The NBA is the biggest stage for the world of basketball, and all-time greats have cemented their legacy, racking up spectacular stats throughout their careers. When it comes to the assist leaders in the NBA all-time charts, who are the players with the most assists in the league’s history?
Records have been demolished and created, while fans stared in awe as legends of the sport dazzled the NBA courts. Some records have stood for decades, like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring tally. Others have been taken over by the crème de la crème of the sport.Â
From LeBron James to Chris Paul, from Jason Kidd to John Stockton, NBA greats have led assist charts while also scoring regularly for their teams. Here are the top players with the most assists in NBA history.
5. Steve Nash: 10,335 Assists
With 10,335 career assists to his name, Steve Nash ranks fifth among assist leaders in the all-time chart. Regarded as one of the best point guards of his generation, Nash was named league MVP twice in 2005 and 2006.
Steve Nash (via AP)Drafted in 1996 by the Phoenix Suns, Nash played across 19 seasons in the NBA. During that period, the legendary point guard topped the assist charts for five seasons in the league: 2005, 2006, 2007, 2010, and 2011. Steve Nash averaged 8.5 assists per game throughout his NBA career.
4. LeBron James: 10,821 Assists*
An all-time great and one of the best players in the history of the league, LeBron James is the modern-day GOAT of the NBA. His illustration career has seen the legend win every accolade, individual and collective.
LeBron’s presence in the leading charts across various categories is a testament to LeBron’s all-around prowess on the court. King James is the second active assist leader among players with the most assists in NBA history. The NBA legend averages 7.4 assists per game in the league.
LeBron James (via Grass and Court)Having already smashed numerous records left and right, LeBron James is the current leader at the top of the NBA’s all-time scoring charts. LeBron is heading a good many all-time stat sheets, including the infamous record for most turnovers in NBA history.
3. Chris Paul: 11,731 Assists*
Chris Paul tops the list among active players in the NBA. Currently playing for the Golden State Warriors, Chris Paul sits third behind Jason Kidd’s second place among NBA assist leaders.
Drafted in 2005 by the then-New Orleans Hornets, Paul evolved into one of the best point guards in the league and has racked up 11,731 assists so far.
Chris Paul (via Instagram)Although CP3 is yet to win a championship in his NBA career, Paul did make the Finals with the Phoenix Suns in 2021. As of now, Chris Paul averages 9.4 assists per game in the NBA.
2. Jason Kidd: 12,091 Assists
Jason Kidd has had a stellar professional career that spanned 19 seasons in the NBA. However, the only championship besides his name may not translate enough of his on-court prowess for his team.
Jason Kidd (via NBA)Known for his lethal rebounding skills and incredible passing vision, Kidd played an integral role in the squad rather than just racking up stats on the scoresheet. Drafted in 1994 by the Dallas Mavericks, Kidd amassed a tally of 12,091 assists in his career until retiring in 2013. Jason Kidd averaged 8.7 assists per game throughout his NBA career.
1. John Stockton: 15,806 Assists
Utah Jazz legend John Stockton amassed an astounding tally of 15,806 assists during his NBA career until retiring in 2003. His record for most assists in the league stands untouched to date.Â
John Stockton (via NBA)Drafted in 1984, Stockton spent the entirety of his career with the Utah Jazz, leading them to two NBA Finals during that time. A ten-time All-Star, John Stockton was the driving force that led the Jazz to 19 consecutive NBA playoffs. He averaged 10.5 assists per game throughout his NBA career.
FAQs
Q. Who has the most assists in NBA history?
John Stockton made the most assists in NBA history.
Q. How many assists did John Stockton make in the NBA?
John Stockton made 15,806 assists in his NBA career.
Q. Where is LeBron James in the all-time NBA assist charts?
LeBron James is fourth among the highest assist providers in NBA history.
In case you missed:
