NBA: 30 greatest playmakers in NBA history

Golden State Warriors</a> have turned it into a dynasty of their own, as they’ve won two NBA titles in a row.</p> <p>This 2018-19 season has seen three different teammates score 50 points or more in three different games. This a first since the 1961-62 season, when <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/los-angeles-lakers/">Los Angeles Lakers</a> trio, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Rudy LaRusso achieved the feat. Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Stephen Curry have all put up 50+ point games this season, setting a new tone for the term: playmaker.</p> <div class="embed "> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"> <p lang="en" dir="ltr">Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson are 1st teammates with 50-point games in same season since 1994-95. <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"http://t.co/ayXqIupfd3">pic.twitter.com/ayXqIupfd3

<p>— ESPN Stats &amp; Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://twitter.com/ESPNStatsInfo/status/563366602830147585?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%22>February 5, 2015</a></p></blockquote> <p><script async src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p></div> <p>A playmaker can be considered a scorer or a player that is almost unstoppable when the ball touches their hands. While it’s tough to break down the Top 30, the list is easily debatable. Here’s a breakdown of the 30 greatest playmakers in NBA history.</p> <div id="attachment_335291" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335291 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2160,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1085003710.jpeg" alt="Derrick Rose, Minnesota Timberwolves, Chicago Bulls" width="3200" height="2160" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1085003710.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1085003710-768x518.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>30. Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls/Minnesota Timberwolves</h3> <p>Despite the injuries and setbacks, <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/minnesota-timberwolves/">Minnesota Timberwolves</a> point guard Derrick Rose is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA. The 6-foot-4 guard was once considered a unicorn by many draft experts.</p> <p>Rose’s potential seemed to come to fruition as he won the 2008-09 NBA Rookie of the Year award with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/chicago-bulls/">Chicago Bulls</a>, putting up 16.8 points, 6.3 assists and 3.9 rebounds per game. During the 2010-11 season when he won the regular season MVP award, he produced 25.0 points, 7.7 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game.</p> <p>An ACL injury he suffered in the 2012 NBA Playoffs set him back a bit and his fight to return to the court hit its fair share of roadblocks in Chicago. Through it all, he managed to 18.0 points, 4.4 assists and 3.0 rebounds per game with the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/new-york-knicks/"> New York Knicks</a> in 2016-17.</p> <p>His emergence in 2018-19 with the Timberwolves has been fun to watch. He’s currently averaging 18.9 points, 4.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game, shooting 48.6 percent from the field and 46.2 percent from behind the arc. He could still return to his old self, maybe one day and show off his playmaking ability at full strength.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 29 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335292" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335292 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F130280270.jpeg" alt="Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/130280270.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/130280270-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>29. Dominique Wilkins, Atlanta Hawks</h3> <p>Dominique Wilkins was a highlight reel waiting to happen as a member of the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/atlanta-hawks/"> Atlanta Hawks</a>. Wilkins was nicknamed “The Human Highlight Film” during his time in the team from 1982 to 1994. He won two NBA Slam Dunk Contests in 1985 and 1990, but he was much more than that during games.</p> <p>Wilkins won the league’s scoring title in 1985-86 (30.3 PPG), setting off a streak of nine-consecutive All-Star appearances with the Hawks. He set his career-high in points in a single-game at 57 points during that year.</p> <p>He averaged 30.7 points per game in 1987-88, second to league MVP, Chicago Bulls shooting guard Michael Jordan. A seven-game battle with Larry Bird and the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/boston-celtics/"> Boston Celtics</a> in the 1988 NBA Playoffs put Wilkins’ name on the map. The rest of the league on notice, although Atlanta lost in the end, 4-3.</p> <p>With competition in the East, Wilkins begin to evolve as an all-around playmaker by the 1990-91 season. He snagged a career-high 9.0 rebounds per contest, along with 25.9 points and 3.3 assists per game in 1990-91.</p> <p>A ruptured Achilles’ slowed down his progress in 1991-92, but he returned his old playmaking self by the arrival of the 1992-93 season. Wilkins produced 29.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game that year.</p> <p>A trade to the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/los-angeles-clippers/">Los Angeles Clippers</a> midway through the 1993-94 season changed Wilkins’ projection as a scorer and playmaker in the league. His unhappiness with his role changed things a bit, but it didn’t stop the powers that be from electing him to the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 28 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_330991" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-330991 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1042,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F577924756.jpeg" alt="Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards" width="1600" height="1042" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/577924756.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/577924756-768x500.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Icon SMI/Corbis via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>28. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards</h3> <p>With such a dark cloud hovering over the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/washington-wizards/">Washington Wizards,</a> it helps to bring up the good times with point guard Gilbert Arenas. When Arenas was on the floor, Washington was at its best, although they never won a title with him.</p> <p>As a volume scorer and distributor, Arenas showed off his abilities in a number of ways as a dynamic playmaker. He produced 25.0 points, 5.7 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game in his eight seasons with the Wizards from 2003 to 2011. He shot 35.7 percent from 3-point land and 42.2 percent from the floor as a volume shooter with Washington.</p> <p>During the 2005-06 season, he put up a career-high 29.3 points per game to go along with 6.1 assists and 3.5 rebounds per contest. Arenas put up at least 400 assists from 2004 to 2007, a feat he accomplished as the team made three consecutive playoff appearances.</p> <p>They didn’t make it very far in postseason play, but Arenas was a top playmaker for them nonetheless. On<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200612170LAL.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" ref="nofollow"> Dec. 17, 2006</a>, in an overtime duel with the Los Angeles Lakers and Kobe Bryant in Staples Center, Arenas put up a career-high 60 points in a 147-141 victory.</p> <p>Arenas managed to make it out of the first round once in the 2005 NBA Playoffs, but after that, he made four quick first-round exits. More playoff success could have elevated his legacy, but an off-the-court incident quickly derailed that.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 27 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335295" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335295 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1016725560.jpeg" alt="Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1016725560.