John Stockton won a record nine assists titles in his career.
In basketball , an assist is a pass to a teammate that directly leads to a score by field goal .[ 1] The National Basketball Association 's (NBA) assist title is awarded to the player with the highest assists per game average in a given season. The assists title was first recognized in the 1946–47 season when statistics on assists were first compiled by the Basketball Association of America (BAA), predecessor of the NBA.[ 2] To qualify for the assist title, the player must appear in at least 58 games (out of 82). However, a player who appears in fewer than 58 games may qualify as the annual assists leader if his assist total would have given him the greatest average, had he appeared in 58 games. This has been the requirement since the 2013–14 season .[ 3] The assists title was originally determined by assist total through the 1968–69 season , after which assists per game was used to determine the leader instead.
John Stockton holds the all-time records for total assists (1,164) and assists per game (14.54) in a season, achieved in the 1990–91 and 1989–90 seasons respectively.[ 2] Mark Jackson holds the rookie records for total assists and assists per game when he had 868 and averaged 10.6 in the 1987–88 season .[ 2] [ 4] Among active players, Chris Paul had the highest season assists total (925) in the 2007–08 season and Russell Westbrook had the highest season assists average (11.74) in the 2020–21 season .
Stockton has the most assists titles in his career, with nine. Bob Cousy won eight assists titles, while Oscar Robertson won six. Jason Kidd , Chris Paul , and Steve Nash have five assists titles, while Kevin Porter and Magic Johnson each won four. Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook have three, while Andy Phillip , Guy Rodgers and James Harden are the only other players with multiple titles. Stockton also won the most consecutive assists titles, with nine. Four players have won both the assists title and the NBA championship in the same season: Cousy in 1957 and from 1959 to 1960 with the Boston Celtics ; Jerry West in 1972 with the Los Angeles Lakers ; Johnson in 1987 with the Lakers, and LeBron James with the Lakers in 2020 .[ 5]
Key
^
Denotes player who is still active in the NBA
*
Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame
†
Not yet eligible for Hall of Fame consideration[ a]
‡
Denotes player who won the MVP award that year
Player (X)
Denotes the number of times the player had been the assists leader up to and including that season
G
Guard
F
Forward
C
Center
Annual leaders
Bob Cousy (left) was the assists leader from 1953 to 1960.
Oscar Robertson led the NBA in assists six times during the 1960s
Guy Rodgers was the assists leader in 1963 and 1967.
Jerry West was the assists leader in 1972.
Magic Johnson was the assists leader from 1983 to 1984 and from 1986 to 1987.
Steve Nash was the assists leader from 2005 to 2007 and 2010 to 2011.
Chris Paul was the assists leader from 2008 to 2009, from 2014 to 2015, and in 2022.
Multiple-time leaders
Rank
Player
Team
Times leader
Years
1
John Stockton
Utah Jazz
9
1988 , 1989 , 1990 , 1991 , 1992 , 1993 , 1994 , 1995 , 1996
2
Bob Cousy
Boston Celtics
8
1953 , 1954 , 1955 , 1956 , 1957 , 1958 , 1959 , 1960
3
Oscar Robertson
Cincinnati Royals
6
1961 , 1962 , 1964 , 1965 , 1966 , 1969
4
Jason Kidd
Phoenix Suns (3) / New Jersey Nets (2)
5
1999 , 2000 , 2001 , 2003 , 2004
Chris Paul
New Orleans Hornets (2) / Los Angeles Clippers (2) / Phoenix Suns (1)
2008 , 2009 , 2014 , 2015 , 2022
Steve Nash
Phoenix Suns
2005 , 2006 , 2007 , 2010 , 2011
7
Magic Johnson
Los Angeles Lakers
4
1983 , 1984 , 1986 , 1987
Kevin Porter
Washington Bullets (2) / Detroit Pistons (1) / New Jersey Nets (1)
1975 , 1978 , 1979 , 1981
9
Rajon Rondo
Boston Celtics (2) / Sacramento Kings (1)
3
2012 , 2013 , 2016
Russell Westbrook
Oklahoma City Thunder (2) / Washington Wizards (1)
2018 , 2019 , 2021
11
James Harden
Houston Rockets (1) / Philadelphia 76ers (1)
2
2017 , 2023
Andy Phillip
Philadelphia Warriors
1951 , 1952
Guy Rodgers
San Francisco Warriors (1) / Chicago Bulls (1)
1963 , 1967
Notes
^ A player is not eligible for induction into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame until he has been fully retired for three calendar years.
^ The player's primary position is listed first.
^ Chamberlain became the first and, as of the 2019–20 NBA season , only center to win the assists title.
