It's Friday, which means it's time to 'Get to Know the NBA.'
Today, we are covering the top 10 assist makers in NBA history.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/626003339220c8838eebb440/62e3ce44d6e54cda95fa1114_Stockton.jpg)
1.John Stockton- (1984-2003)- 15,806 career assists
John Stockton is the undisputed king of the assist. The former Utah Jazz point guard averaged 10.5 APG over a 19 year career. Leading the league in assists for nine straight seasons, from 1988-1996. He formed a dynamic duo with Karl Malone and the two led the Jazz to great success throughout the 1990's, including two NBA Finals appearances.
Stockton's great eye for a pass helped make him an 11x All NBA member and a 10x All Star, while his defense helped make him one of the best point guards of all time.
2.Jason Kidd-(1994-2013)- 12,091 career assists
Jason Kidd is regarded as one of the best point guards of his era and his numbers back it up. Kidd played for four different teams during his career, and was regarded as one of the best point guards in the league wherever he went. Leading the league in assists on five occasions, while also being regarded as one of the Nets greatest ever players, having spent seven years with the franchise.
Kidd was a master disher and defender, which led to five All NBA selections and 9 All Defense. In 2008 he returned to the Dallas Mavericks, winning his one and only ring with the franchise in 2011.
3.Chris Paul-(2005-Present)- 10,977 career assists*
CP3 is seen as the best point guard of the modern era, especially playing as a more traditional PG in the era of flash, lack of defense and three pointers being the core values of most point guards. The only blemish on Paul's resume is the absence of a Championship ring.
The 37 year old is still seen as one of the best in his position and led the league in assists in 2022, the fifth time in his career. He is a 12x All Star, an 11x All NBA selectee and has plenty more assists to dish out.
4.Steve Nash-(1996-2014)- 10,335 career assists
One of the best point guards of his era and one of the most efficient players of all time. Nash dominated, especially during his time with the Phoenix Suns. Where he was a 2x MVP, winning back to back awards in 2005 & 2006. He was also a 4x member of the 50/40/90 club, showing he was much more than just assisting his teammates.
Nash led the league in assists five times and averaged 10.5 assists or more on seven occasions during his career.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/626003339220c8838eebb440/62e3d469b79231858748a031_Nash.jpg)
5.Mark Jackson-(1987-2004)- 10,334 career assists
Without doubt the most underrated member of the top 5, Mark Jackson was far from a superstar but he worked hard his entire career and boy could he dish out assists. The former Warriors head coach, was Rookie of the Year in 1988 and shone, especially in his early years in the league.
Jackson was only 1x All Star and led the league in assists just once but he was still one of the best point guards throughout the 1990's.
6.Magic Johnson-(1979-1991,1996)- 10,141 career assists
Earvin Johnson is the 'King of the Assist' in the eyes of most people, let's face it, you don't get a nickname like 'Magic' without providing flash. The legendary Lakers point guard averaged 11.2 assists per game throughout his career, leading the league in assists on four occasions, while bringing a new era of no-look passes and flash to the NBA & point guard position.
Magic is also one of the few players on the list to be viewed as not only the best point guard of all time but one of the best players of all time. Johnson having been a 5x NBA Champion and 3x MVP, while boasting a scoring average of 19.5 PPG. In my mind the greatest point guard of all time.
7.LeBron James-(2003-Present)- 10,045 career assists*
LeBron will probably not be remembered for his passing or assists but he is one of the best to do it. That is why he is not just the only non-point guard to make the top 10 but he is the only non-point guard in the top 30 in career assists.
The 37 year old led the league in assists in 2020, while boasting a 7.4 APG career average, despite also being the lead scorer on every team he has played for. The King is a 4x Champion, Finals MVP & League MVP and the only player in NBA history to have at least 30,000 points, 10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.
8.Oscar Robertson-(1960-1974)- 9,887 career assists
Robertson is one of the most dominant point guards the NBA has ever seen. Boasting career averages of 25.7 PPG & 9.5 APG. The former MVP led the league in assists six times, while being named to the All-NBA team on 11 occasions.
During his first 10 seasons in the NBA, Robertson averaged a whopping 29.2 points & 10.2 assists but did not win his first championship until his final years in the league. Winning with the Milwaukee Bucks, alongside Kareem Abdul Jabbar in 1971.
9.Isiah Thomas-(1981-1994)- 9,061 career assists
Isiah Thomas had a somewhat controversial career in the NBA but he was one of the best point guards of his era and could dish with the best of them. Leading the league in assists in 1985. He was also the most dominant scorer for the 'Bad Boy Pistons' and during his prime years averaged 20.3 PPG & 9.9 APG.
Thomas' elite passing and scoring ability made him a 12x All Star, 5x All NBA member and helped him lead the Detroit Pistons to back to back NBA Titles in 1989 & 1990.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/626003339220c8838eebb440/62cc4cb50d838f5a458be89c_Thomas.jpg)
10.Gary Payton-(1990-2007)- 8,966 career assists
The Glove was arguably best known for his defensive exploits but he had a great offensive game too, which helped make him one of the best point guards in the NBA during the 1990's. In his prime he could pass and score at an elite level and helped lead his Seattle SuperSonics to the NBA Finals in 1996 but they were beaten by the Chicago Bulls.
Payton's longevity helped him crack the top 10 and also brought him an NBA Championship. The former Defensive Player of the Year coming off the bench for the Miami Heat in 2006. Defense is what you remember but it was passing and scoring that made him one of the best of his era.
*Player is still playing
(PHOTO- Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)
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