Dishing out dimes is an art form in the NBA, and these players have mastered it over the years. Whether it’s finding the perfect angle for a lob or threading the needle in traffic, their vision and passing ability make them special. As of today, we’re diving into the current players who have racked up the most assists over their careers. Some are well-known stars, while others might surprise you with just how many they’ve tallied. Let’s check out the list of the assist kings who are still balling today.
- 1. Chris Paul – 11,894 Assists
- 2. LeBron James – 11,009 Assists
- 3. Russell Westbrook – 9,468 Assists
- 4. James Harden – 7,629 Assists
- 5. Kyle Lowry – 7,003 Assists
- 6. Mike Conley – 6,306 Assists
- 7. Jrue Holiday – 6,201 Assists
- 8. Stephen Curry – 6,119 Assists
- 9. Damian Lillard – 5,659 Assists
- 10. Nikola Jokic – 5,267 Assists
1. Chris Paul – 11,894 Assists
Chris Paul, one of the most legendary point guards in NBA history, currently leads all active players with 11,894 assists. After a challenging season with the Golden State Warriors, where he averaged 9.2 points, 6.8 assists, and 3.9 rebounds in 58 games, Paul made the move to the San Antonio Spurs for the 2024-25 season. Now at 39 years old, he’s signed a one-year, $11 million deal and is expected to mentor young talents like Victor Wembanyama in San Antonio.
While his numbers in Golden State might not have been eye-popping, Paul still showcased his ability to take care of the ball, finishing with the second-best assist-to-turnover ratio in the league last season (5.17). As the floor general for the Spurs, Paul’s experience is crucial in helping develop the next generation of players, especially in a young and rebuilding squad.
Looking at his illustrious career, Paul has been a consistent playmaker since entering the league in 2005. He boasts career averages of 9.4 assists, 17.5 points, and 4.5 rebounds per game, while also being third all-time in assists and steals. Despite being one of the oldest players in the league, Paul’s basketball IQ and leadership remain top-tier, making him a valuable asset on any roster. The 2024-25 season with the Spurs could be a fitting final chapter to his storied career as he helps guide young players and continues to climb the all-time assist leaderboard.
2. LeBron James – 11,009 Assists
LeBron James’ playmaking ability has been one of the most impressive aspects of his game. Currently second on the all-time active assists list with 11,009 assists, James has spent his career as a forward with the passing vision of an elite point guard. His court awareness, basketball IQ, and ability to make his teammates better have been key reasons behind his long-standing dominance in the NBA.
As of today, LeBron continues to perform at a high level with the Los Angeles Lakers. Heading into his 22nd NBA season, James still finds ways to contribute significantly to the team’s offense, orchestrating plays and creating opportunities for his teammates. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 8.3 assists per game, which shows he hasn’t lost his touch.
LeBron’s longevity and consistency are remarkable. At 39, he’s still pushing the boundaries of what players his age can do. His assists total reflects his unselfish style of play, always prioritizing team success over personal accolades. Whether he’s driving to the basket and kicking out to shooters or running a fast break, LeBron’s ability to pass the ball continues to put him among the best playmakers of all time.
3. Russell Westbrook – 9,468 Assists
Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic and energetic point guards in NBA history, currently ranks third among active players with 9,468 assists. With his aggressive playing style and his ability to rack up triple-doubles, Westbrook has been a key playmaker throughout his career. After finishing the 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, where he averaged 4.5 assists per game, Westbrook made a significant change for the upcoming season by signing a two-year deal with the Denver Nuggets.
In Denver, Westbrook is expected to play a vital role coming off the bench as Jamal Murray’s primary backup. His experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to the reigning champions, especially with Nikola Jokic advocating for his signing. Despite a reduced role in recent years, Westbrook’s relentless drive and leadership will be key in helping the Nuggets maintain their depth and energy.
Westbrook’s career has seen him play for multiple teams, but his ability to create plays for others and bring intensity on both ends of the court remains unmatched. As he begins his next chapter in Denver, the Nuggets will look to him to provide veteran leadership and consistent playmaking as they aim for another title run.