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1016725560-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Chris Elise/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>27. Tony Parker, San Antonio Spurs</h3> <p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/san-antonio-spurs/">San Antonio Spurs</a> point guard Tony Parker was the 28th overall pick in the 2001 NBA Draft, but he’ll be considered much more than that when his career ends. He’s currently a member of the Charlotte Hornets, but he’ll go down as one of the best playmakers in Spurs franchise history.</p> <p>Parker is listed at just 6-foot-2, but his ability to make plays off the dribble was hard to deny. In five trips to the NBA Finals, Parker and company were victorious four times. He won four NBA titles through 17 seasons as the floor general for the Spurs alongside the likes of Manu Ginobili, Tim Duncan and David Robinson.</p> <p>During the 2007 NBA Finals, he took home Finals MVP honors, producing 24.5 points, 5.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game to lead the way for the Spurs. In a 4-0 sweep, Parker played as the first option while Tim Duncan played distributor in the post.</p> <p>Parker finished his Spurs career shooting 49.2 percent from the field. He has a career-high 22 made field goals on 36 shot attempts against the Minnesota Timberwolves, showing his ability to fill it up at volume when needed.</p> <p>The Spurs’ ability to adjust to multiple situations is what made them a special group. Parker was one of a few international imports that brought their own flavor to the hardwood. As Duncan brought his off-the-glass jumper and Manu brought his Euro-step baskets, Parker came as an efficient scorer anywhere inside the arc.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 26 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335226" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335226 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2134,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F1075808260.jpeg" alt="Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans" width="3200" height="2134" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1075808260.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/1075808260-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Layne Murdoch Jr./NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>26. Anthony Davis, New Orleans Pelicans</h3> <p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/new-orleans-pelicans/">New Orleans Pelicans</a> forward Anthony Davis is one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA at 6-foot-10. Davis is an up-and-coming playmaker in the NBA. Despite talks of a change of scenery, he remains a member of the Pelicans for now. He’s putting together an MVP-like season, showing his improvement each season.</p> <p>Davis is averaging 23.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.1 assists per contest through 443 appearances with New Orleans as an all-around threat with the ball in his hands. He’s shooting 51.6 percent from the field so far in his career as the primary option for the Pelicans.</p> <p>Davis is making a strong case this season for the MVP award, producing 28.5 points, 13.0 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game in 2018-19. He’s evolving into an all-around playmaker despite the Pelicans’ 16-21 record.</p> <div class="embed "><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/4AiLrw_XZ7w?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>In a 48-point performance against the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/dallas-mavericks/">Dallas Mavericks</a> this season, he shot 20-of-32 (62.5 percent) from the floor. He’s yet to shoot below 50 percent in any of his 40-point performances this season.</p> <p>He’s poured in six performances already with 40 points more and finished with seven performances with 30 points or more. Despite New Orleans’ record, he remains an efficient playmaker while displaying his proficient ability to handle the ball and get his teammates involved.</p> <p>Whether he stays or goes is ultimately up to him. Regardless of where he plays, Davis will continue to climb the charts as a playmaker if he continues to improve his game.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 25 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335297" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335297 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1074548174-1.jpeg" alt="Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1074548174-1.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1074548174-1-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>25. Chris Paul, New Orleans Hornets/Los Angeles Clippers/Houston Rockets</h3> <p>Point guard Chris Paul, a.k.a. “CP3”, has made quite the name for himself as a playmaker in the NBA. Whether passing or scoring the ball, he’s shown why he’s such a lethal playmaker during his career in the NBA.</p> <p>Paul is currently entering his second season with the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/houston-rockets/">Houston Rockets</a>. Before that, he was with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2011 to 2017. Before that, he was the face of the New Orleans Hornets franchise. Every stop he’s made, he’s gotten closer to his goal of an NBA title. A lot of it has to do with his ability to lead by example.</p> <p>He won the 2006-07 NBA Rookie of the Year award with the Hornets, averaging 16.1 points, 7.8 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game his first season in. From 2007 to 2009, he led the league in assists per game with 11.6 and 11.0 assists, respectively.</p> <p>He won two more assist titles with the Clippers from 2013 to 2015, averaging 10.7 assists per game in 2013-14 and 10.2 assists per game in 2014-15. He hasn’t led the league in assists since joining the Rockets, but his profile has raised a ton since joining James Harden.</p> <p>Paul is currently nursing an injury which has set his team back a bit, but his return should make them a favorite to win it all, given the season Harden is having. To date, he’s dished out 20 assists or more in four games during his career. With Clint Capela and Harden on the floor, that’s a number that should be a goal with championship aspirations on their mind.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 24 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335298" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335298 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1028863048.jpeg" alt="Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks, Phoenix Suns, New Jersey Nets" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1028863048.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1028863048-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>24. Jason Kidd, Dallas Mavericks/New Jersey Nets/Phoenix Suns</h3> <p>Point guard Jason Kidd was a playmaker no matter where he went, which made his career that much more impressive. Kidd played primarily for three teams (Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets and <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/phoenix-suns/">Phoenix Suns</a>) in the NBA during his 21-year career.</p> <p>Kidd led the league in assists per game for five seasons during his time in the league. He achieved the feat three times with the Suns and twice with the Nets. In Phoenix, he averaged a career-high 10.8 assists per contest during the 1998-99 campaign.</p> <p>He never averaged a triple-double as one of the players who made everyone around him better, but he still racked up a good amount. Kidd finished his career with 107 triple-doubles during the 1990s era, where physical basketball ruled the day. He made plays no matter what lineup he played with and led two different squads to appearances in the NBA Finals.</p> <p>He led the Nets to back-to-back appearances in the NBA Finals in 2002 and 2003. They were swept by the Los Angeles Lakers the first time and fell to the San Antonio Spurs 4-2 in 2003.</p> <p>In his second stint with the Mavericks, he won an NBA title as the floor general. It helped to have future Hall of Famer Dirk Nowitzki on that team as well. Nowitzki averaged 26.0 points and 9.7 rebounds per game, as Kidd put up 7.7 points, 6.3 assists and 4.5 rebounds per contest.</p> <p>For his efforts, Kidd was recently inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame as a member of the 2018 class. His court vision changed the way point guards played the game and increased the pace teams across the league played at.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 23 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335299" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335299 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2073,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F465295190.jpeg" alt="Bob Cousy, Boston Celtics" width="3200" height="2073" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/465295190.