When people ask me about the most underrated skill in modern basketball, I always point to passing. Sure, everyone loves a thunderous dunk or a deep three-pointer, but the art of creating opportunities for others—that’s what separates good teams from great ones. Over the years, I’ve come to appreciate that elite passers don’t just rack up assists; they control the flow of the game, read defenses like chess masters, and elevate everyone around them. Today, I want to dive into who I believe are the best passers in the NBA right now, and why their vision and creativity make them so special.
Let’s start with Nikola Jokić, because honestly, how can you not? The Denver Nuggets’ big man is redefining what’s possible from the center position. I remember watching a game last season where he dished out 14 assists without breaking a sweat, threading needles that most guards wouldn’t even attempt. At 7 feet tall, he sees passing lanes that simply don’t exist for others, and his no-look dimes have become the stuff of legend. Statistically, he’s averaged around 9 assists per game over the past couple of seasons, which is absurd for a player his size. But it’s not just the numbers—it’s the timing, the creativity, the way he makes everyone on the court better. Jokić doesn’t just pass; he orchestrates.
Then there’s Chris Paul, the Point God himself. Even at this stage of his career, he’s a master of the pick-and-roll and has an almost psychic connection with his teammates. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen him freeze a defender with a hesitation dribble only to whip a pass to the corner for an open three. Last year, he led the league in assists per game with roughly 11.2, and his ability to control the tempo is second to none. What stands out to me, though, is his leadership. He’s like a coach on the floor, directing traffic and making sure everyone is in the right place. It reminds me of something I once heard about coaching: “Ganun talaga. May tinatawag na high and low sa coaching e.” In basketball, as in coaching, there are highs and lows—moments of brilliance and moments of adjustment. Paul embodies that balance, knowing when to push the pace and when to slow things down.
Of course, I have to mention LeBron James. Even in his 20th season, his passing is as sharp as ever. His court vision is unparalleled, and he’s probably the best transition passer I’ve ever seen. I’ll never forget a play from the 2022 playoffs where he fired a full-court pass to a cutting teammate for an easy layup—it was like he had eyes in the back of his head. LeBron averages around 8.5 assists per game for his career, but it’s the sheer variety of his passes that blows me away. He can deliver bullet passes in half-court sets or loft perfect alley-oops in transition. He makes the game look easy, and that’s the mark of a true great.
But let’s not forget the younger generation. Luka Dončić is already one of the most creative passers in the league, with a flair for the dramatic that reminds me of a young Pete Maravich. His behind-the-back and wrap-around passes are pure magic, and he’s averaged over 9 assists per game since entering the NBA. Then there’s Trae Young, whose lobs to Clint Capela have become a staple of the Atlanta Hawks’ offense. He’s a risk-taker, and while it doesn’t always pay off, his audacity is what makes him so fun to watch.
Now, I know some people might argue for players like James Harden or Ben Simmons, and they’re not wrong. Harden’s playmaking has been crucial for the Philadelphia 76ers, and Simmons’ size and vision are unique. But for me, the best passers are the ones who combine volume with versatility. It’s not just about racking up assists; it’s about making the right pass at the right time, whether it’s a simple swing to the corner or a no-look bullet in traffic.
As I reflect on what makes these players so special, I keep coming back to that idea of highs and lows. In basketball, as in life, there are moments of brilliance and moments of struggle. The best passers understand that balance—they know when to take risks and when to play it safe. They’re not just passers; they’re storytellers, weaving narratives through every possession. And in today’s NBA, where spacing and pace are more important than ever, their ability to create opportunities is invaluable.
So, who are the best passers in the league today? For me, it’s Jokić, Paul, and LeBron, with Dončić and Young hot on their heels. But what do you think? I’d love to hear your thoughts—because at the end of the day, that’s what makes basketball so beautiful. It’s a conversation, a debate, a shared love for the game. And as long as there are players who can dazzle us with their vision and creativity, that conversation will never end.