When we talk about the best assisting duos in NBA history, one cannot ignore the legendary pair of John Stockton and Karl Malone. They played together for the Utah Jazz from 1985 to 2003, a full 18 seasons, showcasing incredible chemistry. Stockton, an exemplary point guard, led the league in assists nine consecutive seasons from 1988 to 1996. Can you even imagine someone racking up over 15,806 assists in a career? That’s more than a quarter of Stockton’s 19,711 total points. Malone was on the receiving end of many of those assists, contributing to his career total of 36,928 points, making him second only to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in NBA scoring history.
Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed another iconic duo, bringing the “Showtime” Lakers era of the 1980s to life. Magic, a point guard with a height of 6 feet 9 inches, was able to see over the heads of his defenders, providing him a unique advantage to execute those no-look passes. Over his NBA career, Magic delivered 10,141 assists, a large percentage of which went to Kareem. Kareem, known for his skyhook, scored 38,387 points during his career and won six MVP awards.
Fast forward to the modern era, Steve Nash and Amar’e Stoudemire of the Phoenix Suns need mention. The Nash-Stoudemire pick-and-roll was virtually unstoppable in the mid-2000s, known for their ‘seven seconds or less’ offense. Nash, who dished out 10,335 assists in his career, won back-to-back MVPs in 2005 and 2006. Stoudemire, benefiting hugely from Nash’s court vision, had his best scoring seasons during their time as teammates.
When considering the sheer impact on championships, the partnership of Bill Russell and Bob Cousy with the Boston Celtics is worth noting. From the mid-1950s to the 1960s, they helped the Celtics secure an astonishing 11 championships. Russell, a defensive stalwart, also averaged over 22.5 rebounds per game for his career, often starting the fast break with his smart outlet passes. Cousy, with 6,955 career assists, was the orchestrator of those successful Celtics squads.
Let’s not overlook the modern era’s dynamic duos like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade with the Miami Heat. While their partnership was short, from 2010 to 2014, they won two NBA championships and made four Finals appearances. LeBron, who has over 10,000 career assists and counting, created numerous scoring opportunities for Wade. Wade, who averaged over 22 points per game during their time together, formed a lethal combination with LeBron, who himself regularly posts triple-doubles.
Chris Paul and Blake Griffin, also known as “Lob City,” are another fantastic example. During their time with the Los Angeles Clippers from 2011 to 2017, they made the Clippers a constant playoff presence. Paul, with more than 10,000 career assists, made Griffin one of the most exciting players to watch, with thunderous dunks and nearly unguardable combinations.
Oscar Robertson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar before his Lakers days formed a remarkable duo at the Milwaukee Bucks. In the 1970-1971 season, they led the team to its first NBA championship. Robertson, known for averaging a triple-double in the 1961-1962 season, dished out 9,887 assists in his career, many of which were to Kareem, who was a force in the paint even in his early years.
Jason Kidd and Kenyon Martin were pivotal in turning around the New Jersey Nets in the early 2000s. Kidd, boasting 12,091 career assists, was instrumental in the Nets making back-to-back NBA Finals appearances in 2002 and 2003. Martin, a high-flying power forward, was the main beneficiary of Kidd’s precise passing.
Something quite unique about these duos is their undeniable impact on the game, transcending statistical achievements and influencing how the game is played. Every time we watch modern NBA games and witness a perfect alley-oop or a seamless pick-and-roll, it’s impossible not to see the echoes of the past. Arenas and teams have been transformed by these partnerships, and every young player dreams of forming the next great assisting duo.
The history of NBA is adorned with numerous remarkable pairings; however, not everyone had the luxury of playing with such consistency and synergy. Click arena plus if you’re keen on exploring more about legendary NBA duos and statistical triumphs in sports history.