NBA’s Greatest Passers

Each Player Has Averaged At Least 8 APG over their Career.

SeasonplayertmggsFG%3P%2P%FT%trbaststlblktovpfpts
1999-00Steve NashDAL56270.4770.4030.5280.8822.24.90.70.11.82.28.6
2000-01Steve NashDAL70700.4870.4060.5180.8953.27.31.00.12.92.315.6
2001-02Steve NashDAL82820.4830.4550.4950.8873.17.70.60.02.82.017.9
2002-03Steve NashDAL82820.4650.4130.4820.9092.97.31.00.12.31.617.7
2003-04Steve NashDAL78780.4700.4050.4980.9163.08.80.90.12.71.814.5
2004-05Steve NashPHO75750.5020.4310.5260.8873.311.51.00.13.31.815.5
2005-06Steve NashPHO79790.5120.4390.5480.9214.210.50.80.23.51.518.8
2006-07Steve NashPHO76760.5320.4550.5750.8993.511.60.80.13.81.518.6
2007-08Steve NashPHO81810.5040.4700.5270.9063.511.10.70.13.61.416.9
2008-09Steve NashPHO74740.5030.4390.5290.9333.09.70.70.13.41.515.7
2009-10Steve NashPHO81810.5070.4260.5400.9383.311.00.50.13.61.316.5
2010-11Steve NashPHO75750.4920.3950.5250.9123.511.40.60.13.51.214.7
2011-12Steve NashPHO62620.5320.3900.5800.8943.010.70.60.13.70.912.5
2012-13Steve NashLAL50500.4970.4380.5190.9222.86.70.60.12.51.412.7
2013-14Steve NashLAL15100.3830.3330.4000.9171.95.70.50.12.11.26.8

Just Remember – Our Regular Season Data goes as far back as the 1999-2000 NBA Season.
The NBA player may have begun their career before then.

Basketball is a game of skill, strategy, and teamwork, and few aspects of the game encapsulate these elements as vividly as passing and assisting. In the NBA, the variety of passes and the creativity behind assists are crucial for orchestrating successful plays and thrilling fans. Let’s explore some of the distinct styles of passing and assists that make the NBA so dynamic.

The No-Look Pass

The no-look pass is a hallmark of deception and flair. It involves a player looking in one direction while passing the ball in another, catching defenders off guard and creating scoring opportunities. Magic Johnson popularized this style, and it has since been mastered by players like Jason Kidd and LeBron James. This pass requires exceptional peripheral vision and precise timing, making it a highlight-reel favorite.

The Alley-Oop

The alley-oop is one of the most exciting plays in basketball. It involves a player throwing the ball near the basket for a teammate to jump, catch, and dunk or lay up mid-air. This pass-assist combination requires perfect coordination and timing. John Stockton and Karl Malone made it a staple in their repertoire, and today, dynamic duos like Chris Paul and DeAndre Jordan continue to electrify crowds with it.

The Bounce Pass

The bounce pass is fundamental yet effective, particularly in crowded areas of the court. By bouncing the ball off the floor, players can avoid defenders’ hands and deliver the ball to a teammate. Steve Nash and John Stockton used this pass to navigate tight defenses and set up easy baskets, proving that simplicity can be incredibly effective.

The Behind-the-Back Pass

For a touch of style and a dash of trickery, the behind-the-back pass is a fan favorite. This pass involves a player wrapping the ball around their back to evade a defender and deliver it to a teammate. Players like Jason Williams and Stephen Curry have turned this pass into an art form, using it to bewilder opponents and delight spectators.

The Skip Pass

The skip pass is all about shifting the defense and exploiting gaps. It involves throwing the ball across the court, skipping one or more potential receivers to find an open teammate. This pass is particularly effective against zone defenses, as it forces defenders to rotate quickly. Players like Larry Bird and LeBron James excel at making these cross-court connections.

The Outlet Pass

The outlet pass initiates a fast break, turning defense into offense in an instant. After a defensive rebound, the ball is quickly passed to a teammate, often a guard, to push the pace. Bill Walton and Kevin Love are renowned for their outlet passing ability, using it to set up easy transition baskets and catch defenses unprepared.

The Pocket Pass

The pocket pass is a staple in the pick-and-roll play, threading the ball through tight spaces to a rolling teammate. This pass requires pinpoint accuracy and timing, often delivered off the dribble. Chris Paul and Steve Nash have used the pocket pass to devastating effect, creating easy scoring opportunities for their big men.

The Wrap-Around Pass

When driving to the basket, the wrap-around pass is a nifty way to find an open teammate. It involves a player wrapping the ball around a defender’s body, usually in traffic, to deliver it to a teammate near the basket. Rajon Rondo and Ricky Rubio are known for their ability to make these difficult passes look routine.

The Lob Pass

Similar to the alley-oop, the lob pass involves throwing the ball over defenders to a teammate who can catch and finish near the rim. This pass is often used in pick-and-roll situations or when a player cuts to the basket. Players like Rajon Rondo and Jason Kidd have excelled at delivering precise lobs that lead to easy points.

The Kick-Out Pass

The kick-out pass is crucial in modern basketball, particularly with the emphasis on three-point shooting. When a player drives to the basket and draws in defenders, they can pass the ball back out to an open teammate on the perimeter. LeBron James and Luka Dončić are masters of this pass, using it to create open looks for their sharpshooters.

In conclusion, the variety of passes and assists in the NBA highlights the creativity, skill, and strategic thinking of the players. Whether it’s the deceptive no-look pass, the high-flying alley-oop, or the precise pocket pass, each style brings its own flavor to the game, making basketball a continually evolving and exciting sport to watch. These passes are more than just a way to move the ball; they are an art form that enhances the beauty and complexity of the game.