^ In the 1971–72 season, Lenny Wilkens had the highest assist total (766) but was second in assist average (9.6).[ 20]
^ In the 1983–84 season, Isiah Thomas and Norm Nixon both had the highest assist totals (914) but they were tied for second in assist average (11.1).[ 41]
^ John Stockton holds the all-time record for total assists per game in a single season.[ 2]
^ John Stockton holds the all-time record for total assists in a single season.[ 2]
^ The 1998–99 season was shortened to 50 games due to the league's lockout .[ 59] The qualification of this season's assist title is to appear in at least 43 games (out of 50) or to have at least 244 assists.[ 3]
^ In the 1999–2000 season, Jason Kidd had only played in 67 games and ranked fifth in assist total. Gary Payton had the highest total (732).[ 62]
^ In the 2003–04 season, Stephon Marbury and Steve Nash both had higher assist totals (719 and 687 respectively) but they ranked second and third in assist average (8.9 and 8.8), respectively.[ 67]
^ The 2011–12 season was shortened to 66 games due to the league's lockout .[ 74] The qualification of this season's assist title is to appear in at least 56 games (out of 66) or to have at least 321 assists.[ 3]
^ In the 2011–12 season, Steve Nash had the highest assist total (664) but was second in assist average (10.7).[ 75]
^ In the 2012–13 season, Greivis Vásquez had the highest assist total (704) but was third in assist average (9.0).[ 77]
^ In the 2013–14 season, John Wall , Ricky Rubio , Stephen Curry all had higher assist totals (721, 703 and 666 respectively) but they were tied for second, ranked fifth and sixth in assist average (8.8, 8.6 and 8.5), respectively.[ 78] [ 79]
^ In the 2021–22 season, Trae Young had the highest assist total (737), but was third in assist average (9.7).[ 83] [ 73]
^ In the 2022–23 season, Trae Young and Nikola Jokić all had higher assist totals (741 and 678 respectively), but they were ranked second and third in assist average (10.2 and 9.8 respectively).[ 84] [ 80]
See also
References
General
Specific
^ "Basketball glossary" . FIBA.com . Archived from the original on May 16, 2010. Retrieved March 5, 2010 .
^ a b c d e "Regular Season Records: Assists" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on May 11, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2010 .
^ a b c "Rate Statistic Requirements" . basketball-reference.com . Archived from the original on May 14, 2013. Retrieved February 6, 2020 .
^ "Mark Jackson is Unanimous Choice" . Rome News-Tribune . May 6, 1988. Archived from the original on May 12, 2022. Retrieved March 5, 2010 .
^ "NBA Honors: Assists Leaders, Year by Year" . Land of Basketball . Archived from the original on February 13, 2024. Retrieved October 15, 2020 .
^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z aa ab ac ad ae af ag ah ai aj ak al am an ao ap aq ar as at au av aw ax ay az ba bb bc bd be bf bg bh bi bj bk bl bm bn bo Gardella, John (2013). "2013-14 Official NBA Guide" (PDF) . NBA Properties. p. 131. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 13, 2016. Retrieved March 5, 2019 .
^ "Ernie Calverley Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Howie Dallmar Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved December 30, 2013 .
^ "Bob Davies Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Dick McGuire Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved December 30, 2013 .
^ a b "Andy Phillip Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d e f g h "Bob Cousy Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d e f "Oscar Robertson Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b "Guy Rodgers Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Wilt Chamberlain Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved December 30, 2013 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1969–70" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Lenny Wilkens Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1970–71" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Norm Van Lier Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b "League Leaders: Assists – 1971–72" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Jerry West Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1972–73" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Nate Archibald Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1973–74" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Ernie DiGregorio Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1974–75" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on March 22, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d "Kevin Porter Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1975–76" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on March 15, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Slick Watts Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1976–77" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Don Buse Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1977–78" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1978–79" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1979–80" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Micheal Ray Richardson Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1980–81" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1981–82" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Johnny Moore Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1982–83" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d "Magic Johnson Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b "League Leaders: Assists – 1983–84" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1984–85" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Isiah Thomas Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1985–86" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1986–87" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1987–88" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d e f g h i "John Stockton Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1988–89" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1989–90" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1990–91" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1992–93" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1993–94" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1994–95" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 7, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1995–96" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1996–97" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Mark Jackson Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1997–98" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Rod Strickland Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ Beck, Howard (February 14, 2009). "N.B.A. and Union Are Discussing New Labor Deal" . The New York Times . Archived from the original on February 8, 2020. Retrieved February 22, 2009 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 1998–99" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d e "Jason Kidd Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b "League Leaders: Assists – 1999–2000" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2000–01" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2001–02" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "Andre Miller Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2002–03" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on April 5, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b "League Leaders: Assists – 2003–04" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2004–05" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d e "Steve Nash Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2005–06" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on May 9, 2016. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2006–07" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ "League Leaders: Assists – 2007–08" . NBA.com . Turner Sports Interactive, Inc. Archived from the original on October 22, 2015. Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ a b c d e f "Chris Paul Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved February 27, 2010 .
^ Beck, Howard (November 28, 2011). "Two Exhibition Games for N.B.A. Teams" . The New York Times . Archived from the original on October 12, 2013. Retrieved November 28, 2011 .
^ "2011-12 NBA Season Summary" . basketball-reference.com . Archived from the original on February 12, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ a b c "Rajon Rondo Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved April 26, 2012 .
^ "2012-13 NBA Season Summary" . basketball-reference.com . Archived from the original on February 8, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ "2013-14 NBA Season Summary" . basketball-reference.com . Archived from the original on February 8, 2020. Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ "Stephen Curry Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved April 17, 2014 .
^ a b c "James Harden Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved April 13, 2017 .
^ a b c "Russell Westbrook Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved April 12, 2018 .
^ "LeBron James Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved September 7, 2020 .
^ "2021-22 NBA Leaders" . basketball-reference.com . Archived from the original on April 8, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ "2022-23 NBA Leaders" . basketball-reference.com . Archived from the original on July 23, 2022. Retrieved April 9, 2023 .
^ "Tyrese Haliburton Stats" . Basketball Reference . Retrieved April 14, 2024 .