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/465295190-768x498.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Robert Riger/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>23. Bob Cousy, Boston Celtics</h3> <p>Point guard Bob Cousy was an early pioneer of the flashy passing style as a member of the Boston Celtics. Cousy made plays as both a scorer and a passing wizard during his time in the league, winning an MVP award in his wake. His brilliant playmaking and court savvy was unheard of before his arrival in the league.</p> <p>Cousy led the league in assists from 1952 to 1960, establishing himself as the floor general in a rotation of Bill Russell, K.C. Jones and Bill Sharman. He won the MVP award during the 1956-57 season, averaging 20.6 points, a league-high 7.5 assists and 4.8 rebounds per game.</p> <p>He made 13 straight All-Star appearances from 1950 to 1963, producing 18.5 points, 7.6 assists and 5.2 rebounds per contest as a member of the Celtics. They won six NBA titles with Cousy’s prowess as their primary playmaker. During his second title, he averaged a career-high 10.8 assists per contest during postseason play.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/Bbq_w634tbY?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>From 1958 to 1963, they were almost unstoppable in the NBA Finals, winning five straight championships. His play only elevated in the postseason, as he produced 8.6 assists per contest through 109 playoff appearances.</p> <p>The game has changed quite a bit since Cousy’s day, which explains his ranking here, but his 6,955 career assists still ranks 17th all-time in NBA history. In 1971, he was inducted in the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and will go down as one of the best point guards in Celtics’ history.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 22 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335300" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335300 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1028921310.jpeg" alt="Larry Bird, Boston Celtics" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1028921310.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1028921310-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>22. Larry Bird, Boston Celtics</h3> <p>Larry Bird, a.k.a. “Larry Legend”, made a name for himself as one of the best pure shooters in the NBA. He created quite the legacy with the Boston Celtics, winning three NBA championships as one of greatest playmakers and scorers in the game.</p> <p>Bird was a 12-time All-Star, 1979-80 NBA Rookie of the Year, a Finals MVP and a three-time regular season MVP in his time with Boston. During the Celtics run to the 1986 NBA title, Bird averaged 25.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 2.1 steals per contest, making his Finals MVP selection a no-brainer by season’s end.</p> <p>Bird wasn’t a walking triple-double, but his career production put him close to a triple-double average. He put up 24.3 points, 10.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. For his career, he racked up 54 triple-doubles.</p> <p>While it didn’t look like much, they came in moments where his team needed it. In a series-deciding Game 6, he put up 29 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds against the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/houston-rockets/">Houston Rockets.</a></p> <p>He wasn’t the most athletic player out there, but he used his basketball IQ to his advantage, making plays when his team needed him the most.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 21 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_321784" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img class="size-full wp-image-321784" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2213,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F04%2F951353120.jpeg" alt="Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder" width="3200" height="2213" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/951353120.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/04/951353120-768x531.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><p class="wp-caption-text">(Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> <h3>21. Russell Westbrook, Oklahoma City Thunder</h3> <p>First, there was Oscar Robertson. Then, there came <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/oklahoma-city-thunder/">Oklahoma City Thunder</a> point guard Russell Westbrook. Westbrook became just the second player in league history to average a triple-double next to Robertson in 2016-17. As the unsung playmaker in Oklahoma City, he continues to defy the odds.</p> <p>Westbrook filled up the stat sheet during the 2016-17 season, averaging a league-high 31.6 points, 10.7 rebounds and 10.4 assists per game for the Thunder. He won the league’s MVP award that year as he led Oklahoma City to the sixth spot in the West.</p> <p>Since then, he’s continued to produce a triple-double average, doing the same during the 2017-18 season. In 2018-19, he’s currently putting up 21.0 points, 10.8 rebounds and 10.2 assists per game.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/bxLbsmZ9qaY?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>He’s been a triple-double machine since the departure of Kevin Durant to the Golden State Warriors in 2016 NBA free agency. Westbrook currently ranks third all-time in league history in triple-doubles with 113. Oscar Robertson leads the way with 181.</p> <p>Westbrook has nine triple-doubles so far for the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2018-19. He’s been dedicated in leading his team to wins. It’s shown as things continue to improve with him on the floor.</p> <p>Now, the Thunder are playing to a different tune with Paul George helping things in the rotation. As it stands, Oklahoma City is 22-12 and third in the Western Conference standings. Westbrook is on his way to averaging a triple-double for his third straight season. While it remains meaningless to some, he’ll go down as a top playmaker when it’s all said and done.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 20 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335302" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335302 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2561,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1087363182.jpeg" alt="Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics" width="3200" height="2561" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1087363182.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1087363182-768x615.jpeg 768w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1087363182-600x480.jpeg 600w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>20. Kyrie Irving, Cleveland Cavaliers/Boston Celtics</h3> <p>Point guard Kyrie Irving hit the ground running in the league, earning the 2011-12 NBA Rookie of the Year award with the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/cleveland-cavaliers/"> Cleveland Cavaliers</a>. He averaged 18.5 points, 5.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game that rookie season.</p> <p>He already has an NBA title under his belt by playing second fiddle to LeBron James. During the 2016 NBA Finals, it was Irving’s 3-point shot against the Golden State Warriors with 53 seconds left in Game 7 that proved to be the biggest shot in Finals history.</p> <p>Irving has since then explored his own options as the lead playmaker of his own team with the Boston Celtics. Through 93 games in Boston, Irving has put up 24.0 points, 5.6 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.</p> <p>Irving isn’t a pass-first point guard, but his 49 percent shooting percentage from the field and 41 percent percentage from 3-point range tells some of the story. He’s one of the best playmakers in the NBA in isolation and it’s shown since he’s joined the Celtics. His points per game average is a career-high and his assist production remains steady despite the change of scenery.</p> <p>As he searches for another NBA title with a favorite to win the Eastern Conference, Irving will need to really go into his bag of tricks and make some plays. Boston is currently fifth in the standings with a 21-15 record, which is something to keep an eye on as we head into the New Year.