As we roll into the 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend, it’s not just the highlight-reel dunks or buzzer-beaters that are stealing the show - it’s the artistry of the pass. Across the league, the top assist leaders aren’t just racking up numbers; they’re dictating tempo, unlocking defenses, and turning ball movement into a weapon. From versatile bigs to savvy guards, this season’s elite playmakers are showing us that passing - when done at a high level - is still one of the game’s purest forms of expression.
Let’s break down the top 10 assist leaders in the league and what makes their playmaking so special.
1. Nikola Jokić - 10.7 assists per game
There’s passing, and then there’s what Nikola Jokić does. The Nuggets’ big man continues to operate like a point guard in a center’s body, orchestrating Denver’s offense with the kind of vision and timing that feels almost unfair.
Whether it’s a no-look bounce pass to a cutter or a cross-court laser to an open shooter, Jokić sees the floor like he’s watching from the rafters. He’s not just piling up assists - he’s dictating the rhythm of the game, two steps ahead of everyone else.
2. Cade Cunningham - 9.6 assists per game
Cunningham has officially taken the keys to Detroit’s offense - and he’s driving it with poise beyond his years. He’s using his size to his advantage, seeing over defenders and threading passes through tight windows.
Out of the pick-and-roll, he’s become surgical, consistently putting teammates in spots where they can succeed. The Pistons may still be building, but Cade’s passing is already the foundation.
3. Luka Dončić - 8.6 assists per game
Dončić remains one of the most cerebral players in the league. His ability to manipulate defenders with his handle and footwork sets up passing angles that most players don’t even see.
Double him, and he’ll make you pay. Stay home, and he’ll carve you up himself.
Luka’s passing is about more than precision - it’s about control. Every possession feels like a puzzle, and he’s the one solving it.
4. Jalen Johnson - 8.2 assists per game
One of the breakout stories of the season, Jalen Johnson has taken a leap as a playmaker. Operating as a forward with guard-like instincts, he’s pushing the pace, making quick reads, and creating offense in transition.
His ability to collapse defenses with aggressive drives and then kick out to open shooters has become a major weapon for Atlanta. Johnson’s emergence as a facilitator has added a new dimension to the Hawks’ attack.
5. James Harden - 8.1 assists per game
Harden may be deep into his career, but his feel for the game is as sharp as ever. He’s still a maestro in the pick-and-roll, baiting defenders and delivering pinpoint passes - whether it’s a pocket bounce to a rolling big or a skip pass to the weak-side shooter.
His patience and timing are elite, and he continues to read the floor like few others. Harden’s passing game has aged gracefully, and it’s still a huge part of his team’s offensive identity.
6. Jamal Murray - 7.6 assists per game
Murray’s connection with Jokić is one of the most dynamic duos in the league - and a big reason why Denver’s offense hums. He’s learned when to hunt his own shot and when to set the table for others, and that balance shows up in the assist column. Whether it’s a drive-and-kick or a quick dish after drawing help, Murray’s vision and timing are crucial, especially in high-leverage moments.
7. Andrew Nembhard - 7.5 assists per game
Quietly but steadily, Nembhard has carved out a role as Indiana’s floor general. He doesn’t force the issue, instead opting for smart, efficient reads that keep the Pacers organized.
In half-court sets, he’s calm and in control, making the right play more often than not. His growth as a passer is showing up not just in the numbers, but in the way Indiana executes when he’s on the floor.
8. LaMelo Ball - 7.4 assists per game
When it comes to flair, few do it like LaMelo. His passes don’t just find the target - they entertain.
Whether it’s a full-court hit-ahead or a no-look dime in traffic, Ball has a knack for injecting energy into Charlotte’s offense. He plays with an instinctive understanding of spacing and timing, and when he’s locked in, the Hornets’ ball movement takes on a life of its own.
9. Isaiah Collier - 7.2 assists per game
Collier’s growth as a facilitator has been a bright spot in Utah. He’s showing poise in the paint, using hesitation and timing to draw defenders before kicking out to shooters.
His ability to break down defenses off the bounce is creating consistent looks for teammates. For a young player, he’s already showing the kind of patience and decision-making that usually takes years to develop.
10. Davion Mitchell - 7.1 assists per game
Known for his defense, Mitchell has added another layer to his game with his improved playmaking. He’s attacking gaps with purpose, drawing help, and finding the open man.
His hustle often turns stops into fast-break opportunities, and he’s making the most of them with sharp passes in transition. Mitchell’s passing isn’t flashy - it’s efficient, effective, and increasingly vital to Miami’s offense.
Looking Ahead
As the All-Star spotlight shines, these ten players have already proven they’re more than just capable passers - they’re the engines behind their teams’ offensive identities. Whether it’s a high-IQ veteran like Harden or a rising star like Johnson, each of them brings a unique flavor to the art of the assist. And as the playoff race heats up, expect their vision and unselfishness to keep shaping the storylines of the season’s second half.
Stats as of February 10, 2026.