When we talk about the best assisting trios in NBA history, it's hard not to start with the Magic Johnson-led Lakers of the 1980s. Magic, along with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and James Worthy, formed a triumvirate that redefined the fast-break offense. Johnson, known for his impeccable court vision, averaged 11.2 assists per game during the 1984-85 season. In that same period, the Lakers scored an average of 118.2 points per game, a feat mostly driven by their seamless ball movement.
The Chicago Bulls of the 1990s also had their own version of a prolific assisting trio. While Michael Jordan was primarily known for his scoring prowess, his assists were crucial to the team's success. With Scottie Pippen and Toni Kukoč sharing playmaking duties, the Bulls were a well-oiled machine. During the 1995-96 season, they combined for an average of 23 assists per game. Pippen alone averaged 5.9 assists, showcasing his versatility as a point forward.
In the 2000s, the San Antonio Spurs showcased one of the most fundamentally sound trios in NBA history. Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, and Tim Duncan exemplified teamwork. In the 2007-08 season, Parker averaged 6.0 assists per game, while Ginobili chipped in with 4.5. Their unselfish play translated into an average of 100.4 points per game for the Spurs. Duncan's pivotal role in setting screens and passing out of double teams can't be overlooked, even if he wasn't leading the stat sheet in assists.
More recently, the Golden State Warriors took the concept of team play to another level. Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green are not just known for their scoring and defense but also for their assist numbers. During their 2017-18 season, they averaged 29.3 assists per game as a team. Green, in particular, had an impressive average of 7.3 assists per game. Their fluid offense, often referred to as "positionless basketball," made them one of the most entertaining teams to watch.
The Boston Celtics of the 2000s also had a noteworthy assisting trio in Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, and Ray Allen. While these players were mainly lauded for their scoring and defense, their ability to share the ball set them apart. During the 2007-08 season, the Celtics averaged 22 assists per game. Pierce averaged 4.5 assists, Garnett chipped in with 3.5, and Allen added 2.8. Their teamwork was a key factor in their championship win that year.
Moving on to the Miami Heat's Big Three era, LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Bosh were not just about flashy plays and dunking on opponents. LeBron, often the primary playmaker, averaged 7.6 assists during the 2012-13 season. Wade wasn't far behind with an average of 4.6, and even though Bosh's numbers aren't eye-popping, his 1.7 assists reflected his role in the system. Together, they propelled the Heat to an average of 102.9 points per game, leading to back-to-back championships.
The Oklahoma City Thunder also had their fair share of assisting brilliance with Russell Westbrook, Kevin Durant, and James Harden. During the 2011-12 season, this trio combined for an average of over 18 assists per game. Westbrook led the way with 5.5 assists, Durant added 3.5, and Harden, mainly coming off the bench, contributed 4.0. Their playmaking ability was critical in their deep playoff runs during that period.
Last but not least, the Detroit Pistons' "Bad Boys" of the late 80s and early 90s featured an underrated assisting trio in Isiah Thomas, Joe Dumars, and Bill Laimbeer. Thomas, one of the best point guards of all time, averaged 9.4 assists during the 1988-89 season. Dumars added 5.7, and Laimbeer, known more for his defense and rebounding, chipped in with 2.2 assists. Their combined efforts were pivotal for their back-to-back championships in 1989 and 1990.
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