Which iconic players did Steph Curry pass while climbing assists chart?
Steph Curry is best known for his shooting ability, but he is still a high-level playmaker as well. Throughout his career this far, he has averaged over six assists a game.
During the Golden State Warriors' matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Sunday, Steph Curry dished out nine assists in a loss. While it might not have got his team a win, it still had some significance. With those assists, he was able to climb up all the all-time ranks. The two-time MVP just passed one of the all-time greats in this category.
Steph Curry just passed Larry Bird for career assists
Steph now ranks 47th all time
#DubNation
Larry Bird was also known for his outside shooting, but was still an elite passer in the forward position. Similar to Curry, Bird averaged just over six assists a game during his Hall of Fame career.
Along with Bird, Curry also recently passed a pair of all-time guards from the 2000's. The first being Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups and the other being Dwyane Wade.
Before becoming a coach, Billups was a star guard for the Detroit Pistons. Along with winning the Finals MVP in 2004, the five-time All-Star averaged more than five assists per game during his 17 years in the league.
Many view Dwyane Wade as more of a scoring guard, but he could still facilitate when the moment called for it. The Miami Heat legend finished his Hall of Fame career with a total of 5,701 assists.
What players is Steph Curry close to passing in the all-time assists rankings?
Looking ahead, Steph Curry has his work cut out as he continues to climb up the all-time ranks in assists. A handful of players ahead of him are still in the league today.
One of the first names that sticks out ahead of Curry is Mike Conley. Even in his late 30s, the Memphis Grizzlies icon is still playmaking at a high level. In 60 games with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves this year, the veteran guard is averaging a career-high seven assists per game.
Currently one spot ahead of Curry is former No. 1 pick John Wall. The five-time All-Star spent the first half of this season with the LA Clippers, where he averaged 5.2 assists. Wall received a buyout following the trade deadline but has yet to sign with a new team.
The other current player ahead of Curry at the moment is 2023 All-Star Jrue Holiday. In 63 games this season, the 32-year-old is averaging 7.3 assists. This is his highest mark since 2019 and is the third-highest mark of his career.
Steph Curry is within striking distance of these players, but will need to keep a good pace if he wants to keep climbing up the ranks.