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Who Has the Most Assists in NBA History? All-Time Leaders Ranked

· Mar 10 - 5 minutes read

When you think of basketball greatness, scoring often comes to mind first. But let’s not forget about those who make everyone else look good. The guys who rack up assists, setting up teammates for highlight-reel dunks and clutch shots. If you’ve been living under a rock (or just focused on the NBA all-time scoring leaders list), here’s a breakdown of the NBA assist leaders of all-time and who’s making the most magic happen with their passes.

This list isn’t just about who can dish out the best passes – it’s about the players who’ve been consistent and shaped the game over the years. Let’s look at the top five players who have dished out the most assists ever.

Who Has the Most Assists in NBA History? All-Time Leaders Ranked — Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers | Matthew Stockman/Getty Images/AFP

Top 5 NBA Assists Leaders All-Time

5. Steve Nash

As one of the best playmakers to ever hit the court, racking up 10,335 assists, Steve Nash’s assist game was on another level. Known for his precision and creativity, Nash didn’t just rack up numbers; he made his teammates look good while doing it. Whether it was a silky bounce pass or a perfectly timed lob, Nash’s assists were a thing of beauty, and that’s why he ranks so high on the all-time assist list.

But it wasn’t just about the numbers. Nash’s basketball IQ made him one of the NBA active players with the highest basketball IQ, always knowing when to push the tempo or slow things down. His legacy in Phoenix is forever tied to the run-and-gun offense and ensured his passes were the engine that drove it.

4. LeBron James

At first glance, LeBron James might seem like a scoring machine, but his playmaking ability is just as remarkable. His spot on the NBA career assist leaders list with 11,421 assists isn’t a fluke. Whether you like him or not (and let’s be honest, everyone has an opinion), James’s ability to pass, facilitate, and create plays for his teammates is a huge part of why he’s arguably the greatest of all time.

After all, he’s still out there, showing the world that age is just a number while putting together some of the best All-Time NBA Starting Lineups alongside his teammates. James is the kind of player who can effortlessly remind us why he’s on the list of NBA assist leaders of all time. And if he keeps playing at this level, he’ll keep climbing this list.

3. Jason Kidd

It’s hard to talk about point guards without mentioning Jason Kidd. A triple-double threat with over 12,091 assists, Kidd’s pass-first mentality was a big part of his success. His knack for setting up teammates in the right spots helped elevate some of the top 20 best NBA players of all time of his era. He wasn’t flashy, but his passing was as effective as it was precise.

Kidd’s name will permanently be etched into the conversation regarding the most assists in NBA history, not just for his ability to dish the rock but for his leadership on the court. He understood the flow of the game better than most, and it’s no surprise to see him in the top 3 for the NBA assists record.

2. Chris Paul

Chris Paul’s career has been defined by his ability to make his teammates better. With tallying 12,299 career assists, Paul’s passing ability puts him right near the top of the NBA assist leaders all time. His precision and deep understanding of the game make him one of the best floor generals the NBA has ever seen.

What sets Chris Paul apart is his ability to run any offense, adjust on the fly, and still put up big assist numbers. Even as he ages, he remains one of the most valuable playmakers in the league. If he can finally snag a championship, he’ll further cement his place in history among the all-time assist greats.

1. John Stockton

And finally, the most assists in NBA history – John Stockton. No one can touch Stockton’s career if we’re talking about longevity, vision, and pure assist mastery. It will take a ridiculous career for any player to top his 15,806 assists (good luck). Stockton was the kind of player who could set up plays effortlessly, making even the most difficult passes look routine. His timing, court awareness, and ability to deliver the ball in perfect spots for teammates like Karl Malone made him one of the best ever to do it.

Stockton was far from flashy, but he got the job done. And because of that, he’s the undisputed leader for NBA career assist leaders. Whether leading the Jazz to the playoffs or setting up the best-ever NBA players from overseas with perfect passes, Stockton was always in control.