Most Steals in NBA History

While flashy dunks and long-range threes often grab attention, one of the most fundamental skills in basketball is the steal. A single quick swipe can alter the course of a game, shifting momentum and leaving opponents frustrated. The all-time steals leaderboard highlights the players with the most steals in NBA history, showcasing the greatest defensive talents the game has ever seen. At the very top is John Stockton, whose 3,265 steals stand as a nearly unbeatable record. Following him are legends like Chris Paul and LeBron James, who are still making their way up the list. Current stars continue to demonstrate that steals are one of the clearest indicators of defensive excellence, even though Stockton’s record may never be broken.

Top 5 Most Steals in NBA History

Here are the top 5 players with the most steals in NBA history, proving that steals are game-changing moments that can swing the outcome of a game.

John Stockton (3,265 Career Steals)

Career: 1984-2003
Teams: Utah Jazz

John Stockton holds the record for most steals in NBA history with a total of 3,265. He spent 19 seasons with the Utah Jazz, earning a reputation for his solid defense and keen anticipation, while only missing 22 games. Stockton topped the league in steals on two occasions (1989 and 1992) and even recorded 9 steals in a single game once. His career average of 2.2 steals per game across 1,504 games highlights his consistency.

Chris Paul (2,717 Career Steals)

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 has just overtaken Jason Kidd to claim the 2nd spot on the all-time steals list, making him the leading active player. Chris Paul grabbed over 2,700 steals in his career, showing quick reflexes, smart defensive plays, and relentless effort to build his reputation. He topped the league in steals six times and achieved a career milestone with 9 steals in a single game. He is one of just two players, alongside John Stockton who are in the top three all-time for both steals and assists.

Jason Kidd (2,684 Career Steals)

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

Jason Kidd finished his 19-year career with 2,684 games played. He was famous for his quick hands and sharp defensive instincts, averaging nearly 2 steals per game. He also led the league in steals per game twice, in 2002 and 2003 with the Nets. His career-high was 7 steals in a single game, a feat he achieved several times. He’s one of only three players with John Stockton and Chris Paul to rank top three all-time in both steals and assists.

Michael Jordan (2,514 Career Steals)

Career: 1984-1993, 1995-1998, 2001-2003
Teams: Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards

Michael Jordan had 2,514, which is pretty wild considering he only played 15 seasons. He had an average of 2.3 steals per game, led the league three times (in 1988, 1990, and 1993), and even recorded a game with 10 steals in 1988. That same year, he earned the Defensive Player of the Year award while averaging 3.2 steals per game. When you add in his six championships, it’s obvious that Jordan wasn’t just the top scorer, he was also one of the most intimidating defenders in history.

Gary Payton (2,445 Career Steals)

Career: 1990-2007
Teams: Seattle SuperSonics, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, Miami Heat

Gary Payton wrapped up his 17-year career with 2,445 steals, averaging nearly two per game. His best season was in 1995-96, when he topped the league with an average of 2.9 steals per game. He also became the first and still the only point guard to win the Defensive Player of the Year award. For three consecutive seasons, he averaged more than 2.5 steals per game, proving himself as the ultimate perimeter defender of the 90’s.