Top 5 players who could lead 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball in assists ft. Nikola Jokic

The 2024 Paris Olympics basketball tournament is upon us with Spain and Australia officially getting the competition going on Saturday. Players from all corners of the globe have descended on France to prove they can compete at the highest level. Fans can expect to see some of the game's elite shooters, rebounder and passers on display.

Playmaking, vision and a high basketball IQ are essential for any team that is hoping to succed at the Paris Olympics. A quality passer can be the difference between earning a coveted medal or missing out on the semifinals.

At the last Olympic Games, Luka Doncic had the distinct honor of finishing first in the assists category with 9.5 per game. We take a look at this year's rosters and break down five players who could lead the 2024 Paris Olympics in assists.

Top 5 players who could lead 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball in assists

#5. Jose Alvarado, Puerto Rico

Puerto Rican point guard Jose Alvarado has developed into one of the league's most consistent performers. At 6-feet tall, the 26-year-old is not the most imposing figure on the court, but what he lacks in the physique, he more than makes up for with hard work, grit and intensity.

For the New Orleans Pelicans, Alvarado averaged 7.1 points, 2.1 assists and 1.1 steal per game in just 18.4 minutes per game last season. As he sees more minutes with the national team, expect those number to increase significantly.

#4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Canada

Canada guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looks to make a pass against USA. Photo Credit: Imagn

Gilgeous-Alexander is coming off his best NBA season yet. The speedy guard was in the running for the league MVP award until the final stages of the season and helped guide his OKC Thunder team to the Western Conference semifinals.

In Canada's three warmup games prior to the 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball tournament, he recorded 12 total assists.

Gilgeous-Alexander is known predominantly as a scorer (he averaged 30.1 points per game last season) but also has the ability to distribute the ball. He averaged over six assists per game last season. Surrounded by a talented group of players on the Canadian national team, expect Shai to contribute with some assists as he looks to get his teammated involved.

#3. Josh Giddey, Australia

The young Australian is already off to a flying start. In the Boomers' opening encounter against Spain, Giddey finished with a team-high eight assists in his team's 92-80 win. The Chicago Bulls guard has been in scintillating form coming into the Olympics, and has been trusted to bring the ball up more by coach Brian Goorjian.

Patty Mills, who is also on the Australia roster, led the Australian team in assists in the 2021 Olympics averaging 6.3 per game. The fact that Giddey and Mills will have to share the guard duties could prevent the latter from taking the assists crown at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

#2. LeBron James, USA

USA forward Lebron James looks on during the third quarter against Canada. Photo Credit: Imagn

This is set to be LeBron James' final Olympics and we can expect him to play a massive role for Team USA. James has been outstanding in the build up to the Olympic games and has developed a great chemistry with his teammates.

With a long list of talented shooters on the USA roster, they should be one of the higher scoring teams in the tournament. James is going to be involved throughout the buildup and should chip in with plenty of assists.

#1. Nikola Jokic, Serbia

It is rare to see a 6-11 center leading the assist chart but Jokic is fully deserving of his place at the top of this list. The three-time NBA MVP has shown year after year that he has a knack for making the extra pass.

Jokic's ability to draw opposing defenders to him is what makes him so dangerous. Teams are forced to double team the skilled center, which leaves plenty of space for other shooters. The Serbian has great vision, pinpoint accuracy and a great range. More importantly, he knows how to get his teammates involved.

Last season with the Denver Nuggets, Jokic led the roster with nine assists per game.

Expect Jokic to be up there on the assists column at the 2024 Paris Olympics Basketball.