4. James Harden – 7,629 Assists
James Harden remains one of the top playmakers in the NBA, currently sitting at 7,629 assists. After an eventful 2023-24 season with the Los Angeles Clippers, Harden re-signed with the team on a two-year, $70 million deal. While his scoring numbers have dropped compared to his prime, Harden still averaged 8.5 assists per game last season, showcasing his elite court vision and ability to create for his teammates.
In 2024, Harden will be leading a Clippers team without Paul George, who joined the Philadelphia 76ers. This puts even more responsibility on Harden to connect with Kawhi Leonard and guide the team deep into the playoffs. Despite entering his mid-30s, Harden remains a high-IQ playmaker, capable of setting the tempo and exploiting defenses through his passing.
Harden’s role as the primary facilitator has been vital for the Clippers, especially after navigating some early chemistry issues with the roster in 2023. His ability to run the pick-and-roll and find shooters on the perimeter keeps him among the best passers in the league. With the Clippers still considered contenders in the Western Conference, Harden’s leadership and playmaking will be crucial for their championship hopes this season.
5. Kyle Lowry – 7,003 Assists
Kyle Lowry, one of the most respected veteran point guards in the NBA, has accumulated 7,003 assists over his impressive career. Known for his toughness, leadership, and high basketball IQ, Lowry was instrumental in leading the Toronto Raptors to their first-ever NBA championship in 2019. His ability to manage the tempo, make critical passes, and create opportunities for teammates has been a hallmark of his game throughout his career.
Lowry is now set to begin the 2024-25 season with the Philadelphia 76ers. After securing a buyout with the Charlotte Hornets, Lowry signed with the 76ers, where he will provide veteran leadership and playmaking alongside stars like Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. During the 2023-24 season, Lowry continued to show his playmaking skills, averaging 4.2 assists per game.
At 38 years old, Lowry’s role has shifted from being a go-to scorer to a facilitator and mentor. His veteran presence will be crucial for a 76ers team looking to make a deep playoff run. Lowry’s ability to hit timely shots and make smart decisions on the court ensures that he remains a valuable piece in Philadelphia’s rotation.
As the 76ers continue to build around Embiid, Lowry’s experience in high-pressure situations will be an asset. His leadership, combined with his playmaking, could be the key to pushing the 76ers beyond their recent playoff hurdles.
6. Mike Conley – 6,306 Assists
Mike Conley has quietly been one of the best floor generals in the league for years, racking up 6,306 assists along the way. Conley isn’t the flashiest player, but his calm and steady approach to the game has made him a reliable leader on every team he’s been a part of. From his days with the Memphis Grizzlies to his current role with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Conley has always found ways to make his teammates better.
Last season, Conley averaged 5.9 assists per game with the Timberwolves, showing he still has plenty of juice left in the tank despite being 36. His transition to Minnesota has been smooth, and his presence in the locker room has been crucial for a young team aiming to rise in the Western Conference. Conley’s chemistry with Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns has already helped boost the Timberwolves’ offense.
What makes Conley stand out isn’t just his playmaking, but his ability to be a stabilizing force when things get tough. He’s the type of veteran every team needs — someone who knows when to push the tempo and when to slow things down. As Minnesota aims for deeper playoff runs, Conley’s leadership and court vision will be pivotal.
Even though he’s nearing the twilight of his career, Conley is still making a major impact. His ability to distribute the ball and run the offense smoothly has kept him among the top assist leaders in the league. For the Timberwolves, he’s exactly the kind of player they need to help guide their young stars to success.
7. Jrue Holiday – 6,201 Assists
Jrue Holiday has racked up 6,201 assists in his career and has become a key figure for the Boston Celtics. After joining the team in 2023 from the Milwaukee Bucks, Holiday played a pivotal role throughout the 2023-24 season, helping the Celtics secure the NBA championship. His leadership, defense, and ability to facilitate on offense were crucial to Boston’s success.
