Pass-first players are a joy to watch. Instead of taking the scoring responsibility themselves, they set up their teammates for a high percentage shots with their high basketball IQ and magical passes. In fact, we’ve seen a handful of pass-first players end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame. These NBA greats include Magic Johnson, Steve Nash, and Jason Kidd.

Although the modern game puts more premium on score-first players, there is no question that pass-first players still have a place in the league. In fact, some of them have the ability to make some noise in the league. Not only can they execute flashy passes, but they can also be the orchestrator of plays that give teams more chances to win. For this piece, let’s take a look at the five greatest pass-first players in the league today.

Honorable Mention

A player that nearly made this list is New Orleans Pelicans guard Lonzo Ball.

5. Ricky Rubio

NBA, Terry Rozier, Ricky Rubio, Victor Oladipo, Clippers

NBA Assists per game: 6.5

Coming out of Spain, Rubio was one of the biggest prospects at the guard position after becoming the youngest player to play in the Spanish professional league at only 14 years of age. Fast forward to today, although Rubio isn’t regarded among the elite guards, he is still a reliable playmaker that can start for any team. With pass-first guards no longer being a huge commodity in the modern era, there is no question that Rubio is one of the most underrated point guards today.

Although the Spanish guard doesn’t drop 40 to 50 points on any given night like Stephen Curry or Damien Lillard, Rubio is still one of the best floor generals today. Not a lot of guards in the league can match the passing ability of the Spanish Maestro. Furthermore, his ability to stabilize the team on offense simply makes his teammates look better. Rubio currently ranks 11th in total assists this season and 15th in the assists per game department. But more importantly, Rubio is one of only five players to break the Top 20 in both assists and steals per game. As a result, Rubio takes the fifth spot of this list.

4. Rajon Rondo

Clippers, Rajon Rondo

NBA Assists per game: 4.1

Rajon Rondo isn’t the All-Star he was before, given that he now comes off the bench. However, despite the limited role, he is still a reliable spark plug that can sway the momentum in favor of his team whenever he is on the court. Aside from his lockdown defense, hustle plays and acrobatic layups, Rondo has a knack of setting up the offense and putting his teammates in the best possible position to score. It is worth noting that Rondo has led the league in assists three times.

Although the two time NBA champion isn’t averaging much assists this season, his impact for the Los Angeles Clippers will be crucial come playoff time. After getting traded by the Hawks, the Clippers have moved the ball better with the four time All-Star on the court. In fact, in the win over the Suns, Rondo dished out nine assists off the bench in just 19 minutes of action. Clearly, Rondo is a valuable player for any team contending for a championship which showed when he helped the Lakers take the crown last season. With top caliber players surrounding him in Paul George and Kawhi Leonard this year, there is no doubt that we will see a lot of Playoff Rondo moments later on this year.

3. Ben Simmons

NBA, Gregg Popovich, Spurs, Ben Simmons, Sixers

NBA Assists per game: 6.9

Ben Simmons isn’t your typical point guard, given that he stands at 6’11. But despite his size, Simmons has the agility and ball handling to move around like an elite guard. Although there is still a room for improvement in Simmons’ game such as a consistent jump shot, the Australian star’s all around game is truly unmatched. However what truly makes Simmons effective is his unselfish game that makes the Sixers a better team.

Despite having the tools to be aggressive in scoring, Simmons controls the game instead as a floor general that facilitates the offense. His timely passes and ability to find shooters make him difficult to stop. It is worth noting that the 6’11 guard has been in the Top 20 in terms of assists during all of his four seasons in the NBA so far.

Aside from his vastly improved defense this season, Simmons’ unselfish play has been a huge part of the Sixers’ success as the number one seed of the Eastern Conference. As a result, Simmons is third in this list.

2. Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

NBA Assists per game: 8.5

With the evolution of the modern game, we are seeing more and more skilled big men and one of them is Nikola Jokic. The Serbian star can not only stroke it from the perimeter, but he also has the ball handling and passing of a guard. As the Nuggets’ best player, Jokic doesn’t dominate using his brute strength or athleticism, but instead, he showcases his elite passing whether in the post or in transition.

Sure, Jokic can also score in multiple ways. However, it’s his pass-first mentality and ability to put his teammates in a position to score are a huge part of his rise to greatness. In fact, he is arguably the best passing center in NBA history.

The Nuggets will go as far as Jokic goes. And so far, the Serbian center has been the leader of the Nuggets’ surge so far. After leading the Nuggets to the Western Conference Finals last year, the team is poised to make another deep playoff campaign with the team sitting at the third seed. Furthermore, Jokic is considered to be the favorite to win the MVP this year. Because of this, he is easily one of the best pass-first players in the league today.

1. Chris Paul

Chris Paul, Marvel, NBA

NBA Assists per game: 8.8

Despite already at 35 years old, Chris Paul has been giving Father Time a tough workout. Ever since the arrival of Chris Paul, the Suns have elevated their play which was enough to finally end their playoff drought since 2010.

For 16 seasons, Chris Paul has impacted the league with his leadership, playmaking, and clutch shots. However, it is CP3’s unselfish play that makes him a great player. Over the years, aside from making a lot of clutch shots in his career, Paul has elevated the play of his teammates including Blake Griffin, Clint Capela, DeAndre Jordan, and Tyson Chandler. And now with the Suns, he is giving DeAndre Ayton and Devin Booker a huge helping hand.

By elevating the play of the Suns with his playmaking, the team currently sits at the pole position of the Western Conference. And individually, people are starting to recognize his importance to the team. Paul is considered to be one of the favorites to win the MVP award this year, with the Kia MVP Ladder placing him at fourth.

By averaging 8.8 dimes per game, CP3 is currently fourth in the assists leaders. Paul is surely no stranger when it comes to making his teammates look great. In fact, he has led the league in assists in four different seasons. Furthermore, he is also sitting at fifth place in the All-time Assists leaders which makes him the only active player in the Top 5. With the 11 time All-Star not slowing down anytime soon, it is very doable for him to rise up the ranks. As a result, CP3 easily tops this list.