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The NBA is filled with skilled players who can pass the ball well. While passing was typically a job for point guards, the league has evolved such that all positions have players who pass the ball well.
Who will be the assist leader for the 2022-23 NBA season? We will review some of the top candidates to win the assist title before making a pick.
Top Contenders to Lead the NBA in Assists
James Harden (+200) – Philadelphia 76ers
Last season was considered an off-year for James Harden, yet he still averaged 10.3 assists per game. Harden appears to have put in the work to get in shape for the 2022-23 season.
That should improve his explosiveness and, therefore, his ability to draw defenders. With an elite player like Joel Embiid and a rising star like Tyrese Maxey on the 76ers, Harden should have plenty of options to generate shots for other players.
Chris Paul (+225) – Phoenix Suns
Even though he is 37 years old, Chris Paul has not allowed his age to affect his level of play. In fact, he seems to be getting better with age. Last season, Chris Paul led the league in assists, averaging 10.8 assists per game.
Paul will be able to rack up assists by sharing the ball with Devin Booker and a deep Suns roster. However, the tension between Deandre Ayton and the Suns may affect the extent to which Chris Paul can lead his team.
Luka Doncic (+700) – Dallas Mavericks
Ever since he entered the league, Luka Doncic has been one of the most skilled offensive talents in the league. This could potentially be an MVP season for Luka and his assist numbers should match the success he could have.
Last season, Luka ranked fifth in assists, averaging 8.7 dimes per game. It is worth noting that the Mavericks lost their second-best player in Jalen Brunson via free agency. The Mavs hope that Spencer Dinwiddie can fill his role, while Christian Wood develops as a big man that can play alongside Luka.
Picking Doncic to be the 2022-23 assist leader might be a risk considering that when he was last paired with a star big in Kristaps Porzingis, the fit wasn’t as smooth as expected. However, Luka is very talented and will likely find a way to incorporate Wood.
Trae Young (+1000) – Atlanta Hawks
Trae Young averaged 9.7 assists per game last season, ranking him third among league leaders. He knows how to fill up the stat sheet, ranking in the top ten in both points and assists last season.
For the 2022-23 season, there will be less pressure on Trae to score the ball. Trae Young will certainly get his points, but he will also spend time feeding the ball to Dejounte Murray.
2022-23 NBA Assists Leader Predictions
The assist race is going to be close for 2022-23, but I am picking Trae Young to be the assist leader this season. Trae Young and Dejounte Murray seem to be a great fit in the backcourt together; Murray should complement the growth of Young’s game.
Additionally, John Collins and Trae Young are one of the top assist duos in the NBA. Assuming Collins is not traded this season, Young will continue to rack up assists by passing the ball to Collins.
2022-23 NBA Assists Leader Betting Lines
James Harden +200
Chris Paul +225
Tyrese Haliburton +600
Luka Doncic +700
Trae Young +1000
D’Angelo Russell +2000
LaMelo Ball +2500
Darius Garland +2600
Damian Lillard +3300
Ben Simmons +4000
Nikola Jokic +4000
Ja Morant +4500
Kevin Porter Jr. +6600
Dejounte Murray +6600
LeBron James +6600
Josh Giddey +7500
Fred VanVleet +10000
Kyle Lowry +10000
