In the world of basketball, scoring often hogs the limelight, with high-flying dunks and clutch three-pointers stealing the show. However, there is another art form that deserves equal recognition – the art of passing. At the heart of every successful team is a skilled passer, capable of threading the needle with precision and creating scoring opportunities for their teammates. These players are known as assist kings, and their impact on the game is immeasurable.
Let’s delve into the skills and impact of some of the NBA’s best passers, who excel in making their teammates shine.
One name synonymous with the art of passing is Magic Johnson. The Los Angeles Lakers legend possessed the uncanny ability to see plays develop even before they occurred. Standing at 6’9″, Magic had the height advantage to see over defenses, making him a nightmare for opponents. His no-look passes became legendary, mesmerizing fans and leaving defenses scrambling. Johnson’s passing prowess played an instrumental role in the Lakers’ triumphant runs in the ’80s, and his impact on the game can still be felt to this day.
Another player who revolutionized the art of passing is John Stockton. Playing for the Utah Jazz for his entire career, Stockton’s ability to control the game with his passing made him a force to be reckoned with. Stockton led the league in assists per game for nine consecutive seasons, a record that still stands. His chemistry with Karl Malone became the stuff of legends, with their pick-and-roll partnership leading to countless highlight-reel plays. Stockton’s passing skills not only made his teammates better but also influenced a whole generation of point guards.
Chris Paul, currently playing for the Phoenix Suns, is another name that cannot be omitted from any discussion of great passers. Paul’s court vision and ability to find open teammates with perfect timing have earned him the moniker “The Point God.” His impact on a team’s success can be seen from the numerous franchise turnarounds he has been a part of, most notably with the Los Angeles Clippers and now the Phoenix Suns. Paul’s leadership and playmaking skills have elevated entire teams, and his basketball IQ is unmatched.
LeBron James, perhaps the most physically gifted player in NBA history, is also among the top passers the league has ever seen. With his combination of size, speed, and vision, James can make passes that seem inconceivable to mere mortals. His ability to find open shooters in the blink of an eye has been a trademark throughout his career. The “LeBron James chase-down block” may be his signature move, but his court vision and passing ability cannot be overlooked. Countless times, James has elevated his teammates’ games by creating scoring opportunities that others simply cannot see.
These assist kings not only possess incredible passing skills but also have the ability to positively influence their teammates. Great passers create an atmosphere of unselfishness and teamwork, inspiring their squad to move the ball and make the extra pass. They elevate the game beyond individual achievements and focus on the collective success of the team.
So, the next time a highlight play leaves you in awe, take a moment to appreciate the skill and impact of the assist kings – the maestros of the basketball court. Without their magical passes, the game would lack the beauty of teamwork and the joy of witnessing mesmerizing plays. These unsung heroes deserve recognition for their ability to make basketball an art form on its own.