When talking about NBA forwards who excel at passing, one can't overlook Larry Bird. Bird played for the Boston Celtics his entire career from 1979 to 1992. Over his career, he amassed an impressive total of 5,695 assists, averaging 6.3 assists per game. Larry's court vision and ability to make pinpoint passes set him apart. Speaking of his versatile gameplay, Larry also won three NBA MVP awards consecutively from 1984 to 1986, showing his consistent top-tier performance.
LeBron James serves as another stellar example. LeBron's career, starting in 2003, has been nothing short of extraordinary. By the end of the 2020 season, LeBron notched up 9,682 assists in his career. His average, hovering around 7.4 assists per game, is remarkable for a forward and has helped him earn the tag of one of the most unselfish superstars in NBA history. LeBron's ability to read the game and involve teammates has been crucial in his winning four NBA championships by 2020.
Scottie Pippen might often be overshadowed by Michael Jordan, but his passing skills were pivotal during the Chicago Bulls' dominant era in the 1990s. Pippen retired with 6,135 career assists over 17 seasons, which averages out to about 5.2 assists per game. His defensive prowess combined with an almost sixth sense on the offensive end makes him one of the exemplary forwards when discussing assists.
Next up is Draymond Green, whose versatility changes the very dynamics of the Golden State Warriors. Up until the 2020 season, he accumulated 3,262 assists over 8 seasons, bringing his average to approximately 5.0 assists per game. What makes Draymond stand out is his ability to play multiple positions and his basketball IQ, which translates into orchestrating the team’s movement on the court seamlessly.
Before wrapping up, consider John Havlicek, an older legend who played for the Boston Celtics from 1962 to 1978. Havlicek collected a stellar 6,114 career assists. His average of around 4.8 assists per game over 16 seasons showed his knack for assisting in a less assist-heavy era of basketball. He was also an eight-time NBA champion, demonstrating his integral role in one of the most successful dynasties in NBA history.
One unconventional pick could be Kevin Durant. KD has played for several teams including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Golden State Warriors, and Brooklyn Nets. Up until the 2020 season, he had 3,159 career assists in 13 seasons, averaging about 4.2 per game. He is primarily known for his scoring, but his ability to draw double teams opens up opportunities for his teammates, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
Julius Erving, aka Dr. J, also deserves a mention. Playing from 1971 to 1987, Erving racked up 4,329 career assists. While his average of 3.9 assists per game may not seem astronomical, it needs to be considered in the context of his era and role, where forwards were not primary playmakers. Yet, Dr. J could change a game's entire tempo with his well-timed passes.
Lastly, mention must go to Grant Hill, whose career spanned from 1994 to 2013. Despite facing several injuries, Hill accumulated 4,252 assists in 17 seasons. This gives him an assist average of 4.1 per game. Known for his smooth play, Hill's ability to excel in multiple aspects, including passing, demonstrated his exceptional basketball IQ and renders him unforgettable in this discussion.
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