NBA’s Best All-Time Assisting Teams: Arena Plus Guide

When I think about NBA’s best all-time assisting teams, the legendary showtime Lakers immediately come to mind. Magic Johnson, with a staggering 11.2 assists per game over his career, led the team in creativity and fluid ball movement. His partnership with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy was unparalleled. Magic’s vision on the court transformed the Lakers into a powerhouse, and the efficiency of their fast breaks was second to none. It’s hard to overlook a team that thrived on such synchronized gameplay where assists were the fulcrum of their offense.

Another team that completely embodies the art of the assist is the Golden State Warriors, especially during their recent championship runs. With players like Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, the Warriors redefined ball movement and spacing. Curry’s shooting prowess forces defenses to stretch, creating opportunities for clean passes and setups. Draymond, serving as a point-forward, supervises the ball distribution exquisitely, averaging almost 7 assists per game in his prime seasons. The Warriors’ implementation of a motion offense, alongside their precision passing, is a marvel to basketball enthusiasts.

If you admire traditional point guard play, the Utah Jazz of the 1990s can’t be ignored. John Stockton, who still holds the record for the most career assists at 15,806, orchestrated the Jazz offense with impeccable skill. His pick-and-roll partnership with Karl Malone became a textbook example for coaches worldwide. Their plays were simple yet extraordinarily effective, a testament to the idea that it’s not just about flashy passing but about making the right pass at the right time. Stockton’s consistency over 19 seasons showed that efficiency can indeed be sustained over a long period.

Speaking of consistency, the San Antonio Spurs under Gregg Popovich displayed a brand of basketball where assists were always a priority. With Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginobili, the Spurs emphasized a system that promoted sharing the ball. Their balanced scoring and unselfish play made them a formidable opponent. Consider the 2013-2014 season, when they led the league with 25.2 assists per game, showcasing a beautiful blend of team-oriented basketball and high IQ plays.

Boston Celtics’ rich history also features some of the finest ball distributors. Larry Bird, known for his impeccable court vision, drove Boston’s offense during the 1980s. Bird averaged 6.3 assists per game in the 1986-87 season while being primarily known as a scorer. His ability to draw defenders and create opportunities for teammates like Kevin McHale and Robert Parish added another layer to Boston’s multi-championship run during that decade. His assists weren’t just statistics; they were often highlight-reel plays capturing fans’ imaginations.

Jumping into more recent times, let’s delve into Chris Paul’s effect on teams like the Phoenix Suns. He’s known for elevating teams’ playmaking efficiency instantly. Look back at the 2020-2021 season when Paul joined the Suns; the team saw a significant bump in assists, averaging 26.9 per game, and made it to the NBA Finals. Paul’s court vision, decision-making, and leadership qualities turned them into serious title contenders almost overnight. His ‘Point God’ moniker rightly sums up his influence on the court.

A flashback to Steve Nash’s era with the Phoenix Suns also brings fond memories of pristine assist-play. Nash won two MVP awards, largely due to his playmaking ability. His time in a Suns jersey is marked by an average of 11.6 assists per game in the 2006-2007 season. The “Seven Seconds or Less” offense under Coach Mike D’Antoni revolved around Nash’s ability to handle and distribute the basketball at breakneck speed. The offense’s pace and Nash’s astute passing turned the Suns into an offensive juggernaut.

In Chicago Bulls lore, Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen’s synergy is often discussed regarding scoring and defense, but their assist play should not be underestimated. Pippen, especially, was a point-forward before it became trendy, averaging 7.0 assists per game in the 1991-1992 season. Their ‘triangle offense’ under Phil Jackson required quick, decisive passing, and both players thrived in such a setup. Pippen’s role in setting up Jordan and other teammates underpins how assists were vital to their six championships.

The Detroit Pistons of the late 1980s, led by Isiah Thomas, warrant a mention for their gritty yet effective playmaking. Thomas, despite being known for his scoring, averaged 9.3 assists per game in the 1984-1985 season. His flair for getting teammates involved while dealing with the tough defense of the “Bad Boys” era Pistons shows that effective playmaking can coexist with a physically dominating style of basketball.

When reflecting upon these great teams, it’s apparent that powerful assist play isn’t merely about beautiful passes or high assist numbers. It’s about a philosophy, an understanding that unselfish play often yields the most successful results. Understanding this nuance offers a deeper appreciation of these franchises’ legacies and the artists who engineered them. As basketball evolves, it will be exciting to watch which teams and players rise to embody this assist-driven excellence next. For more insights into basketball and your favorite NBA teams, check out arena plus for all the latest updates and in-depth analyses.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top
Scroll to Top