NBA assists leaders for the 2021-22 NBA season: 25th October, 2021

The 2021-22 NBA season is officially underway as we prepare for the second week of action. There's been some intriguing storylines already developing throughout the year. There have been some impressive performances from players all over the NBA. With the majority of NBA teams playing a number of games this year, it's a popular time to take a look at the leaders of each statistical category.

There's no doubt that fans love to discuss the attractive category of points per game, but it's time to take a look at another crucial part of the game. One of the most important roles on the basketball court is the floor general. Most of the time he's viewed as the team's point guard, but it can simply just be a player who knows how to put teammates in a position to succeed. These playmaking individuals usually have a high number of assists with their ability to see the floor and distribute the ball to teammates. Let's take a look at the leaders across the NBA in assists per game.

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#5 Ricky Rubio (Overall APG -9.3, APG last week- N/A, Total assists- 41)

Last week's position: N/A

Ricky Rubio has been putting up some night numbers for the Cleveland Cavaliers to start the NBA season.

Veteran point guard Ricky Rubio finds himself with a new team heading into the 2021-22 NBA season. After an offseason trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Rubio has now become a crucial part of the Cleveland Cavaliers roster. So far the 31-year-old guard has flourished with his new team. Rubio posted double-digit assists in two of his first three games with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That included an impressive performance against the Charlotte Hornets in which he finished with 15 points and 10 assists in just 28 minutes of play. With a roster that features a crowded backcourt of Darius Garland and Collin Sexton, it's been an impressive start to the year for Ricky Rubio and the Cavaliers.

#4 Luka Doncic (Overall APG -9.5, APG last week- N/A, Total assists- 19)

Last week's position: N/A

Luka Doncic has been sharing the rock for the Dallas Mavericks early in the NBA season.

It shouldn't be much of a surprise to see Dallas Mavericks and NBA superstar Luka Doncic near the top of the leaderboard when it comes to assists. As of right now, the Dallas star finds himself tied for third in the NBA when it comes to assists per game. Doncic continues to be brilliant with the ball in his hands. He's become the floor general and commander of the offense for the Mavericks with his ability to attack defenses and find lapses in defense. His most recent performance against the Toronto Raptors was an impressive one, as he went on to finish the game with 27 points, nine rebounds, and 12 assists.

#3 Damian Lillard (Overall APG -9.5, APG last week- N/A, Total assists- 19)

Last week's position: N/A

An impressive start to the NBA year for Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard

We usually keep our eyes closely on Portland Trail Blazers superstar Damian Lillard with his ability to put up remarkable scoring outputs on any given night. But so far, Lillard has shone with his ability to put teammates in a position to succeed. As of now, Lillard finds himself tied for third with Dallas Mavericks superstar Luka Doncic with 9.5 assists per game. Lillard struggled with his shooting on opening night against the Sacramento Kings. However, he found a way to make an impact as a passer. Lillard finished the game with 20 points, six rebounds and 11 assists.

#2 Trae Young (Overall APG -10.5, APG last week- N/A, Total assists- 21)

Last week's position: N/A

Trae Young has impressed during the NBA season for the Atlanta Hawks

It's been absolutely remarkable to watch the rapid growth of Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young over the last several years. After blossoming during the 2020-21 playoffs, Young has hit the ground running for the Atlanta Hawks to start the 2021-22 NBA season. He currently finds himself second in the NBA in assists per game. One of his most impressive performances so far this year was on opening night against the Dallas Mavericks. Trae would finish that game with 19 points, two rebounds, and 14 assists in a big win.

#1 Chris Paul (Overall APG -11.7, APG last week- N/A, Total assists- 35)

Last week's position: N/A

Chris Paul has started the NBA season off strong for the Phoenix Suns

When it comes to creating opportunities for teammates, no player in the league is as good as Phoenix Suns star Chris Paul. It's been another impressive start to the year for CP3, as he finds himself leading the NBA in assists per game. In each of the Phoenix Suns' three games, Paul has gone on to post more than 10 assists per outing. One of his most impressive performances was a win on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers that saw Chris Paul finish the game with 23 points, five rebounds, and 14 assists.