Most Assists in NBA History

While it’s easy to focus on the exciting moments like huge dunks and long-range shots but the true secret to winning often lies in the assist. An assist is more than just a statistic as it reflects a player’s commitment to the team. Many of the greatest players in NBA history have made their mark through their passing skills but none can compare to John Stockton. Legend of the Utah Jazz recorded 15,806 career assists, which is the most assists in NBA history. This record has remained unbroken since his retirement in 2003.

Top 5 Most Assists in NBA History

Here are the top 5 players with the most assists in NBA history that showcase consistency and the ability to elevate teammates.

John Stockton (15,806 Assists)

Career: 1984-2003
Teams: Utah Jazz

John Stockton has dedicated his whole 19 year of NBA career to the Utah Jazz which is unheard-of . He holds the record for the most assists in NBA history with 15,806. It is a figure so far beyond anyone else’s that it seems almost impossible to surpass. Stockton dominated the league in assists for nine consecutive seasons and demonstrated his incredible consistency. His passes were straightforward, precise and perfectly timed especially during his famous pick-and-roll with Karl Malone.

Chris Paul (12,499* Assists)

Career: 2005-present
Teams: New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Oklahoma City Thunder, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, San Antonio Spurs

Chris Paul is recognized as one of the most intelligent and talented point guards in the history of the NBA. He has improved every team he has been a part of and currently holds the second position all-time in assists with over 12,499. He made history in 2023 as the first player to achieve 20,000 points and 12,000 assists. Even as he approaches the later stages of his career, he remains a threat with his mid-range shooting and playmaking abilities.

Jason Kidd (12,091 Assists)

Career: 1994-2013
Teams: Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets, New York Knicks

Jason Kidd established himself as one of the greatest passers in basketball history. He leveraged his height, rebounding ability and court vision to dominate games in ways that few point guards could match. He accumulated 12,091 assists in his 19 year career. Kidd was famous for his no-look passes, full-court throws and alley-oops that brought energy to his teams. He developed into a reliable three-point shooter later in his career which contributed to his NBA championship win.

LeBron James (11,584* Assists)

Career: 2003-present
Teams: Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers

LeBron James is a exception one on the all-time assists list because he isn’t a traditional point guard. He plays like a forward but passes like a guard with over 11,500 career assists. His playmaking is often compared to Magic Johnson’s as he thrives in transition and finds teammates with pinpoint passes. Still active in his 22nd season, LeBron continues to add to his totals and cementing his legacy as one of the greatest all-around players ever.

Steve Nash (10,355 Assists)

Career: 1996-2015
Teams: Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers

Steve Nash was the leader of the Phoenix Suns’ famous “Seven Seconds or Less” offense and one of the greatest pure point guards ever. He recorded 10,335 assists in his 18-year of NBA career. Nash was creative and used one-handed passes at unique angles that made him nearly impossible to defend. His career high was 22 assists in a game against the Knicks in 2006. Beyond stats, Nash was known for his leadership as he gave out hundreds of high-fives in a single game to keep teammates engaged.