Arena Plus Presents: Best NBA Playmakers in History

Magic Johnson redefined the point guard position with his unbelievable court vision and 6’9″ frame. During the 1980s, Johnson led the Los Angeles Lakers to five NBA championships, averaging an incredible 11.2 assists per game over his career. Growing up, I idolized Johnson not just for his flashy passes but for his ability to elevate the games of his teammates. His rivalry with Larry Bird is one of the most iconic in sports history, and their battles in the Finals are legendary. I remember reading about the 1987 NBA Finals where Magic hit the “junior sky hook” to beat the Celtics. That shot alone showed just how versatile and talented he was.

Steve Nash is another name that rings a bell when talking about the best playmakers. Nash’s precision passing and shooting skills earned him two MVP awards in 2005 and 2006. What’s fascinating is how he led the league in assists five times, with his highest average being 11.5 assists per game in the 2004-05 season. Nash’s 50-40-90 club membership still stands out to me. For a player to shoot 50% from the field, 40% from three, and 90% from the free-throw line in a single season, it requires an unreal combination of skill and discipline.

Let’s shift gears to Jason Kidd, who ranks second all-time in both assists and steals. Kidd’s versatility as a point guard set him apart. He wasn’t just dishing out assists; he was also grabbing rebounds and playing top-notch defense. During the 2001-2002 season, Kidd orchestrated the New Jersey Nets to a 52-30 record and a trip to the NBA Finals, a significant turnaround for a franchise that had never achieved such heights. I remember watching Kidd in a 2007 playoff game, where he recorded a triple-double with 16 points, 19 assists, and 16 rebounds. His all-around game was just off the charts.

Chris Paul, also known as “CP3,” deserves mention as one of the best floor generals in NBA history. His ability to control the tempo of the game is phenomenal. In the 2007-08 season, Paul averaged 21.1 points and 11.6 assists per game, finishing as the runner-up in MVP voting. The way he manipulates defenses and always seems to make the right play fascinates me. I remember reading an article where Kobe Bryant praised Paul’s basketball IQ, calling him one of the smartest players he’d ever faced. With over 10,000 assists and counting, Paul’s legacy as a top playmaker is undeniable.

John Stockton might not have the flashiness of some of the other names on this list, but his consistency and efficiency are what made him special. Stockton holds the record for the most career assists with 15,806. I find it astonishing that he led the league in assists for nine consecutive seasons from 1987 to 1996. His pick-and-roll partnership with Karl Malone was a thing of beauty. In fact, I saw an interview with Charles Barkley who mentioned that defending the Stockton-Malone duo was the toughest challenge in his career. Stockton’s career is a testament to longevity and precision.

When it comes to modern playmakers, Luka Dončić from the Dallas Mavericks can’t be ignored. At just 24 years old, Dončić is already putting up historic numbers. During the 2022-23 season, he averaged 28.4 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 8.7 assists per game. His ability to make highlight-reel passes while still being a dominant scorer is what makes him special. Luka’s game-winner against the Clippers in the 2020 playoffs was one of those moments that solidified his status as a future legend. It’s crazy to think that he’s just getting started.

Another young player making waves in the playmaking department is Trae Young. Drafted in 2018, Young quickly made a name for himself with his deep shooting range and exceptional passing ability. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 25.3 points and 9.4 assists per game, leading the Atlanta Hawks to the Eastern Conference Finals. I remember watching highlights of Trae’s 48-point, 11-assist performance against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals. His ability to control the game at such a young age is impressive and makes me think he’s destined for greatness.

Finally, how can we discuss playmakers without mentioning LeBron James? Although primarily a forward, LeBron’s court vision and passing ability are second to none. He can arguably be called the best all-around player in NBA history. LeBron’s averaged 7.4 assists per game over his career, with his highest being 10.2 assists per game during the 2019-20 season. I often think about Game 7 of the 2016 NBA Finals when LeBron recorded a triple-double with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 11 assists, leading the Cleveland Cavaliers to their first championship. A defining moment in his career and a testament to his playmaking prowess. For more stories and insights on NBA playmakers, I recommend visiting arena plus.

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