When talking about the greatest passing teams in NBA history, numbers tell a story more elaborate than mere wins and losses. For instance, the 1985-86 Boston Celtics, often mentioned as one of the all-time best, averaged an impressive 29.1 assists per game. It’s no surprise why their ball movement remains legendary. Larry Bird, with his court vision, frequently turned routine passes into scoring opportunities, racking up an average of 6.8 assists that season.
You can't ignore the transformative power of the 2015-16 Golden State Warriors. Not just because they registered a regular season record of 73-9, but due to their exceptional passing game exemplified by an average of 28.9 assists per game. When Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson start sharing the ball, defenders get dizzy trying to track the motion offense. Green, often acting as a point forward, averaged 7.4 assists per game, showcasing his multifaceted game.
Let's pivot to a smaller market: the 2003-04 Sacramento Kings led by Chris Webber. This squad wasn't just winning games; they were redefining ball movement. With 25.8 assists per game, it feels like an exhibition in team basketball. Webber himself, a power forward, contributed with an average of 5.5 assists, bridging the traditional positional roles and creating a unique play style. Other key players like Mike Bibby and Vlade Divac were instrumental in ensuring the ball didn't stick and consistently found the open man.
Ever remember the 'Showtime' Lakers of the '80s? Magic Johnson was the beating heart of their dynamic offense. They were not only flashy but efficient, recording about 27 assists per game during their heyday. Magic himself posted an astonishing 11.2 assists per game in the 1984-85 season. It wasn't just the flashy passes; it was the calculated risk and reward, contributing to their five NBA championships in that decade.
Coming to more recent seasons, how can we skip the 2019-20 Los Angeles Lakers? The partnership of LeBron James and Anthony Davis seemed almost telepathic. LeBron, even at the age of 35, led the league with an average of 10.2 assists per game, showing that basketball IQ and court vision are timeless assets. As a team, the Lakers averaged 25.4 assists per game, a figure that highlighted their focus on teamwork and ball movement.
One can’t overlook the San Antonio Spurs, especially during their 2013-14 championship run. Gregg Popovich’s squad played a brand of basketball that emphasized passing and player movement, averaging 25.2 assists per game. Tony Parker, the point guard, wasn’t just about scoring; his 5.7 assists per game reflected the team-first approach. Their ball movement in the 2014 NBA Finals against the Heat was nothing short of a basketball clinic, leading to a decisive victory.
A modern marvel in the realm of passing teams is the Denver Nuggets with Nikola Jokic at the helm. The 2020-21 season saw Jokic average 8.3 assists per game as a center, a rarity in NBA history. With his ability to read defenses and make pinpoint passes, the Nuggets averaged 26.8 assists per game. Jokic’s unique skill set has redefined the traditional expectations of a center, and Denver’s style of play is a testament to the evolving nature of basketball.
For those intrigued by numbers, assists are a key indicator of a team's offensive efficiency. The higher the assists, the higher the likelihood of getting easy buckets. Teams like the 2017-18 Houston Rockets, with a league-best offensive rating of 114.7, managed to also average 21.5 assists per game. While not as high as others on the list, the quality and timing of their passes were crucial to their offensive success.
In today’s analytics-driven NBA, coaches and players are well aware that passing is not just a fundamental skill, but a critical strategic element. The 2021-22 Phoenix Suns, for instance, make a strong case. They averaged 27.4 assists per game, driven by Chris Paul’s veteran leadership and 10.8 assists per game. Paul's presence elevates their offense’s efficiency and has propelled the Suns into championship contention.
I can't stress enough how valuable an asset good passing is for any NBA team. It's the difference between a contested shot and an open one, a forced turnover and a completed play. When considering all-time great passing teams, it’s not just about individual accolades. It’s about the collective effort, the shared vision, and the understanding that basketball is, at its core, a team sport.
For more insights into team dynamics and player stats, check out arena plus. These resources shed light on the intricate aspects of basketball that often go unnoticed by the casual observer. It’s fascinating how passing can elevate a good team to a great one, bridging the gap between potential and success.