Ahead of the 2024 playoffs, Holiday signed a four-year, $135 million contract extension, ensuring his future with the team. Holiday’s performance throughout the title run showed why Boston was eager to lock him in for the long term. He averaged 4.8 assists per game during the 2023-24 campaign, maintaining his status as one of the league’s top playmakers.
As the Celtics prepare to defend their title in the upcoming 2024-25 season, Holiday will continue to be a cornerstone for the team’s ambitions, anchoring the backcourt alongside stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. His playmaking and defensive expertise make him an indispensable part of Boston’s championship aspirations.
8. Stephen Curry – 6,119 Assists
Stephen Curry is not just the greatest shooter of all time, he’s also one of the most underrated playmakers in NBA history. With 6,119 assists to his name as of 2024, Curry continues to find ways to make his teammates better. During the 2023-24 season, he averaged 5.1 assists per game while putting up 26.4 points and shooting 40.8% from beyond the arc. Curry’s gravity on the court constantly forces defenses to collapse on him, leaving wide-open looks for his teammates.
What sets Curry apart from most playmakers is how his deep-range shooting opens up passing lanes that other players simply don’t have. Defenders are so focused on his ability to pull up from anywhere that they often leave his teammates uncovered. This allows Curry to dish out assists to everyone from spot-up shooters to rolling big men in the paint.
At 36, Curry is still as deadly as ever, blending his scoring and playmaking to keep the Warriors competitive. Over the course of his career, Curry has averaged 6.4 assists per game, proving that he’s far more than just a shooter. He reads the game at an elite level, knowing exactly when to pull the trigger on a shot and when to find an open teammate.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Curry remains the engine that makes the Warriors‘ offense go. His playmaking, combined with his historic shooting, continues to redefine how we think about point guards and offensive leaders in the modern NBA. As long as he’s on the court, expect those assist numbers to keep rising.
9. Damian Lillard – 5,659 Assists
Damian Lillard has built his reputation on his deep shooting and clutch performances, but his playmaking deserves just as much attention. With 5,659 assists so far in his career, Lillard has always been a dangerous creator for his teammates. After being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks before the 2023-24 season, Lillard adjusted to playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo while maintaining an average of 7.0 assists per game in 73 appearances.
Lillard’s transition to Milwaukee wasn’t without its challenges, particularly adjusting to a new role. Early on, he had to balance scoring with facilitating, something he mastered in Portland. However, by the end of the season, he found his rhythm as the Bucks’ floor general. His ability to make plays off the pick-and-roll and find shooters in transition added a new dynamic to the Bucks’ offense.
Known primarily for his scoring, Lillard’s court vision often goes unnoticed. He consistently draws multiple defenders, which opens up easy assists for teammates. Whether it’s driving to the basket or pulling up from deep, Lillard forces defenses to collapse, allowing him to rack up assists almost effortlessly. His gravity on the court makes him a nightmare for defenses.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, Lillard and the Bucks have championship aspirations. His partnership with Antetokounmpo, one of the league’s most dominant players, will be key to the Bucks’ success. With another year under his belt in Milwaukee, expect Lillard’s assist numbers to climb even higher as he continues to evolve his game.
10. Nikola Jokic – 5,267 Assists
Nikola Jokic continues to amaze as one of the most unique players in NBA history. As of 2024, he has dished out 5,267 assists across his career. Known for his remarkable passing ability, especially for a big man, Jokic has redefined what it means to be a playmaking center. During the 2023-24 season with the Denver Nuggets, he averaged 9.0 assists per game, adding to his already stellar all-around game.
Jokic’s ability to orchestrate the offense from the center position sets him apart from other players. Whether it’s his famous no-look passes or his ability to find open shooters from the post, he’s a game-changer in every sense. His incredible basketball IQ allows him to read the game at a pace few others can match, making him as dangerous a facilitator as he is a scorer.
His versatility helped him secure yet another MVP trophy in 2023-24, and heading into the 2024-25 season, Jokic remains the centerpiece of Denver’s championship aspirations. With his assist total steadily rising, it’s clear that Jokic’s playmaking abilities will continue to leave a lasting impact on the league.
