12 NBA Players with Most Assists

Scoring will make the headlines, but assists will maintain the flow of the game. Passers are often ignored for their contribution during the game, but it is because of them that the team manages to get the points under their name.

  • Surbhi Khera
  • 4 min read
12 NBA Players with Most Assists
© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

It is said that in the world of basketball, scoring is the main deal but it is the assists that define the game. A passer not only helps to get that point in the bag, but also helps in maintaining the team coordination, resulting in a better outcome.

12. Andre Miller

© Perry Nelson-Imagn Images © Perry Nelson-Imagn Images

Andre Miller is a model of reliability, steadiness, and dependability. He has played 1304 games with multiple NBA teams and missed only three games in 17 seasons. He tallied 8,524 assists in his professional NBA career. His basketball IQ is commendable. 

11. Gary Payton

© Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images © Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Gary Payton, who is famously known by the nickname ‘the glove,’ is one of the towering figures of the NBA. He was associated with multiple NBA teams and turned out to be one of the toughest point guards. He tallied 8,966 assists in the NBA.

10. Isiah Thomas

© Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images © Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Isiah Thomas, who goes by the moniker Zeke, is the epitome of consistency and loyalty. He spent his entire career with the Pistons. He has registered 9,061 assists in his professional career. A 12-time NBA All-Star, he is known for his clutch performances and competitive nature.

9. Russell Westbrook

© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Mr. Triple-Double, or popularly known as ‘Brodie’, Russell Westbrook is among the explosive players in the NBA. He broke Oscar Robertson’s record of triple-doubles in 2021. Clippers’ point guard is a nine-time NBA All-Star, which reflects his consistency and exceptional gameplay. The explosive player has more than 9162 assists.

8. Oscar Roberton

© Ronald Overdahl, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel © Ronald Overdahl, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Oscar Roberton, often called ‘Big O’ has unmatchable talent and skills. The 12-time NBA MVP has 9,887 career assists. He is one of the greatest all-around players in the NBA. He became the first player to average a triple-double, which remained untouched till 2021 when Russell Westbrook came to conquer the throne.

7. Magic Johnson

© Denny Medley-Imagn Images © Denny Medley-Imagn Images

Magic Johnson’s talent ensures his place in the record books and makes him a sports legend. One of the most dominant players of his era, Johnson made 10,141 career assists. His court vision, leadership qualities, and versatility make him stand out.

6. Mark Jackson

© Kirby Lee-Imagn Images © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

A dedicated passer, respected coach, and a famous broadcaster, Mark Jackson’s career has seen multiple facets. He is known for his durability and defensive techniques. Mark Jackson has 10,334 career assists and has played for multiple teams.

5. Steve Nash

© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images © Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Steve Nash is the first Canadian to win an NBA MVP and one of the most remarkable point guards in the NBA. He is celebrated for his game efficiency and vision on the court. Although his career slowed down due to injuries, he managed to secure a place in the list of various record holders. He has 10,335 assists, which is the 5th All-Time in the NBA. 

4. Jason Kidd

© Russ Isabella-Imagn Images © Russ Isabella-Imagn Images

Jason Kidd is considered the master of passing and dominant defense. He is a 10-time NBA All-Star, and with 12,901 assists, he is in third position on the list of players with the most assists. Currently, he is the head coach of the Mavericks and even took them to the 2024 NBA finals.

3. LeBron James

© Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

LeBron James is popularly hailed as ‘King James,’ is considered to be one of the most versatile players in NBA history. His exceptional leadership qualities and gameplay make him stand out. The 20-time NBA All-Star has 11,584 career assists.

2. Chris Paul

© Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images © Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Chris Paul, popularly known as CP3, is one of the greatest point guards in the history of the NBA. He is recognized for his on-court approach, court vision, and clutch decision-making. He was associated with multiple NBA teams throughout his career and is currently spreading his magic for the Spurs. He is trailing closely with Stockton’s record, and is the 2nd All-Time in NBA assists with 12,499+ assists as of 2025.

1. John Stockton

© Kyle Terada-Imagn Images © Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

Jazz’s Point guard, John Stockton, is considered one of the best passers in the history of the NBA. He is a ten-time NBA All-Star who is the league’s assists leader and managed to set a record of 15,806 assists. The record was made in 2003, and it was said to be light-years ahead of the competition.

Written by: Surbhi Khera

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