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 19 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335303" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335303 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1164,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1075816938.jpeg" alt="Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors" width="1600" height="1164" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1075816938.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1075816938-768x559.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>19. Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors</h3> <p>Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry will go down as one of the best 3-point shooters in league history, while turning the 3-pointer into a lethal weapon of his own. Since entering the league, Curry has shattered plenty of records already, while averaging 3.5 3-point makes and shooting 43.7 percent from behind the arc during his career.</p> <p>Curry has won two MVP awards and three NBA titles as a member of the Warriors, setting off a dynasty that’s currently in progress. He’s averaging 23.3 points, 6.7 assists and 4.4 rebounds per contest as the floor general for Golden State.</p> <p>He won back-to-back NBA MVP awards in 2015 and 2016. During the 2014-15 season, he poured in 23.8 points, 7.7 assists and 4.3 rebounds per contest for his first MVP award. The next season, he won the league’s scoring title en route to another MVP award, putting up a career-high 30.1 points, 6.7 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. He put up a career-high 13 30-point performances as a primary playmaker for the Warriors.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/DPsgaguKxgk?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Through 10 seasons in the league, he currently ranks fifth all-time in NBA history in 3-pointers made with 2,257. He trails Kyle Korver of the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/utah-jazz/">Utah Jazz</a> by 13 3-pointers and the recently retired Jason Terry by only 25 3-pointers.</p> <p>Curry still has plenty left in the tank and continues to excel as one of those players you don’t want with the ball in things are close. His 3-point shooting percentage  of 43.7 percent makes him the active leader among players in the league and fourth all-time in NBA history. He’ll look to continue to climb the ranks this season, as Golden State looks to win its third title in a row.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 18 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335304" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335304 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2483,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1030816134.jpeg" alt="Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns, Dallas Mavericks" width="3200" height="2483" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1030816134.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1030816134-768x596.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>18. Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns/Dallas Mavericks</h3> <p>Point guard Steve Nash had the ball on a string during his time in the NBA. His ability to change speed and evade defenders turned into quite the career for him on one of the best teams in Phoenix Suns’ history.</p> <p>Nash played 18 seasons in the league. No matter where he went, he made an impact as the primary playmaker on the floor. He led the NBA in assists per game five times and won back-to-back MVP awards during his second tenure with the Suns.</p> <p>He won the first MVP award of his career during the 2004-05 season, averaging 15.5 points, 11.5 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game. Phoenix went 62-20 that year, finishing first in the Western Conference.</p> <p>Nash dished 10 assists or more in 59 games during the regular season, as the Suns made it all the way to the Western Conference Finals the season before falling to the San Antonio Spurs, 4-1.</p> <p>His second MVP award came the following season, as he produced 18.8 points, 10.5 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game, as the Suns went 54-28. He distributed 10 or more assists in 46 contests this time around. Phoenix would go on to lose again in the 2006 Western Conference Finals to the Dallas Mavericks, though, his former team.</p> <p>As it stands, Nash is third all-time in league history in total assists (10,335) and ninth all-time in assists per game (9.5). He made everyone around him better. It showed in the win column until the postseason arrived.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 17 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335305" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335305 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1074465726.jpeg" alt="Julius Irving, Philadelphia 76ers" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1074465726.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1074465726-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>17. Julius Erving, Philadelphia 76ers</h3> <p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/philadelphia-76ers/">Philadelphia 76ers</a> shooting guard Julius Erving set the tone with his acrobatic play and rim-rocking dunks. With his trademark afro, “Dr. J” would soar effortlessly through his opponents through the lane before finishing with an emphatic jam, most of the time.</p> <p>Erving made 11 All-Star appearances with the 76ers from 1976 to 1987, showing off his ability to make plays while eventually leading the way to an NBA crown. He averaged 22.0 points, 6.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game during his time with the 76ers.</p> <p>He won the regular season MVP award during the 1979-80 season, averaging 26.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 4.6 assists as one of the best shooting guards to ever play the game.</p> <p>Erving won the elusive ring that many Hall of Famers have never had the opportunity to win in 1983. With Moses Malone, Maurice Cheeks and Andrew Toney, the 76ers swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the 1983 NBA Finals on the way to their most recent NBA title in franchise history.</p> <p>One of his finest plays came during Game 4 which was dubbed the “Baseline Move.” After driving past one defender, his route along the baseline was cut off by Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, but he effortlessly soared through the air around him to the other side of the hoop while putting up a soft underhanded layup for the score.</p> <p>He’ll go down as one of the best playmakers in the NBA with his wizardry with the basketball. He turned it into success by the end of his career and continues to be talked about to this day.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 16 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_213455" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-213455 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2430,w_3600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2016%2F08%2F478993362-atlanta-hawks-v-boston-celtics.jpg" alt="Tiny Archibald, Cincinnati Royals, Kansas City Kings, Boston Celtics" width="3600" height="2430" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/08/478993362-atlanta-hawks-v-boston-celtics.jpg 3600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2016/08/478993362-atlanta-hawks-v-boston-celtics-768x518.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3600px) 100vw, 3600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3600px;">(Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>16. Nate “Tiny” Archibald, Cincinnati Royals/Kansas City Kings/Boston Celtics</h3> <p>Nate “Tiny” Archibald was listed at only 6-foot-1, but he played a lot bigger than that during his time in the NBA, climbing from the then-Cincinnati Royals to the championship-minded Boston Celtics franchise during his career.</p> <p>Archibald led the league in scoring (34.0 PPG) and assists per game (11.4) as a member of the then-Kansas City Kings, showing off his ability as both a scoring and passing machine during the 1972-73 season. He became the only player in league history to lead the league in both scoring and assists per game during a regular season.</p> <p>That year, he put up a career-high 21 assists to go along with three 50-point games and 15 40-point games. It was quite the accomplishment considering the makeup of his team.</p> <p>He had quite the battle with an Achilles’ injury, which cut a few of his seasons short. This included the 1973-74 season, where he played in just 35 games.