When we think of the NBA’s greatest players, we often focus on scoring records, slam dunks, and defensive prowess. However, the art of assists is equally as important and deserves recognition. An assist not only displays basketball IQ but also highlights the selfless nature of a player, as they prioritize setting up their teammates for success rather than personal glory. Let’s take a closer look at some of the NBA’s greatest assists and the players who have etched their names into basketball history through their exceptional passing skills.
When discussing assists, one player that immediately comes to mind is Magic Johnson. Standing at 6’9″, Johnson revolutionized the point guard position with his size and versatility. He averaged an incredible 11.2 assists per game over his career and tops the all-time assists list with 10,141. Making plays and breaking records seemed to come naturally to the Los Angeles Lakers legend. Johnson’s flashy style of passing, often involving no-look and behind-the-back dimes, left fans in awe. His exceptional court vision, combined with his ability to accurately deliver the ball to his teammates, made him a once-in-a-lifetime player.
Another player whose name has become synonymous with assists is John Stockton. Stockton spent his entire 19-year career with the Utah Jazz, where he formed a formidable partnership with Karl Malone. Stockton’s playmaking ability was a key factor in the Jazz’s success throughout the 1990s. Stockton’s consistently high assist averages, including a record-setting 14.5 assists per game in the 1989-90 season, earned him the title of the NBA’s all-time leader in career assists with 15,806. An incredibly disciplined player, Stockton rarely made mistakes with the ball, and his ability to thread the needle with precise passes was unparalleled.
Moving on to more recent times, a name that cannot be ignored when discussing assists is Chris Paul. Paul has been instrumental in turning around multiple franchises, thanks in large part to his elite playmaking skills. He has consistently been among the league leaders in assists, showcasing his basketball IQ and leadership on the court. Paul’s ability to get his teammates involved and create scoring opportunities out of thin air is nothing short of spectacular. As of this writing, Paul ranks fifth on the all-time assists list, amassing an impressive 10,275 assists throughout his career.
Of course, no discussion about assists would be complete without mentioning the current assist king, LeBron James. Already known for his scoring ability and dominant presence on the court, James has also established himself as a phenomenal facilitator. With his size and vision, James sees passing lanes that others can only dream of. He has transformed the role of the point forward, where he combines the skills of a traditional point guard with his scoring prowess. Currently sitting sixth on the all-time assists list, James has shown no signs of slowing down and will likely continue to rise in the rankings.
Assists are often the unsung heroes of basketball, overshadowed by flashy dunks and game-winning shots. However, they are crucial elements that contribute to team success and showcase a player’s exceptional abilities. Magic Johnson, John Stockton, Chris Paul, and LeBron James have all left a lasting impact on the game through their extraordinary playmaking skills. Their records and plays on the court will forever be remembered, and they have set the bar high for future generations of basketball players.