NBA History: 5 greatest playmakers of the 21st century

#3 Russell Westbrook

Russell Westbrook is one of the greatest playmakers to grace the game.

Russell Westbrook had 38 triple-double games in the 2020-21 NBA season. To put Westbrook's greatness in perspective, the second player on the list with the most triple-doubles last season was Luka Doncic with 16 such games. Brodie had more than double that.

.@russwest44 got @JHarden13 a Richard Mille watch for his birthday 😱 pic.twitter.com/j9Wfgw4aZ2

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 26, 2021

The reason Russ ranks above Kidd on this list is not merely because he is still active. Of course, Brodie has no rings but his stats clearly prove his supremacy. Of the last 5 NBA regular seasons, he has averaged 10+ assists in four seasons. In 2020-21, he registered 11.7 assists, 4.8 turnovers and 1.4 steals per game, creating more offensive chances than anyone else on his team.

#2 Chris Paul

Chris Paul has had an incredible past season. He reached his first finals in the 16 NBA seasons he has played. Point God claims to be addicted to playing in the finals now, as anyone would be after such an exceptional postseason. If things go well, there is a high probability that Paul will play in another finals in 2021-22.

Chris Paul wants another run at the title. pic.twitter.com/X2sQPs83lW

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) August 26, 2021

CP3 is currently the best playmaker in the NBA. He has performed exceptionally season after season, proving his might alongside a variety of players in a variety of teams. He has also led the league in assists for four seasons, appearing in 11 All-Star games. He's won the 2005-06 Rookie of the Year award and the 2012-2013 All-Star MVP.

#1 Steve Nash

Steve Nash dribbles to the paint as the Spurs Big 3 try to stop him

Steve Nash is one of the greatest playmakers to ever play in the NBA, and without an ounce of a doubt the best playmaker of the 21st century. He was a true and commanding general for every team he has played for.

Nash could never win a championship ring but that in no way undermines his exceptional playmaking prowess. The current Brooklyn Nets coach had a career average of 17.3 points, 8.8 assists and 3.2 turnovers per game. His extraordinary game-sense, vision and passing cement his position as the number one on this list.