</p> <p>An Achilles’ injury caused him to miss the entire 1977-78 season, but he still managed to return as a member of the Celtics. He won an NBA title as a member of the Celtics in 1981, averaging 15.6 points and 6.3 assists per game during the playoffs.</p> <p>He would go on to finish his career with six All-Star appearances, a scoring title, an assist title and an NBA title, despite the ups and downs he faced. Archibald will go down as one of the best playmakers below 6-foot-5, a rarity these days at the guard position.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 15 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335306" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335306 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2164,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F515407622.jpeg" alt="Pete Maravich, Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz" width="3200" height="2164" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/515407622.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/515407622-768x519.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">Pete Maravich, of the New Orleans Jazz is shown here dribbling the ball in action against the New York Knicks.</p> </div> </div> <h3>15. Pete Maravich, Atlanta Hawks/New Orleans Jazz</h3> <p>Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Pete Maravich, also known to many as “Pistol Pete”, was one of the greatest playmaking guards in the league with his flashy dribbling, passing and scoring. Many players didn’t like the way he played initially, but things worked out in the end ,as Maravich made the most of his time in the NBA.</p> <p>Maravich made an impact his first season in the NBA, producing 23.2 points, 4.4 assists and 3.7 rebounds per game, quickly silencing critics of his style of play. He suffered a bit of a sophomore slump but during his third season in the NBA, he made his first All-Star appearance with the Hawks. He put up 26.1 points, a career-high 6.9 assists and 4.4 rebounds per game during the 1972-73 season.</p> <p>He was traded to the then-New Orleans Jazz during the 1974 offseason, but his playmaking ability didn’t waiver. Maravich won the lone scoring title of his career with the Jazz, pouring in a career-high 31.1 points per contest along with 5.4 assists and 5.1 rebounds per game in 1976-77.</p> <p>Despite his production and stellar numbers, Maravich’s lone weakness was his inability to show up in the postseason. In three appearances with the Hawks, Maravich never made it out of the first round. He never made an appearance in the playoffs with the Jazz. Mararvich made an appearance with the Boston Celtics during the 1980 NBA Playoffs, but it came in the latter part of his career.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 14 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335307" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335307 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2160,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1086795046.jpeg" alt="Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors" width="3200" height="2160" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1086795046.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1086795046-768x518.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>14. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder/Golden State Warriors</h3> <p>Kevin Durant has cemented his legacy as one of the best playmakers in the game. He did it in an odd fashion, joining the team who beat him in his previous title attempt in the Golden State Warriors.</p> <p>Durant currently ranks fourth all-time in league history in points per game with 27.2 points per contest. He ranks first among active NBA players points per game, scoring at an efficient clip with the ball in his hands.</p> <p>He won the NBA Rookie of the Year award during the 2007-08 season as a member of the then-Seattle SuperSonics. Durant won the NBA MVP award in 2013-14 as a member of the Oklahoma City Thunder. His two Finals MVP awards in 2017 and 2018 came as a catalyst in Golden State’s dynasty run.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/e0cKk6Vhyws?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>His impact on the court has been hard to deny 12 seasons into his career. His playmaking ability has allowed him to lead the league in scoring for four seasons and in field goals made for three seasons. He currently leads the league in field goals made with 344 in 2018-19.</p> <p>Some may put an asterisk by his name, but it’s hard to deny Durant’s ability with the ball in his hands. The shot heard ’round the world came in Game 6 of the 2017 NBA Finals in LeBron James’ face, so he’s certainly not above doing the dirty work.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 13 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335308" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335308 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1108,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F89053088.jpeg" alt="George Gervin, San Antonio Spurs" width="1600" height="1108" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/89053088.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/89053088-768x532.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)</p> </div> </div> <h3>13. George Gervin, San Antonio Spurs</h3> <p>George “The Iceman” Gervin revolutionized the game with his ability to make acrobatic plays around the rim. He went down in history as one of the best San Antonio Spurs players in franchise history, as well as one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NBA.</p> <p>Gervin won four scoring titles across five seasons during his time in San Antonio, including three in a row from 1977 to 1980 as the off-guard in the backcourt. He is one of only three players to win four scoring titles in the history of the league.</p> <p>Gervin produced a career-high 33.1 points per contest during the 1979-80 season, while shooting 52.8 percent from the floor. He put up a career-high 63 points in his second official season in the NBA, going 23-of-49 (46.9 percent) from the field.</p> <p>He was quite an efficient playmaker with the ball in his hands in his time with the Spurs and became a fan favorite, making nine All-Star appearances as a member of the team. The Spurs never won a championship with “The Iceman” on the roster, but they came close with him leading the way.</p> <p>Gervin led the playoffs in points per game from 1978 to 1982 and made seven postseason appearances with the Spurs, showing his loyalty despite his All-Star status. He averaged a career-high 33.3 points per game in a first-round loss in the 1980 NBA Playoffs to the Houston Rockets, 2-1.</p> <p>Gervin changed the way guards attacked the basket with his wiry athleticism. It ultimately turned into a Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame nod for him in 1996.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No 12 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_331668" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-331668 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2246,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1060646348.jpeg" alt="Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2246" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1060646348.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1060646348-768x539.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>12. Jerry West, Los Angeles Lakers</h3> <p>There’s a reason why Los Angeles Lakers guard Jerry West is “The Logo” by many. He revolutionized “Showtime Basketball” in the purple and gold in the early days of the NBA from 1960 to 1974.</p> <p>West was a walking playmaker his second season in the league. He scored a career-high 63 points on Jan. 17, 1962 against the<a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/new-york-knicks/"> New York Knicks</a> in a 129-121 victory. He set the tone with his ability to score from anywhere on the floor. West shot 22-of-36 from the floor in the game when no 3-point line existed.</p> <p>During the 1969-70 season, the year he won the scoring title, he put up a career-high 31.3 points per game. He led the league in assists per game (9.7) during the 1971-72 regular season, which is also a career-high.</p> <p>West took home NBA Finals MVP honors when the Lakers lost the 1969 NBA Finals, the first and only time in league history. He produced 37.9 points, 7.4 assists and 4.7 rebounds per game during the Finals despite his Lakers falling to the Boston Celtics, 4-3.