dončić and Ben Simmons proved tall players can thrive at the position. They combine size with scoring and playmaking in ways Magic never had to.

Johnson’s Lakers teammate Michael Cooper agrees. He still believes Magic remains the greatest point guard ever.

"Yeah, I would say so," Cooper said. "Only reason I say that… because there's been some great names: Allen Iverson was a hell of a point guard. Isiah Thomas, another good point guard. Bob Cousy, in his own way, a great, Steph Curry."

Why Magic still stands above the rest

Cooper’s point underscores why Johnson’s legacy endures. Modern guards may light up the box score, but none do it all like Magic did.

"But as far as for me, what Magic did… in a point guard you look for speed, you look for creativity, Magic had all that in a big package," Cooper added.

Johnson wasn’t just a playmaker. He averaged 30 points and double-doubles in his prime. Today’s top scorers post big numbers, but often lack Magic’s all-around impact.

What comes next for the position?

The rise of scoring point guards shows no signs of slowing. Young players keep pushing the boundaries of what’s possible at the position.

Magic’s take reflects his deep understanding of the game. He embraces the change, even as it reshapes the league he once ruled.

"The game has changed because the point guards score more today, right? Scoring point guards," Johnson said. His words capture the evolution he’s witnessed firsthand.