The NBA has seen many players who have redefined the point guard position through their elite passing abilities and vision. These players have played a key role in shaping the game, as their ability to assist and set up teammates has helped their teams to success. Among them are the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA, who stand out not only for their incredible assists but also for their impact on the game and the teams they played for.
Here’s a look at Top 10 All Time Assist Leaders in NBA History:
10. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas, a two-time NBA champion with the Detroit Pistons, stands as one of the all-time great point guards in NBA history. With 9,061 career assists, Thomas is ranked among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. Known for his toughness, leadership, and clutch performances, Thomas was the leader of the “Bad Boys” Pistons, guiding them to back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990. Despite being just 6 feet tall, Thomas’s ability to control the tempo of the game and deliver pinpoint passes was integral to the success of the Pistons throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Detroit Pistons | 9,061 |
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9. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook is one of the most dynamic players the NBA has ever seen. Known for his explosive athleticism, relentless motor, and triple-double feats, Westbrook has also become one of the best passers of his generation. With 9,755 career assists, he ranks 9th among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. Westbrook’s ability to contribute across multiple facets of the game—scoring, rebounding, and facilitating—has made him a perennial triple-double threat. His passing has evolved over the years, becoming a key component of his game as he helped lead teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and Los Angeles Lakers.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Thunder, Rockets, Wizards, Lakers | 9,755 |
8. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, known as “The Big O,” was ahead of his time as a versatile point guard. He is the first player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, a feat that remains one of the most iconic records in the league. With 9,887 career assists, Robertson ranks 8th among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. His all-around game made him one of the most dangerous and unpredictable players in NBA history, and he is still regarded as one of the most complete point guards to ever play the game. Robertson’s passing skills were central to his success with both the Cincinnati Royals and Milwaukee Bucks.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks | 9,887 |
7. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson is arguably the greatest point guard to ever play in the NBA. Renowned for his exceptional vision, passing ability, and leadership, Magic helped lead the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships during the 1980s. With 10,141 career assists, he ranks 7th among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. Johnson was a key figure in the Lakers’ “Showtime” era, where his fast-paced, entertaining style of basketball captivated fans and transformed the way the game was played. His basketball IQ and ability to create opportunities for his teammates made him a true legend in NBA history.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Los Angeles Lakers | 10,141 |
6. Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson, though not always in the spotlight like other point guards on this list, was one of the most skilled passers in NBA history. Jackson ranks 6th among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA with 10,334 career assists. Known for his exceptional basketball IQ and flashy passing, Jackson played for several teams during his 17-season career, including the New York Knicks, Indiana Pacers, and Golden State Warriors. His leadership and playmaking were essential for the success of the Pacers in the late 1990s and early 2000s, and he later played a key role in mentoring the Warriors during their championship run in the 2010s.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Knicks, Pacers, Warriors, Others | 10,334 |
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5. Steve Nash
Steve Nash, one of the best point guards in NBA history, is known for his incredible shooting ability and precision passing. With 10,335 career assists, Nash ranks 5th among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. He revolutionized the point guard position with his unique ability to make pinpoint passes while running fast-paced offenses. Nash played for the Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Lakers, earning two MVP awards along the way. His incredible basketball IQ and unselfish playmaking helped to change the game, and he remains one of the greatest passers the league has ever seen.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers | 10,335 |
4. LeBron James
LeBron James is primarily known for his scoring ability, but his passing skills have also placed him among the elite playmakers in NBA history. With 11,356 career assists, LeBron ranks 4th among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. Over his 20-year career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, and Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron has consistently been one of the best facilitators in the game. His ability to read defenses and deliver passes in tight spaces has made him a true offensive weapon. Despite playing as a forward, LeBron’s passing has been a key aspect of his game and one of the reasons for his success in both regular seasons and playoffs.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers | 11,356 |
3. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd is widely regarded as one of the best all-around point guards in NBA history. Known for his elite passing, leadership, and defensive skills, Kidd ranks 3rd among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA with 12,091 career assists. Kidd played for multiple teams during his career, including the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, and Phoenix Suns. His ability to make his teammates better and his leadership on both ends of the floor were instrumental in his success, including leading the Mavericks to an NBA championship in 2011. Kidd’s passing, especially in transition, was one of his biggest strengths.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Phoenix Suns | 12,091 |
2. Chris Paul
Chris Paul has been one of the most efficient point guards in NBA history. With 12,239 career assists, Paul ranks 2nd among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA. Known for his precise passing, leadership, and high basketball IQ, Paul has played for several teams, including the New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, and Phoenix Suns. His ability to control the game and set up his teammates for easy baskets has been a hallmark of his career. Paul’s vision and decision-making have earned him numerous All-Star selections and multiple All-NBA honors throughout his career.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Phoenix Suns | 12,239 |
1. John Stockton
John Stockton holds the distinction of being the greatest all time assist leaders in NBA history, with an astonishing 15,806 career assists. Stockton spent his entire 19-year career with the Utah Jazz, where his unselfish playmaking and court vision helped elevate the team to great success. Known for his ability to run the pick-and-roll to perfection with Karl Malone, Stockton’s passing and leadership were key to the Jazz’s sustained success in the 1990s. His career assists record is one of the most unbreakable records in NBA history, solidifying his legacy among the All Time Assist Leaders in NBA for the foreseeable future.
Team | Total Assists |
---|---|
Utah Jazz | 15,806 |
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