</p> <p>He was one of the most dynamic playmakers in Lakers history alongside the likes fellow Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain, Elgin Baylor and Pat Riley. He won an NBA title in 1972, defeating the Knicks, 4-1. West finished his career with averages of 27.0 points, 6.7 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game with the Lakers.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 11 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335310" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335310 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F131937724.jpeg" alt="Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/131937724.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/131937724-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>11. Isiah Thomas, Detroit Pistons</h3> <p><a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/eastern-conference/detroit-pistons/">Detroit Pistons</a> point guard Isiah Thomas was the proverbial leader of the “Bad Boys” from 1981 to 1994 but when looking at the stat sheet, he was a lot more than that. Thomas led the league in assists per game (13.9) during the 1984-85 campaign.</p> <p>He dished out a career-high 25 assists that season against the Dallas Mavericks on Feb. 13, 1985. Thomas put up 20 assists or more in nine games during that season, showing off his All-Star ability.</p> <p>In the Pistons run to back-to-back NBA titles in 1989 and 1990, he took home the 1990 NBA Finals MVP award. The shifty 6-foot-1 floor general produced 27.6 points, 7.0 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game as Detroit ran away with the NBA Finals against Clyde Drexler and the <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/western-conference/portland-trail-blazers/">Portland Trail Blazers</a>, 4-1.</p> <p>Thomas didn’t win an MVP award during the regular season, but it didn’t stop him from showing off his ability to score the basketball. He had at least one 40-point game in five of the 13 seasons he played with the Pistons.</p> <p>Thomas revolutionized the point guard position on both ends with his gritty style of play. He was named to 12 All-Star games as one of the smaller guards to play the game, but he played in the moment. He wasn’t afraid to score down low and wasn’t afraid to get physical on defense either.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 10 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335312" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335312 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1075809562.jpeg" alt="James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder, Houston Rockets" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1075809562.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1075809562-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>10. James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder/Houston Rockets</h3> <p>Love him or hate him, Houston Rockets guard James Harden’s ability to score and make plays off the dribble is hard to deny. Harden has made a career out of making big shots and getting to the free throw line since joining the Rockets, something that didn’t happen right away when he entered the league.</p> <p>Harden played the third option with the Oklahoma City Thunder in his early days from 2010 to 2012, winning the NBA Sixth Man of the Year award during the 2011-12 season. He produced 16.8 points, 4.1 rebounds and 3.7 assists per game, while shooting 39 percent from behind the arc.</p> <p>A trade to Houston catapulted him into a first option. Since then, he’s enjoyed an All-Star status of his own as the best player on the Rockets.</p> <p>Since joining the Rockets in 2012-13, Harden has put up 28.2 points, 7.8 assists and 5.8 rebounds per game, while shooting 44.3 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from 3-point range. He’s won the league’s scoring title this past season and led the league in assists per game (11.2) during the 2016-17 campaign.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/Kk8TVGTXl3w?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>He won the league’s MVP award in 2017-18, while leading the NBA in scoring (30.4 PPG) to go along with 8.8 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. He put up 11 40-point games in 59 wins and 13 losses for the Rockets during that campaign.</p> <p>Harden recorded four triple-doubles alongside point guard Chris Paul in the backcourt, showing off his dynamic abilities. He’ll go down as one of the best scorers in league history, but he’s also a playmaker that continues to improve.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 9 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335313" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335313 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2149,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F96870786.jpeg" alt="Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers" width="3200" height="2149" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/96870786.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/96870786-768x516.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>9. Allen Iverson, Philadelphia 76ers</h3> <p>Allen Iverson was an unstoppable playmaker with his patented crossover that was bound to leave defenders in the dust. Iverson won four scoring titles, led the league in steals per game for three seasons ,while also averaging 6.2 assists per contest.</p> <p>During the 2000-01 season, he won the NBA MVP award, producing 31.1 points, 4.6 assists, 3.8 rebound and a league-best 2.5 steals per contest. That year, Iverson led the 76ers all the way to the 2001 NBA Finals where his team fell 4-1 to the Los Angeles Lakers. Iverson averaged 35.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 1.8 steals per game in the series.</p> <p>Iverson is the only player other than Wilt Chamberlain to score at least 60 points in a regular season game in the history of the 76ers franchise. He put up a career-high 55 points in the 2003 NBA Playoffs with his ability to make plays at volume. While he never won a ring, his body of work as one of the best playmakers listed at 6-foot.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/2REkZG-dhHc?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>He produced over 30 points per game during three regular seasons to take home scoring titles. He also made 11 All-Star appearances during his time in the NBA, an ode to his popularity as one of the most polar athletes in the league.</p> <p>Another impressive feat of his was his ability to play a ton of minutes. He finished his career averaging 41.1 minutes per game, fourth all-time in NBA history. With his durability and longevity, Iverson was hard to deny as a playmaker and as a result, he was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 8 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335314" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335314 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1067,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1008762796.jpeg" alt="Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks, Los Angeles Lakers" width="1600" height="1067" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1008762796.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1008762796-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>8. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks/Los Angeles Lakers</h3> <p>Kareem Abdul-Jabbar began his career with the Milwaukee Bucks. By the end of his career, he was a legend in the eyes of Los Angeles Lakers fans. Abdul-Jabbar won the NBA Rookie of the Year award, six MVP awards, three as a member of the Bucks and three as a member of the Lakers. He’s the only player in league history to win six regular season MVP awards.</p> <p>The seven-footer averaged 22.1 points, 9.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists per contest through 13 seasons for the “Showtime” Lakers. He won five NBA titles while wearing the purple and gold, including two Finals MVPs. While he was a prolific scorer, his patented shot is what made him impossible to defend.</p> <p>“The Sky Hook” is part of the reason he is the all-time leader in the NBA in points (38,387) and field goals (15,837). As the primary rebounder, Abdul-Jabbar was a catalyst in one of the greatest offensive attacks in league history. He ranks third all-time in league history in total rebounds (17,440) as well.</p> <p>Abdul-Jabbar remains as one of the best centers in the league. His ability to make plays is a big reason for that. He was also a force on the defensive end, which catapulted the Lakers into a dynasty during the 1980s.