During a recent appearance on the ‘Ur Perspectives’ podcast, Isaiah Hartenstein, now gearing up for a fresh start with the Oklahoma City Thunder after signing a three-year deal, shared his thoughts on who he believes are the five greatest passing big men in NBA history. Having just wrapped up a standout season with the New York Knicks, Hartenstein’s insights reflect both his experience as a versatile big man and his appreciation for elite court vision from the center and forward positions.
“Nikola Jokic, he’s definitely on his own.”
“Sabonis, the dad Sabonis. The funny thing with his dad is that he came over so late but if he would have come earlier.”
“He could pass the sh*t out of the ball. Andrew Bogut when he was when he was with the Golden State Warriors was good, Draymond Green you got to put in there, I’m just gonna put Domantas Sabonis in there, I watch him a lot too.” (22:10)
When asked to name his top five, Hartenstein began with an obvious choice: Nikola Jokic. The reigning three-time MVP is widely regarded as the best passing big man of all time if not one of the greatest passers in NBA history regardless of position. Jokic’s ability to dissect defenses with pinpoint accuracy and creativity, all while controlling the flow of the game from the center position, has redefined what it means to be a playmaking big.
Hartenstein’s recognition of Jokic as a transcendent talent isn’t surprising, given that Jokic’s playmaking prowess has turned the Denver Nuggets into perennial contenders and eventually led them to an NBA championship in 2023. Jokic currently holds an impressive career average of 6.9 assists per game. This number is remarkable for any player, but especially for a center, reflecting his ability to run the offense like a point guard.
Next on Hartenstein’s list was a legendary figure from a previous era: Arvydas Sabonis. Arvydas Sabonis is remembered for his incredible court vision and high basketball IQ. Despite joining the NBA late in his career after his prime years in Europe, Sabonis showcased his brilliant passing ability with the Portland Trail Blazers, regularly threading the needle and making plays that belied his massive 7-foot-3 frame.
Many wonder how much more dominant he could have been had he entered the NBA earlier in his career. Despite entering the NBA late in his career, Sabonis showed flashes of his playmaking genius that had long been legendary in Europe. Sabonis averaged 2.1 assists per game during his six seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Another surprise on Hartenstein’s list was Andrew Bogut, the Australian center who was a key piece of the Golden State Warriors’ first championship run in 2015. Bogut, known primarily for his defensive prowess, also had an underrated passing ability that complemented the Warriors’ “Strength in Numbers” philosophy.
His high basketball IQ and ability to find cutters like Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson from the post made him an essential part of the Warriors’ ball movement-heavy system. Bogut averaged 2.2 assists per game over the course of his career.
Hartenstein then turned to another Warriors player, Draymond Green, a forward who has been instrumental in Golden State’s dynastic run. Green is often considered a point-forward, a player who facilitates offense through his playmaking while being the emotional leader and defensive anchor.
Green’s court vision and passing ability, especially in transition and half-court sets, make him one of the most unique big men in NBA history. Green boasts an impressive career average of 5.6 assists per game, a number typically associated with guards. His ability to see the floor and create opportunities for his teammates has been instrumental in the Warriors’ dynasty.
Finally, Hartenstein gave a nod to a modern star in Domantas Sabonis, Arvydas’ son. Domantas has continued the Sabonis legacy of exceptional passing as a big man, flourishing as a playmaker in both Indiana and Sacramento. His ability to create offense from the high post and involve teammates with precision passes has made him one of the best all-around big men in today’s game.
Like his father, Sabonis has developed into an elite playmaking big man, thriving as a passer for both the Indiana Pacers and Sacramento Kings. Sabonis has consistently shown the ability to create offense from the high post, with a career average of 4.8 assists per game. This number is likely to rise as Sabonis continues to serve as the primary facilitator for the Kings’ offense, much like his father before him.
Hartenstein’s list not only highlights the evolution of passing big men over the decades but also underscores his deep understanding and respect for players who have elevated the art of playmaking from the center and forward positions.
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