It seems that it's usually "common knowledge" that great teams have great point guards. He touches the ball on every possession, and it makes sense. However, I've watched Derek Fisher led teams beat numerous teams with better point guards. In fact, just this year, his team has already beaten Deron Williams' and Steve Nash's. Throw in Chris Paul and you have what is considered by many to be the best three point guards in the league right now, and they have one thing in common: 0 championships. In fact, I don't think any of them have even made it to the finals. I started thinking deeper, and wondered if Parker and Billups could possibly have been the only "star" point guards to win Championships since Joe Dumars and Isiah Thomas won two championships in the late 80's/early 90's. I compiled a list, and I'm thinking I was right. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on any of these:
Championship Point Guards:
Ron Harper: 5
Tony Parker: 3
Derek Fisher: 2
John Paxson: 2
Kenny Smith: 2
Avery Johnson: 1
BJ Armstrong: 1
Chauncey Billups: 1
Rajon Rondo: 1
Jason Williams: 1
The only one that could be argued as the best player on his team is Chauncey Billups. Parker was awfully good, but he wasn't as good as Duncan, and that's about it for people even in the realm of being a star point guard. Most of these other point guards are the 4th best player at best, and often the worst starter.
2008-2009 Champions: Lakers
Point Guard: Derek Fisher
2007-2008 Champions: Celtics
Point Guard: Rajon Rondo
2006-2007 Champions: Spurs
Point Guard: Tony Parker
2005-2006 Champions: Heat
Point Guard: Jason Williams
2004-2005 Champions: Spurs
Point Guard: Tony Parker
2003-2004 Champions: Pistons
Point Guard: Chauncey Billups
2002-2003 Champions: Spurs
Point Guard: Tony Parker
2001-2002 Champions: Lakers
Point Guard: Derek Fisher
2000-2001 Champions: Lakers
Point Guard: Ron Harper
1999-2000 Champions: Lakers
Point Guard: Ron Harper
1998-1999 Champions: Spurs
Point Guard: Avery Johnson
1997-1998 Champions: Bulls
Point Guard: Ron Harper
1996-1997 Champions: Bulls
Point Guard: Ron Harper
1995-1996 Champions: Bulls
Point Guard: Ron Harper
1994-1995 Champions: Rockets
Point Guard: Kenny Smith
1993-1994 Champions: Rockets
Point Guard: Kenny Smith
1992-1993 Champions: Bulls
Point Guard: BJ Armstrong
1991-1992 Champions: Bulls
Point Guard: John Paxson
1990-1991 Champions: Bulls
Point Guard: John Paxson