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 7 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335315" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335315 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1181,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1908253.jpeg" alt="John Stockton, Utah Jazz" width="1600" height="1181" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1908253.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1908253-768x567.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>7. John Stockton, Utah Jazz</h3> <p>Point guard John Stockton wasn’t the most athletic players in the league, but he was one of the smartest playmakers to play the game. He is one of the most coveted players in Utah Jazz history alongisde Karl Malone.</p> <p>Stockton led the league in assists per game and total assists nine times while wearing a Jazz uniform. He became the first player in league history to record back-to-back 1,000 assist seasons. Stockton broke the single-season record of 1,128 assists by Isiah Thomas during the 1987-88 season. He is one of three players to produce 1,000 assists or more in a regular season.</p> <p>His playmaking ability paired well with the post play of Karl Malone and the shooting prowess of Jeff Hornacek. While the Jazz lost in back-to-back NBA Finals in 1997 and 1998 to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls, Stockton played a pivotal role for Utah, averaging over 8.0 assists in both Finals appearances.</p> <p>As one of the best passers in the game, Stockton finished his career with 15,806 assists and 10.5 assists per game. He ranks first all-time in NBA history in total assists and fourth all-time in assists per game.</p> <p>The 10-time All-Star will go down as one of the best traditional point guards to play the game. He still finished his career averaging 13.1 points per contest, showing that he could score when needed to.</p> <p>His IQ is hard to come by in the current NBA, but if anybody wanted to compare, Russell Westbrook is pretty close in terms of production.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 6 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335316" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335316 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2130,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1067725920.jpeg" alt="Bill Russell, Boston Celtics" width="3200" height="2130" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1067725920.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1067725920-768x511.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>6. Bill Russell, Boston Celtics</h3> <p>Bill Russell was one of the best playmaking centers and one of the most decorated players in Boston Celtics history. He played with the Celtics for 13 seasons, making 12 All-Star appearances and winning 11 NBA titles, the most by any player in the history of the league.</p> <p>Russell put up 15.1 points, 22.5 rebounds and 4.3 assists per game as an unstoppable force in the paint. He won five NBA Finals MVP award and five regular-season MVP awards in his time with Boston.</p> <p>Before Michael Jordan, Russell dominated the league with his ability to defend and rebound the ball, complementing the abilities of fellow Hall of Famers Bob Cousy and Bill Sharman. They made up one of the most dynamic teams on both ends of the hardwood.</p> <p>He recorded 22 points and 35 rebounds in Game 7 of the 1960 NBA Finals against the then-St. Louis Hawks. From 1958 to 1966, Russell was one of three Celtics players that won eight consecutive NBA titles as a member of the Boston organization.</p> <p>Russell gave the ultimate anchor to have on the glass, leading the league in rebounds per game on five different occasions. He snagged a career-high 24.1 rebounds per contest during the 1963-64 campaign. He currently ranks second in league history in total rebounds with 21,620.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 5 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335317" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335317 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2227,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1082277712.jpeg" alt="Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2227" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1082277712.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1082277712-768x534.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>5. Magic Johnson, Los Angeles Lakers</h3> <p>Earvin “Magic” Johnson had his career cut short by an HIV-positive diagnosis, but his legacy still lives on today as one of the best playmakers in Los Angeles Lakers’ history. Johnson finished his career with the Lakers during the 1995-96 season putting up 19.5 points, 11.2 assists, 7.2 rebounds and 1.9 steals per contest.</p> <p>He was a player with a knack for racking up a triple-double every night if you let him. He finished his career with 138 triple-doubles, second all-time in NBA history. Johnson came close to averaging a triple-double twice during his career (1981-82 and 1982-83), showing off his ability to make plays as a playmaker.</p> <p>He wasn’t a sharpshooter from behind the arc, but anywhere inside it, he was efficient. He shot over 50 percent from the floor in nine of his 13 seasons with Los Angeles, shooting 52 percent from the field throughout his career.</p> <p>Magic made 12 All-Star appearances, won five NBA championships, led the league in assists per game four times, won three MVP awards and won three MVP Finals awards during his time with the Lakers.</p> <p>The 2002 Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame inductee made nine appearances in the NBA Finals as one of the top playmakers on some of the best teams in Lakers history. He even played the center spot during their run to the 1980 NBA title. He was a positionless playmaker. If his career wasn’t cut short, he probably would have won more titles.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 4 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335319" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335319 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2263,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F1085546466.jpeg" alt="LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Lakers" width="3200" height="2263" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1085546466.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/1085546466-768x543.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>4. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers/Miami Heat/Los Angeles Lakers</h3> <p>LeBron James has built quite the legacy for himself since joining the NBA after the 2003 NBA Draft. It’s hard to imagine he won’t go down as one of the best playmakers in the history of the league, given his dominance 16 seasons in.</p> <p>James has taken home four MVP awards, three NBA titles, three Finals MVP awards, the 2003-04 NBA Rookie of the Year award and a scoring title in 2007-08 since joining the NBA ranks. He currently ranks fifth all-time in league history in points (31,949) and 11th in assists (8,446) as the ultimate point-forward with the ball in his hands.</p> <p>He won back-to-back titles in his second season with the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013, beginning a trend of eight straight appearances in the NBA Finals. Through those appearances, he’s made four appearances with the Heat and four appearances with the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2011 up until this past season.</p> <p>James led the Cavaliers to their first NBA championship in franchise history in 2016. In all three NBA title victories, he earned the Finals MVP award as the unsung playmaker on the floor. He still had help, though. In Miami, he had the help of Dwyae Wade and Chris Bosh. In Cleveland, he had the help of Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.</p> <p>Now, he’s looking to win another title with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’ll be a steeper hill to climb in the Western Conference, but like most challenges he’s faced, James always finds a way to win.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 3 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335318" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335318 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_2133,w_3200/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F661685298.jpeg" alt="Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals, Milwaukee Bucks" width="3200" height="2133" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/661685298.jpeg 3200w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/661685298-768x512.