In the NBA, teamwork is everything. Players like John Stockton, who holds the all-time assists record, and Rajon Rondo, a point guard known for his game-changing passes, exemplify this.
Magic Johnson and his legendary assists and Scott Skiles‘ record for most assists in a game highlight the importance of setting up teammates for scores.
Active legends like Chris Paul, LeBron James, and Russell Westbrook keep the art of the assist alive, proving its value in both regular season and playoffs.
This narrative isn’t just about numbers; it’s about how assists turn skilled players into NBA legends, weaving a story of collaboration and success on the basketball court.
Players With the Most Assists in NBA History:
1. John Stockton
John Stockton, loyal to the Utah Jazz throughout his career, played with unmatched skill, making basketball seem easy. He leads with an NBA record of 15,806 assists, marking him as one of the NBA’s 50 greatest players.
His record stands tall, nearly unbeatable, as Stockton sat out just 22 games over his entire career.
2. Jason Kidd
Jason Kidd ranks second in NBA (National Basketball Association) assists, retiring with 12,901 assists, a remarkable feat given his reputation as a triple-double threat, achieving 107 triple-doubles throughout his career.
Kidd is also an all-time assists leader in Brooklyn Nets history.
3. Chris Paul
Chris Paul, one of the still active players on this list in the NBA as of 2024 with the Golden State Warriors, was destined for greatness from the start, earning Rookie of The Year honors in his debut season.
Ranking third among assist leaders, Paul has amassed 11,731 assists, all while being among the assists leaders on every franchise he played on.
4. LeBron James
LeBron James, still active in the NBA with the Los Angeles Lakers as of 2024, continues to increase his assist tally.
With 10,771 assists, he ranks fourth among all-time assists leaders, a remarkable achievement for a forward, not a guard.
5. Steve Nash
Steve Nash, an NBA player from Canada, ranks fifth in career assists with 10,335. Known as one of the Phoenix Suns‘ greatest players, Nash’s skill earned him MVP honors twice.
6. Mark Jackson
Mark Jackson, known for his shooting, rebounding, and exceptional assist skills, ended his career with 10,334 assists.
Following his impressive NBA journey, he coached the Golden State Warriors, guiding them to the playoffs before his departure.
7. Magic Johnson
Magic Johnson, a three-time MVP and five-time champion, is celebrated for his incredible skills and undeniable talent.
With 10,141 assists in his NBA career, he boasts the highest assist-per-game average in history with 11.2.
8. Oscar Robertson
Oscar Robertson, who began his NBA career in the 60s, remains one of the league’s all-time greats.
Crowned MVP in 1964, he led as assists champion six times, amassing 9,887 assists.
Notably, he was the first NBA player to average a triple-double over a season, a feat he extended across his first five NBA seasons.
9. Russell Westbrook
Russell Westbrook, known for his explosive playing style and relentless energy on the court, has accumulated an impressive 9,392 assists throughout his NBA career.
As one of the league’s most dynamic point guards, Westbrook‘s knack for both scoring and facilitating makes him a formidable force on any team.
10. Isiah Thomas
Isiah Thomas, a standout for the Detroit Pistons, earns a spot among the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players.
With two NBA championships and 12 All-Star selections, Thomas proved his excellence on the court. As a proficient point guard, his adept assists contributed to his success, totaling 9,061 by the time of his retirement.
What is the NBA record for assists in a single game?
The NBA record for assists in a game stands at an impressive 30, achieved by Scott Skiles of the Orlando Magic against the Denver Nuggets on December 30, 1990.
This remarkable feat is widely regarded as unbreakable.
Other notable performances include Kevin Porter and his 29 assists for the New Jersey Nets against the Houston Rockets on February 24, 1978, Bob Cousy and his 28 assists for the Boston Celtics against the Minneapolis Lakers on February 27, 1959, and Guy Rodgers‘ matching 28 assists for the San Francisco Warriors against the St. Louis Hawks on March 24, 1963.
John Stockton, known for his consistent excellence, also recorded 28 assists for the Utah Jazz against the San Antonio Spurs on January 15, 1990, further solidifying his place among the NBA’s assist legends.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Who has the most assists in the NBA all-time?
John Stockton holds the record for the most assists in NBA history, with a remarkable total of 15,806 assists over his career.
Who is the all-time NBA assist average?
Magic Johnson holds the all-time NBA assist average record, boasting an impressive average of 11.2 assists per game throughout his career.
Where does LeBron rank in all-time assists?
As of 2024, LeBron James ranks fourth in all-time assists in the NBA, with a total of 10,771 assists to his name.