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 3200px) 100vw, 3200px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:3200px;">(Photo by Steve Nowland/NCAA Photos via Getty Images)</p> </div> </div> <h3>3. Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati Royals/Milwaukee Bucks</h3> <p>Oscar Robertson was better known as “Mr. Triple-Double” during his time in the NBA. He became the first player to average a triple-double during a regular season in 1961-62 with the then-Cincinnati Royals.</p> <p>Robertson leads all players in league history with 181 triple-double performances. He earned the 1960-61 NBA Rookie of the Year award his first year in the league, producing 30.5 points, 10.1 rebounds and 9.7 assists per contest.</p> <p>His second season in the NBA, he averaged 30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds and 11.4 rebounds per game, becoming the first player in league history to average such a feat. Along with his average, he posted 41 triple-doubles during the regular season.</p> <p>Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook recently passed that mark during the 2016-17 regular season with 42, while joining him as the only player to average a triple-double during a regular season.</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/H0-Iz6fQRAE?start=2&amp;feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Although he was considered a stat-sheet stuffer in his day, he only won one NBA title during his career. He won the 1971 NBA Championship with the Milwaukee Bucks alongside Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Though Abdul-Jabbar took home the Finals MVP award, Robertson still put up 23.5 points, 9.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds per game on 52.3 percent shooting from the field in a league without a 3-point line.</p> <p>He’ll go down as “Mr. Triple-Double” for a reason. Robertson finished his career averaging 25.7 points, 9.5 assists and 7.5 rebounds per game through his 14-year career.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 2 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_283066" class="wp-caption alignnone"> <img class="size-full wp-image-283066" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1958,w_2621/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F12%2F521853338-utah-jazz-v-los-angeles-lakers.jpg.jpg" alt="Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers" width="2621" height="1958" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/12/521853338-utah-jazz-v-los-angeles-lakers.jpg.jpg 2621w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2017/12/521853338-utah-jazz-v-los-angeles-lakers.jpg-768x574.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 2621px) 100vw, 2621px"><p class="wp-caption-text">(Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)</p> </div> <h3>2. Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers</h3> <p>Kobe Bryant earned the moniker “Black Mamba” during his playing days with the Los Angeles Lakers and with good reason. He is considered one of the best playmakers in the history of the NBA because of his killer instinct with the ball in his hands.</p> <p>When in the clutch, Bryant was the go-to guy no matter the situation (outside of the 2010 NBA Finals when Metta World Peace, formerly known as Ron Artest, played out of his mind in Game 7).</p> <div class="embed embed-video"><iframe width="500" height="281" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://www.youtube.com/embed/1fjhIWJSxfw?feature=oembed%22 frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe></div> <p>Bryant won five NBA titles while wearing the purple and gold, winning in 3-peat fashion from 2000 to 2002 and in back-to-back fashion in 2009 and 2010. He took home the NBA Finals MVP award twice in their second run to back-to-back titles. Bryant made 18 All-Star appearances, won the 2007-08 MVP award and won two scoring titles as well from 2005-07.</p> <p>He put up 35.4 points per game during the 2005-06 for his first scoring title. In 2006-07, Bryant followed that up with a 31.6 points per game average. Ironically, the only NBA MVP award of his career came after those seasons during the 2007-08 season, when he produced 28.3 points per game. “The Black Mamba” finished his career with averages of 25.0 points, 5.2 rebounds, 4.7 assists and 1.4 steals per game with the Lakers.</p> <p>Bryant alllowed Shaquille O’Neal to get traded away to become the team’s primary playmaker. However, things worked out for him in the end. Bryant will go down as one of the best playmakers in history but in his shadow, there was always one figure who he couldn’t seem to surpass.</p> <div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> No. 1 </a> </div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_335289" class="wp-caption aligncenter"> <img class="wp-image-335289 size-full" src=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_1063,w_1600/http%3A%2F%2Fhoopshabit.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2018%2F08%2F379795.jpeg" alt="Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls, Washington Wizards" width="1600" height="1063" srcset="https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/379795.jpeg 1600w, https://hoopshabit.com/wp-content/uploads/getty-images/2018/08/379795-768x510.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px"><div class="fs-center-img"> <p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:1600px;">Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Daniel /Allsport</p> </div> </div> <h3>1. Michael Jordan, Chicago Bulls/Washington Wizards</h3> <p>Michael Jordan is the best playmaker in the history of the NBA. Jordan led the league in scoring in 10 seasons and in steals per game for three seasons, as one of the best two-way players in the league. He won six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls in three-peat fashion from 1991to 1993 and again 1996 to 1998.</p> <p>Jordan made All-Star appearances in 12 of the 13 seasons he played with Chicago, showing his popularity right away during his rookie season. He averaged 28.2 points, 6.5 rebounds, 5.9 assists and 2.4 steals per contest as the 1984-85 NBA Rookie of the Year.</p> <div class="recent-posts"> <h4>More from <b>All-Time Lists</b></h4> <ul><li> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/08/14/ranking-nba-small-market-teams/">Ranking the NBA’s small market teams </a></li><li> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/2022/08/13/los-angeles-lakers-mount-rushmore/">Selecting the Los Angeles Lakers’ Mount Rushmore </a></li><li> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/11/30/one-final-game-the-last-great-performance-for-nba-legends/">One Final Game: The last great performance for NBA legends </a></li><li> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/10/19/ranking-75-best-players-nba-history-75th-anniversary/">Ranking the 75 best players in NBA history for 75th anniversary </a></li><li> <a href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"https://hoopshabit.com/2021/08/28/nba-one-player-forgot-played-favorite-team/">NBA: One player you forgot played for your favorite team </a></li></ul> </div> <p>He was not only one of the greatest playmaker, he was also an efficient scorer. Jordan shot over 50 percent from the field during five regular seasons.</p> <p>He finished with a career average of 50.5 percent from the field when it was all said and done.</p> <p>In the six NBA titles he won with the Bulls, Jordan won the Finals MVP award each time, showing his ability as arguably the best to ever play in the league.</p> <p>He put up 33.6 points, 6.0 assists, 6.0 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game, while shooting 36.8 percent from 3-point range and 48.1 percent from the field in his six NBA Finals appearances.</p> <div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Ranking every No. 1 overall pick in NBA Draft history" data-url="http://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/26/ranking-every-first-overall-pick-nba-draft-history/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background:#bb2c32" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/31/nba-30-greatest-playmakers-nba-history/"http://hoopshabit.com/2018/12/26/ranking-every-first-overall-pick-nba-draft-history/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Ranking every No. 1 overall pick in NBA Draft history </a> </div> </div> <p>He’s the current leader in league history in career points per game (30.1) and ranks fourth all-time on the NBA’s scoring list (32,292).</p><!—pageview_candidate—>">